Lexical Summary shaqad: shaped like almond Original Word: שָׁקַד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance make like unto, after the fashion of almonds A denominative from shaqed; to be (intensively, make) almond-shaped -- make like (unto, after the fashion of) almonds. see HEBREW shaqed NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindenominative verb from shaqed Definition to be shaped like almonds NASB Translation shaped like almond (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שָׁקַד] verb Pu`al denominative — only Participle in גְּבִעִים מְשֻׁקָּדִים cups shaped like almond (blossoms) Exodus 25:33 (twice in verse); Exodus 25:34; Exodus 37:19 (twice in verse); Exodus 37:20 (all P). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Hebrew 8246 appears six times, all in the instructions for, and the crafting of, the golden lampstand of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:33; Exodus 25:33; Exodus 25:34; Exodus 37:19; Exodus 37:19; Exodus 37:20). The form marks the cups as “almond-shaped,” linking the menorah to the earliest-blooming tree in the land and underscoring themes of divine watchfulness, early fruitfulness, and resurrection hope. Placement in the Tabernacle Narrative Exodus 25 sets forth Yahweh’s blueprint for Israel’s portable sanctuary. At the heart of the Holy Place stands the lampstand, whose seven lamps symbolize the perpetual light of God’s presence. Each of its six side branches and its central shaft bears three ornamental “cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals” (Exodus 25:33). The repetition of the term in both command and execution (Exodus 37) stresses that these details are not artistic embellishments alone but covenant revelations. Symbolism of the Almond Blossom 1. Watchfulness and Speed. The almond (Hebrew shaqed) is the first tree to awaken from winter, often blossoming in late January. Jeremiah later plays on this property when the LORD shows him “a branch of an almond tree” and explains, “for I am watching over My word to accomplish it” (Jeremiah 1:11-12). By clothing the lampstand with almond cups, God embeds that same assurance of vigilant fulfillment into the tabernacle furniture: He will keep His covenant promises and bring light to His people without delay. 2. Resurrection Life. Numbers 17:8 records that Aaron’s rod “had budded, put forth blossoms, and produced almonds.” In a place of death—the wilderness and the rebellion of Korah—God caused new life to spring forth overnight. Every time the priest trimmed the wicks of the menorah, he stood before sculpted reminders that the God who brings light also brings life out of barrenness. 3. Fruit-Bearing Light. The menorah served both practical and theological purposes: it illuminated the Holy Place and pictured Israel’s calling to radiate God’s light. Almond cups merge the concepts of illumination and fruitfulness. Light that comes from God is meant to produce fruit among His people (Psalm 36:9; Ephesians 5:8-9). Historical Continuity Rabbinic tradition connects the almond-blossom menorah with later temple imagery, and Jewish art often preserves the motif. By New Testament times, that lampstand still stood as a testimony to God’s unbroken vigilance. Revelation 1:12-13, 20 portrays the risen Christ walking among seven golden lampstands, a vision that presupposes the Exodus pattern and applies its message to the seven churches. Christological and Ecclesiological Reflections 1. Christ the True Light. John 8:12 records Jesus’ claim, “I am the light of the world.” The menorah’s almond cups foreshadow both His early appearing (Galatians 4:4) and His life-giving ministry (John 1:4). Lessons for Ministry Today • Embrace Watchfulness. As the almond blossoms early, so ministers and congregations are to be alert to God’s purposes (1 Peter 4:7). Summary Hebrew 8246, used exclusively of the almond-shaped cups on the menorah, intertwines themes of vigilance, resurrection, and fruitful illumination. Rooted in the wilderness tabernacle, fulfilled in Christ, and applied to the Church, it calls every generation to trust the God who watches over His word, who brings life out of death, and who makes His people shine. Forms and Transliterations מְֽשֻׁקָּדִ֞ים מְשֻׁ֨קָּדִ֔ים מְשֻׁקָּדִ֔ים מְשֻׁקָּדִ֛ים משקדים mə·šuq·qā·ḏîm meshukkaDim məšuqqāḏîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 25:33 HEB: שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה גְ֠בִעִים מְֽשֻׁקָּדִ֞ים בַּקָּנֶ֣ה הָאֶחָד֮ NAS: cups [shall be] shaped like almond KJV: bowls made like unto almonds, [with] a knop INT: Three cups shaped branch the one Exodus 25:33 Exodus 25:34 Exodus 37:19 Exodus 37:19 Exodus 37:20 6 Occurrences |
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