Exodus 37:17

Authorized King James Version

And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עָשָׂ֤ה
And he made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַמְּנֹרָה֙
he the candlestick
a chandelier
#4
זָהָ֣ב
gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#5
טָה֑וֹר
of pure
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
#6
מִקְשָׁ֞ה
of beaten work
rounded work, i.e., moulded by hammering (repousse)
#7
עָשָׂ֤ה
And he made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הַמְּנֹרָה֙
he the candlestick
a chandelier
#10
יְרֵכָ֣הּ
his shaft
the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
#11
וְקָנָ֔הּ
and his branch
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
#12
גְּבִיעֶ֛יהָ
his bowls
a goblet; by analogy, the calyx of a flower
#13
כַּפְתֹּרֶ֥יהָ
his knops
a chaplet; but used only in an architectonic sense, i.e., the capital of a column, or a wreath-like button or disk on the candelabrum
#14
וּפְרָחֶ֖יהָ
and his flowers
a calyx (natural or artificial); generally, bloom
#15
מִמֶּ֥נָּה
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#16
הָיֽוּ׃
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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