Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the term "knop" refers to an ornamental design resembling a bud or a round knob, often used in the context of sacred architecture and furnishings. The Hebrew word for knop is "kaphtor," which is used to describe decorative elements in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple.
Biblical References:1.
Exodus 25:31-36 : The term "knop" is prominently mentioned in the description of the golden lampstand (menorah) in the Tabernacle. The lampstand was to be crafted with a central shaft and six branches, each adorned with cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and flowers. The text states: "Make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand and its base and shaft are to be made of hammered gold; its cups, buds, and petals must be of one piece. Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on one branch, each with buds and petals, and three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. And on the lampstand there shall be four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals. For the six branches that extend from the lampstand, a bud shall be under the first pair of branches, a bud under the second pair, and a bud under the third pair. The buds and branches are to be all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold."
2.
1 Kings 6:18 : In the construction of Solomon's Temple, the interior was adorned with cedar wood, and the walls were carved with figures of gourds and open flowers. The term "knop" is used to describe these decorative carvings: "The inside of the temple was cedar, carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; no stone was visible."
3.
1 Kings 7:24 : The "Sea," a large basin used in the Temple, was also decorated with knops. The text describes: "Under the rim, gourds encircled it, ten per cubit, all the way around the Sea. The gourds were cast in two rows in one piece with the Sea."
Symbolism and Significance:The use of knops in the design of sacred objects and spaces in the Bible carries rich symbolic meaning. The knop, often shaped like a budding flower or fruit, signifies life, growth, and the beauty of God's creation. In the context of the Tabernacle and Temple, these designs serve to remind the worshippers of the divine presence and the order of creation, reflecting the glory and majesty of God.
The intricate craftsmanship required to create these knops also underscores the importance of offering one's best to God. The detailed work involved in the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple furnishings highlights the reverence and dedication expected in worship and service to the Lord.
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, the presence of knops in the sacred architecture of Israel points to the idea of God as the ultimate Creator, who brings forth life and beauty. The knops, as part of the menorah, symbolize the light of God that illuminates the path of the faithful, guiding them in truth and righteousness. The menorah itself is a powerful symbol of God's eternal presence and the light of His Word.
In summary, the knop is a small yet significant detail in biblical descriptions of sacred spaces, serving as a reminder of the beauty and order of God's creation and the call to worship Him with excellence and devotion.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Knopa word employed in the Authorized Version to translate two terms which refer to some architectural or ornamental object, but which have nothing in common.
- Caphtor . --This occurs in the description of the candlestick of the sacred tent in (Exodus 25:31-36) and Exod 37:17-22
- The second term,Pekaim , is found only in (1 Kings 6:18) and 1Kin 7:24 The word no doubt signifies some globular thing resembling a small gourd or an egg, though as to the character of the ornament we are quite in the dark.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Some architectural ornament.
(1.) Hebrews kaphtor (Exodus 25:31-36), occurring in the description of the candlestick. It was an ornamental swell beneath the cups of the candlestick, probably an imitation of the fruit of the almond.
(2.) Hebrews peka'im, found only in1 Kings 6:18 and7:24, an ornament resembling a small gourd or an egg, on the cedar wainscot in the temple and on the castings on the brim of the brazen sea.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A knob; a bud; a bunch; a button.
2. (n.) Any boldly projecting sculptured ornament; esp., the ornamental termination of a pinnacle, and then synonymous with finial; -- called also knob, and knosp.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
KNOPnop: InExodus 25:31;; 37:17; (kaphtor), part of the ornaments of the golden candlestick; in1 Kings 6:18;1 Kings 7:24 (peqa`im), gourd-like ornaments of the lining of Solomon's temple, and of the brazen sea (in1 Kings 6:18, the Revised Version margin "gourds").
SeeCANDLESTICK, THE GOLDEN;TEMPLE; SEA, THE MOLTEN.
Strong's Hebrew
3730. kaphtor -- capital, knob, bulb...knop, upper lintel. Or (Am. 9:1) kaphtowr {kaf-tore'}; probably from an
unused root meaning to encircle; a chaplet; but used only
...6497. peqaim -- gourd (shaped) ornaments
... a semi-globe. From an unused root meaning to burst; only used as an architectural
term of an ornament similar to paqqu'ah, a semi-globe --knop....
Library
Second Commandment
... nor serve them." In Exodus we are told that God ordered the bowls of the golden
candlestick for the tabernacle to be made "like unto almonds, with aknop and a...
Appendix.
... Theknop of the shaft is encircled with eight elaborately wrought bosses,
ornamented with garnets and sapphires in gold settings....
The Prophet Amos.
... extended to the deepest foundations. The greater number of interpreters translate:
"Strike theknop so that ... tremble," etc.; but the...
Thesaurus
Knop (4 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
KNOP.
... See CANDLESTICK, THE GOLDEN; TEMPLE; SEA,
THE MOLTEN. Multi-Version Concordance
Knop (4 Occurrences).
...Bowls (47 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:33 Three bowls made like unto almonds, with aknop and a flower in one
branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with aknop and...
Calyxes (6 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:33 three calyxes made like almonds in the one branch, aknop and a flower,
and three calyxes made like almonds in one branch, aknop and a flower; so...
Almond-blossoms (4 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:33 three cups made like almond-blossoms in one branch, aknop and a flower;
and three cups made like almond-blossoms in the other branch, aknop and...
Almonds (6 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:33 Three bowls made like unto almonds, with aknop and a flower in one
branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with aknop and...
Candlestick (34 Occurrences)
... Some, however, understand the "cup" to embrace the "knop" and "flower"
(calyx and corolla). The shape of the pedestal is uncertain....
Proceed (47 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:35 And there shall be aknop under two branches of the same, and aknop
under two branches of the same, and aknop under two branches of the same...
Fashion (24 Occurrences)
... Exodus 37:19 Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, aknop
and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, aknop and...
Knops (8 Occurrences)
Knob (4 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A rounded hill or mountain; as, the Pilot Knob. 4. (n.) SeeKnop. 5. (vi)
To grow into knobs or bunches; to become knobbed. Multi-Version Concordance...
Resources
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