📖 Biblical Definition
The seven-branched golden candelabrum (Hebrew menorah) in the Holy Place of the tabernacle and later Solomon's temple, providing the only light in the holy space. Exodus 25:31-40 details its construction: a single piece of pure gold beaten into a central shaft with six branches (three on each side), each shaft adorned with almond-blossom cups and ornaments. Aaron was to dress the lamps morning and evening with pure beaten olive oil so they burned continually before the LORD (Ex 27:20-21). Zechariah's vision (Zech 4) gives a golden lampstand fed directly from two olive trees, signifying the Spirit's provision: Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Revelation 1-2 sees Christ standing among seven golden lampstands which are the seven churches — the church is the light-bearer in the world, fed by the oil of the Spirit, and Christ Himself walks among the assemblies.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The seven-branched lamp of the holy place.
expand to see more
The seven-branched golden candelabrum hammered from one piece, standing in the Holy Place of the tabernacle and temple; fed continually with pure olive oil by the priests; the sole light in the holy chamber.
📖 Key Scripture
Exodus 25:31 — "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."
Zechariah 4:2-3 — "Behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon... and two olive trees by it."
Revelation 1:12-13 — "Being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Forgotten as ritual artifact; missing how it points to Christ as the light and to the Spirit's oil.
expand to see more
The lampstand fed by olive oil prefigures the Church (the seven candlesticks) lit by the oil of the Spirit. Zechariah 4 makes the connection explicit. Revelation 1 places Christ in the midst of the lampstands. Read the symbolism.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew menorah — lampstand.
expand to see more
['Hebrew', 'H4501', 'menorah', 'lampstand']
['Hebrew', 'H8081', 'shemen', 'oil']
Usage
"The Church is lampstand; the Spirit is oil; Christ is light."
"Read Zechariah 4 for the typology."