Exodus 37:22
Their knops and their branches were of the same: all of it was one beaten work of pure gold.
Original Language Analysis
כַּפְתֹּֽרֵיהֶ֥ם
Their knops
H3730
כַּפְתֹּֽרֵיהֶ֥ם
Their knops
Strong's:
H3730
Word #:
1 of 9
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
וּקְנֹתָ֖ם
and their branches
H7070
וּקְנֹתָ֖ם
and their branches
Strong's:
H7070
Word #:
2 of 9
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
מִמֶּ֣נָּה
H4480
מִמֶּ֣נָּה
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָי֑וּ
H1961
הָי֑וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כֻּלָּ֛הּ
H3605
כֻּלָּ֛הּ
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִקְשָׁ֥ה
beaten work
H4749
מִקְשָׁ֥ה
beaten work
Strong's:
H4749
Word #:
6 of 9
rounded work, i.e., moulded by hammering (repousse)
אַחַ֖ת
were of the same all of it was one
H259
אַחַ֖ת
were of the same all of it was one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
Historical Context
Creating this complex design from one piece required extraordinary metalworking skill—heating gold to malleability, carefully hammering the shape, then chasing the intricate details. The unity of material ensured structural integrity while creating symbolic richness: one God, one light, one witness.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the menorah's complete unity (one piece despite complex form) teach about essential oneness in the diverse church?
- How does beaten work producing unified witness illustrate that suffering and formation create, rather than destroy, genuine unity?
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Analysis & Commentary
The summary statement 'their knops and their branches were of the same' (כַּפְתֹּרֵיהֶם וּקְנֹתָם מִמֶּנָּה הָיוּ, kappotehem ukenotam mimennah hayu—'from it they were') emphasizes complete unity—one piece of gold beaten into complex form. This unity represents the church's essential oneness despite diverse functions and positions. Just as the menorah's branches don't compete but collaboratively illuminate, believers don't vie for prominence but cooperatively witness to Christ. The phrase 'beaten work of pure gold' emphasizes costly formation producing unified testimony.