Exodus 37:19
Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick.
Original Language Analysis
וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
Three
H7969
וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
Three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
1 of 20
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
מְשֻׁקָּדִ֛ים
made after the fashion of almonds
H8246
מְשֻׁקָּדִ֛ים
made after the fashion of almonds
Strong's:
H8246
Word #:
3 of 20
to be (intensively, make) almond-shaped
הַקָּנִ֔ים
branch
H7070
הַקָּנִ֔ים
branch
Strong's:
H7070
Word #:
4 of 20
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
אֶחָ֖ד
in another
H259
אֶחָ֖ד
in another
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
כַּפְתֹּ֣ר
a knop
H3730
כַּפְתֹּ֣ר
a knop
Strong's:
H3730
Word #:
6 of 20
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
וָפָ֑רַח
and a flower
H6525
וָפָ֑רַח
and a flower
Strong's:
H6525
Word #:
7 of 20
a calyx (natural or artificial); generally, bloom
וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
Three
H7969
וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
Three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
8 of 20
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
מְשֻׁקָּדִ֛ים
made after the fashion of almonds
H8246
מְשֻׁקָּדִ֛ים
made after the fashion of almonds
Strong's:
H8246
Word #:
10 of 20
to be (intensively, make) almond-shaped
הַקָּנִ֔ים
branch
H7070
הַקָּנִ֔ים
branch
Strong's:
H7070
Word #:
11 of 20
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
אֶחָ֖ד
in another
H259
אֶחָ֖ד
in another
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
כַּפְתֹּ֣ר
a knop
H3730
כַּפְתֹּ֣ר
a knop
Strong's:
H3730
Word #:
13 of 20
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
וָפָ֑רַח
and a flower
H6525
וָפָ֑רַח
and a flower
Strong's:
H6525
Word #:
14 of 20
a calyx (natural or artificial); generally, bloom
כֵּ֚ן
H3651
כֵּ֚ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
לְשֵׁ֣שֶׁת
so throughout the six
H8337
לְשֵׁ֣שֶׁת
so throughout the six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
16 of 20
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
הַקָּנִ֔ים
branch
H7070
הַקָּנִ֔ים
branch
Strong's:
H7070
Word #:
17 of 20
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
הַיֹּֽצְאִ֖ים
going out
H3318
הַיֹּֽצְאִ֖ים
going out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
18 of 20
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Historical Context
Almond trees bloomed early in spring, symbolizing watchfulness and new life. The three decorative elements per branch (bowl, knop, flower) added approximately seven feet of artistic detail to each branch. This extensive ornamentation made the menorah the most artistically elaborate tabernacle item.
Questions for Reflection
- What does almond blossom decoration (symbol of resurrection life) teach about authentic Christian witness?
- How does the combination of light and life-symbols challenge witness that emphasizes truth without grace, or doctrine without practice?
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Analysis & Commentary
Each branch decorated with three bowls shaped like almond blossoms (שְׁלֹשָׁה גְבִעִים מְשֻׁקָּדִים, sheloshah gevi'im meshukadim), with knops and flowers, demonstrates that light-bearing includes beauty and life. Almond design recalls Aaron's rod that budded (Numbers 17:8), demonstrating divine authentication through resurrection life. The menorah wasn't merely functional (providing light) but beautiful (reflecting life)—teaching that Christian witness should combine illumination (truth) with beauty (grace), light (doctrine) with life (practice). Dead orthodoxy lacks the menorah's living beauty.