Exodus 25:31
Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — God addresses Moses during the tabernacle instructions, commanding the construction of the sanctuary's central light fixture. The directive follows the table for the Bread of the Presence and precedes the description of the lampstand's branches.
The words — The Hebrew phrase זָהָב טָהוֹר (za.Hav ta.Hor) translates literally as "pure gold," and מִקְשָׁה (mik.Shah) means "hammered work." These terms specify that the lampstand must be fashioned from a single piece of refined metal shaped by striking.
The thread — The lampstand appears as a finished object in Exodus 37:17, as part of Solomon's temple in 1 Kings 7:49, and as a visionary symbol in Zechariah 4:2.
Why it lands — The text demands exact compliance with material purity and monolithic construction, requiring the builder to follow the specified design without alteration.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
Cross-references
- Exodus 37:17 Then he made the lampstand out of pure hammered gold, all of one piece: its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals.
- 1 Kings 7:49 the lampstands of pure gold in front of the inner sanctuary, five on the right side and five on the left; the gold flowers, lamps, and tongs;
- Zechariah 4:2 “What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to the lamps.
- Hebrews 9:2 A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.
- Revelation 1:12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands,
- Exodus 35:14 the lampstand for light with its accessories and lamps and oil for the light;
- Revelation 1:20 This is the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
- Exodus 40:24 He also placed the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle
- 1 Kings 6:18 The cedar paneling inside the temple was carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; not a stone could be seen.
- 1 Kings 7:24 Below the rim, ornamental buds encircled it, ten per cubit all the way around the Sea, cast in two rows as a part of the Sea.