Exodus 25:37
And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ
And thou shalt make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נֵ֣רֹתֶ֔יהָ
lamps
H5216
נֵ֣רֹתֶ֔יהָ
lamps
Strong's:
H5216
Word #:
3 of 11
a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)
שִׁבְעָ֑ה
the seven
H7651
שִׁבְעָ֑ה
the seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
4 of 11
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
וְהֶֽעֱלָה֙
thereof and they shall light
H5927
וְהֶֽעֱלָה֙
thereof and they shall light
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
5 of 11
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נֵ֣רֹתֶ֔יהָ
lamps
H5216
נֵ֣רֹתֶ֔יהָ
lamps
Strong's:
H5216
Word #:
7 of 11
a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)
וְהֵאִ֖יר
thereof that they may give light
H215
וְהֵאִ֖יר
thereof that they may give light
Strong's:
H215
Word #:
8 of 11
to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Numbers 8:2Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light over against the candlestick.Revelation 1:12And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;Exodus 27:21In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.Zechariah 4:2And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:2 Chronicles 13:11And they burn unto the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense: the shewbread also set they in order upon the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the LORD our God; but ye have forsaken him.
Historical Context
The lamps burned consecrated olive oil 'beaten for the light' (Exodus 27:20), the purest quality. Priests trimmed wicks and replenished oil each morning, maintaining perpetual illumination in the Holy Place. The lampstand faced the table and altar, illuminating all priestly service.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Holy Spirit provide 'oil' that enables your light to shine?
- What priestly service in your life requires the Spirit's illumination to perform?
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Analysis & Commentary
Seven lamps—the complete number—provide light. The Hebrew נֵר (ner, lamp) held oil and wick, requiring daily tending (Leviticus 24:2-4). These lamps 'give light over against it' (illuminate the space before the lampstand), enabling priestly service. The Holy Spirit (oil) burning in consecrated vessels (lamps) produces light that reveals God's glory and enables worship. Without the Spirit's light, ministry is impossible.