Topical Encyclopedia
The term "candle-stick" in the Bible refers to a stand or holder for lamps, often used in the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple. The Hebrew word "מְנוֹרָה" (menorah) is typically translated as "lampstand" in modern translations, but "candle-stick" is a term that has been historically used in English translations, such as the King James Version.
Old Testament ReferencesThe most significant mention of the candle-stick is found in the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. In
Exodus 25:31-40, God commands Moses to make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand was to have six branches, three on each side, with cups shaped like almond blossoms, buds, and flowers. The central shaft and the branches were to hold seven lamps, which were to be kept burning continually. This lampstand, or menorah, was placed in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, opposite the table of showbread, and served as a source of light.
Exodus 25:31 states: "Then you are to 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 shall be of one piece."
The menorah is also mentioned in the context of the Temple built by Solomon. In
1 Kings 7:49, it is noted that Solomon made ten lampstands of gold, five on the south side and five on the north, to illuminate the inner sanctuary.
Symbolism and SignificanceThe candle-stick, or lampstand, holds deep symbolic meaning in the biblical narrative. It represents the light of God’s presence and guidance. The continual burning of the lamps signifies the perpetual presence of God among His people. The menorah's design, with its almond blossoms, is often interpreted as a symbol of life and renewal, reflecting the divine nature of God as the source of life and light.
In
Zechariah 4:2-6, the vision of the golden lampstand with seven lamps is interpreted as a symbol of God's Spirit, emphasizing that God's work is accomplished "not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the LORD of Hosts.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, the imagery of the lampstand is carried forward in the Book of Revelation. In
Revelation 1:12-13, the Apostle John describes a vision of seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of them, one like the Son of Man. The lampstands are later explained as representing the seven churches (
Revelation 1:20).
Revelation 1:12-13 states: "Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest."
The lampstands in Revelation symbolize the churches' role as bearers of light in a dark world, reflecting the presence and message of Christ. The imagery underscores the responsibility of the church to remain faithful and to shine forth the truth of the Gospel.
Cultural and Historical ContextThe menorah has become one of the most enduring symbols of Judaism, representing enlightenment, wisdom, and divine inspiration. Its design has been preserved in Jewish tradition and is prominently featured in the celebration of Hanukkah, where a nine-branched menorah, or Hanukkiah, is used to commemorate the miracle of the oil in the rededication of the Second Temple.
In Christian tradition, the lampstand continues to be a powerful symbol of the church's mission to be a light to the nations, drawing from the rich biblical heritage of the menorah as a representation of God's eternal light and truth.
Greek
3087. luchnia -- a lampstand...candlestick. From luchnos; a lamp-stand (literally or figuratively) --
candlestick.
see GREEK luchnos. (luchnia) -- 1 Occurrence. (luchniai) -- 2 Occurrences.
...Strong's Hebrew
5043. nebrashta -- thecandlestick... 5042, 5043. nebrashta. 5044 . the
candlestick. Transliteration: nebrashta Phonetic
Spelling: (neb-reh-shaw') Short Definition: lampstand.
...candlestick.
...4501. menorah -- a lampstand
...candlestick. Or mnorah {men-o-raw'}; feminine of manowr (in the original sense of
niyr); a chandelier --candlestick. see HEBREW manowr. see HEBREW niyr....
Library
The one Thing to Aim At.
... John "was not the light." He was only thecandlestick. And he was content to be
that. He was a goodcandlestick. The light was held up. It could shine out....
Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... candlesticks, and holdeth in his hand the messengers of the churches, admonished
them that, unless they repented he would remove theircandlestick, ie, their...
"Not by Might, nor by Power"
... And I said, I have looked, and behold acandlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon
the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps...
Chapter vi.
... "But on acandlestick." [64] Now it is placed on acandlestick by him who subordinates
his body to the service of God, so that the preaching of the truth is...
The Golden Lampstand
... 'Thou shalt make acandlestick of pure gold....' Exodus 25:31.... Of course it was
not acandlestick, as our versions misleadingly render the word....
What is the Sanctuary?
... For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was thecandlestick, and
the table, and the showbread; which is called the sanctuary....
The Annunciation of St. John the Baptist
... second time they met for the lot,' which designated those who were to take part
in the sacrifice itself, and who were to trim the goldencandlestick, and make...
What is the Sanctuary?
... For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was thecandlestick, and
the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary....
Weighed in the Balances
... While this impious act was being committed, "in the same hour came forth fingers
of a man's hand, and wrote over against thecandlestick upon the plaister of...
The Mystery of the vision of Zechariah.
... And I said, I have looked, and behold acandlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon
the top of it....And two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the...
Thesaurus
Candlestick (34 Occurrences)... This was supplied by the
candlestick, which, however, served also as a symbol of
the church or people of God, who are "the light of the world." The light which
...Candle-stick (1 Occurrence)
...Candlestick,Candle-stick. Candlesticks . Multi-Version Concordance
Candle-stick (1 Occurrence)....Candlestick,Candle-stick. Candlesticks . Reference
Candle (16 Occurrences)
... CANDLE;CANDLESTICK.... (2) "Candlestick" stands for what was a common and indispensable
article of ancient house furniture, a lamp-stand (menorah)....
Calyxes (6 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:31 And thou hast made acandlestick of pure gold, of beaten work is the
candlestick made; its base, and its branch, its calyxes, its knops, and its...
Bowls (47 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:31 And thou shalt make acandlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall
thecandlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops...
Knop (4 Occurrences)
... (1.) Hebrews kaphtor (Exodus 25:31-36), occurring in the description of the
candlestick.... SeeCANDLESTICK, THE GOLDEN; TEMPLE; SEA, THE MOLTEN....
Knops (8 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:31 And thou shalt make acandlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall
thecandlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops...
Candlesticks (11 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 28:15 Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps
of gold, by weight for everycandlestick, and for the lamps thereof: and...
Flowerlike (2 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:31 And thou shalt make acandlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall
thecandlestick be made, even its base, and its shaft; its cups, its knops...
Almond-blossoms (4 Occurrences)
... and a flower; and three cups made like almond-blossoms in the other branch, a knop
and a flower: so for the six branches going out of thecandlestick: (ASV JPS...
Resources
What does the Bible say about smudging? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a friend stick closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to light candles for the dead? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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