Exodus 37:21
And a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches going out of it.
Original Language Analysis
וְכַפְתֹּ֕ר
And a knop
H3730
וְכַפְתֹּ֕ר
And a knop
Strong's:
H3730
Word #:
1 of 19
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
תַּחַת֩
H8478
תַּחַת֩
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
2 of 19
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
הַקָּנִ֔ים
branches
H7070
הַקָּנִ֔ים
branches
Strong's:
H7070
Word #:
4 of 19
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
מִמֶּ֗נָּה
H4480
מִמֶּ֗נָּה
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
וְכַפְתֹּ֕ר
And a knop
H3730
וְכַפְתֹּ֕ר
And a knop
Strong's:
H3730
Word #:
6 of 19
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
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
7 of 19
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
הַקָּנִ֔ים
branches
H7070
הַקָּנִ֔ים
branches
Strong's:
H7070
Word #:
9 of 19
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
מִמֶּ֔נָּה
H4480
מִמֶּ֔נָּה
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
וְכַפְתֹּ֕ר
And a knop
H3730
וְכַפְתֹּ֕ר
And a knop
Strong's:
H3730
Word #:
11 of 19
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
תַּֽחַת
H8478
תַּֽחַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
12 of 19
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
הַקָּנִ֔ים
branches
H7070
הַקָּנִ֔ים
branches
Strong's:
H7070
Word #:
14 of 19
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
מִמֶּ֑נָּה
H4480
מִמֶּ֑נָּה
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
לְשֵׁ֙שֶׁת֙
of the same according to the six
H8337
לְשֵׁ֙שֶׁת֙
of the same according to the six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
16 of 19
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
הַקָּנִ֔ים
branches
H7070
הַקָּנִ֔ים
branches
Strong's:
H7070
Word #:
17 of 19
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
Historical Context
The knops (bulbs or knobs) served as both decorative elements and structural transition points where branches emerged from the central shaft. This design created visual impression of organic growth—branches appearing to sprout from the shaft like living tree limbs, not welded attachments.
Questions for Reflection
- What does branches growing from knops (organic connection) rather than being attached (mechanical connection) teach about abiding in Christ?
- How does the living-tree appearance of the menorah challenge mechanical approaches to Christian living and witness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Knops under two branches (כַּפְתֹּר תַּחַת שְׁנֵי הַקָּנִים, kaphtor tachat shenei hakanim) where they emerge from the central shaft demonstrate the organic connection—branches don't merely attach but grow from knops, suggesting living union. This teaches that genuine Christian witness flows from organic connection to Christ, not mechanical attachment. Believers bear fruit because they're vitally joined to the vine (John 15:5), not because they've been wired to a power source. The three sets of knops (for six branches) emphasize this living connection.