2 Chronicles 4:20
2 Chronicles 4:20 in Multiple Translations
the lampstands of pure gold and their lamps, to burn in front of the inner sanctuary as prescribed;
Moreover the candlesticks with their lamps, that they should burn after the manner before the oracle, of pure gold;
and the candlesticks with their lamps, to burn according to the ordinance before the oracle, of pure gold;
And the supports for the lights with their lights, to be burning in the regular way in front of the inmost room, of the best gold;
the lampstands of pure gold and their lamps that were to burn in front of the Most Holy Place as specified;
Moreouer the candlestickes, with their lampes to burne them after the maner, before the oracle, of pure golde.
and the candlesticks, and their lamps, for their burning according to the ordinance, before the oracle, of gold refined;
and the lamp stands with their lamps to burn according to the ordinance before the inner sanctuary, of pure gold;
Moreover the candlesticks with their lamps, that they should burn after the manner before the oracle, of pure gold;
The candlesticks also of most pure gold with their lamps to give light before the oracle, according to the manner.
the pure gold lampstands and the pure gold lamps, in which the priests put oil to burn in front of the Most Holy Place as God had told Moses that the priests should do,
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 4:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Chronicles 4:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶת
הַ/מְּנֹר֞וֹת
וְ/נֵרֹתֵי/הֶ֗ם
לְ/בַעֲרָ֧/ם
כַּ/מִּשְׁפָּ֛ט
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
הַ/דְּבִ֖יר
זָהָ֥ב
סָגֽוּר
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/מְּנֹר֞וֹת
mᵉnôwrâh
H4501
lampstand
Art | N-fp
וְ/נֵרֹתֵי/הֶ֗ם
nîyr
H5216
lamp
Conj | N-mp | Suff
לְ/בַעֲרָ֧/ם
bâʻar
H1197
to burn
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
כַּ/מִּשְׁפָּ֛ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Prep | N-ms
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הַ/דְּבִ֖יר
dᵉbîyr
H1687
sanctuary
Art | N-ms
זָהָ֥ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
N-ms
סָגֽוּר
çâgar
H5462
to shut
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 4:20
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מְּנֹר֞וֹת
mᵉnôwrâh
H4501
"lampstand"
Art | N-fp
The Hebrew word for lampstand, often translated as candlestick, refers to a chandelier or lamp stand, like those found in the Temple. It appears in Exodus 25:31 and 37:17. In the Bible, lampstands symbolize God's presence.
Definition: lamp stand
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: candlestick. See also: Exodus 25:31; Exodus 40:24; Jeremiah 52:19.
וְ/נֵרֹתֵי/הֶ֗ם
nîyr
H5216
"lamp"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
A lamp is a device that holds a flame, providing light. In the Bible, it's often used to symbolize guidance or spiritual light. The word can also refer to the light itself, rather than just the lamp.
Definition: lamp Also means: nir (נִיר "lamp" H5216B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: candle, lamp, light. See also: Exodus 25:37; 1 Chronicles 28:15; Psalms 18:29.
לְ/בַעֲרָ֧/ם
bâʻar
H1197
"to burn"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
כַּ/מִּשְׁפָּ֛ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Prep | N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/דְּבִ֖יר
dᵉbîyr
H1687
"sanctuary"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for the innermost part of the temple or tabernacle, the most holy place where God's presence dwelled. It is also translated as oracle, emphasizing its role in divine communication.
Definition: 1) the holy of holies, the innermost room of the temple or tabernacle 1a) hindmost chamber, innermost room of the temple of Solomon, most holy place, holy of holies 2) (TWOT) oracle
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: oracle. See also: 1 Kings 6:5; 1 Kings 7:49; Psalms 28:2.
זָהָ֥ב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
סָגֽוּר
çâgar
H5462
"to shut"
N-ms
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 4:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 4:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 4:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 4:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 4:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 4:20
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 4:20
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 4:20
Context — Completion of the Gold Furnishings
18Solomon made all these articles in such great abundance that the weight of the bronze could not be determined.
19Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of God: the golden altar; the tables on which was placed the Bread of the Presence;
20the lampstands of pure gold and their lamps, to burn in front of the inner sanctuary as prescribed;
21the flowers, lamps, and tongs of gold—of purest gold; 22the wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, and censers of pure gold; and the gold doors of the temple: the inner doors to the Most Holy Place as well as the doors of the main hall.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 4:7 | He made ten gold lampstands according to their specifications and placed them in the temple, five on the south side and five on the north. |
| 2 | Exodus 25:31–37 | 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. 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 the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend 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 must 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. Make seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 6:5 | Against the walls of the temple and the inner sanctuary, Solomon built a chambered structure around the temple, in which he constructed the side rooms. |
| 4 | Exodus 27:20–21 | And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites for the generations to come. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 6:16–17 | He partitioned off the twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to form within the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. And the main hall in front of this room was forty cubits long. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 8:6 | Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim. |
| 7 | Psalms 28:2 | Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. |
2 Chronicles 4:20 Summary
The lampstands of pure gold in 2 Chronicles 4:20 represent the light of God's presence and the importance of purity in worship. Just as the lamps were placed in front of the inner sanctuary to symbolize God's presence, we can shine the light of God's love in our own communities by living out our faith with purity and devotion (Matthew 5:16, Philippians 2:15). The use of pure gold also reminds us of God's character as a God of holiness and purity, and encourages us to pursue those same qualities in our own lives (1 Peter 1:15-16). By reflecting on this verse, we can be inspired to live with greater intentionality and passion for God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the lampstands of pure gold in 2 Chronicles 4:20?
The lampstands of pure gold symbolize the light of God's presence and the importance of purity in worship, as seen in Exodus 25:31-40, where God instructs Moses to make the lampstand for the tabernacle.
Why were the lamps placed in front of the inner sanctuary?
The lamps were placed in front of the inner sanctuary to symbolize the light of God's presence and to remind the priests of their role as mediators between God and humanity, as seen in Leviticus 24:1-4, where God instructs the priests to keep the lamps burning continually.
What is the meaning of 'as prescribed' in 2 Chronicles 4:20?
The phrase 'as prescribed' refers to the instructions given by God to Moses in Exodus 25:31-40 and Leviticus 24:1-4, which outline the proper way to make and use the lampstands and lamps in worship.
How does the use of pure gold in the lampstands reflect the character of God?
The use of pure gold in the lampstands reflects the character of God as a God of purity and holiness, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5, where the prophet Isaiah encounters God's holy presence and is reminded of his own sinfulness.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of the lampstands of pure gold evoke in my heart, and how can I apply the principle of purity in my own worship?
- How can I, like the priests in the Old Testament, be a mediator between God and others, shining the light of God's presence in my community?
- What are some ways I can 'burn' with passion and devotion for God, like the lamps burning in front of the inner sanctuary?
- How can I prioritize the pursuit of purity and holiness in my own life, just as the Israelites prioritized the use of pure gold in their worship?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 4:20
[See comments on 2 Chronicles 3:1].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 4:20
To wit, the two pillars, and the pommels, and the chapiters which were on the top of the two pillars, and the two wreaths to cover the two pommels of the chapiters which were on the top of the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 4:20
After the manner; according to the prescription of God to and by Moses.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 4:20
(20) With (and) their lamps, that they should burn after the manner (according to the legal rule—2 Chronicles 4:7). This is added by the chronicler, who omits “five on the right and five on the left” (Kings). The rest is as in Kings.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 4:20
20. moreover the candlesticks] R.V. and the candlesticks. See 2 Chronicles 4:7, note. after the manner] R.V. according to the ordinance. the oracle] See note on 2 Chronicles 3:16.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 4:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 25:31-40 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God and walking in the light. He compares the lampstand in the tabernacle to Christ, describing it as a perfect |
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Vision of Peter by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a heavenly vision. He refers to himself as the first and the last, the one who leads the race to be whole and the l |
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The Golden Lampstand by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the significance of the pure, hammered gold lampstand in the holy Tent as a representation of Christ, the all-gold Savior without blemish, who bore the agoniz |
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"A Candlestick All of Gold" Its Function by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the 'candlestick of pure gold' as a representation of the Church's calling to be a source of divine light in the world. He highlight |
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"A Candlestick All of Gold" Its Testimony by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the golden candlestick as a representation of God's original testimony, highlighting its role in both the establishment and recovery |
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Oil for the Light by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the pressing need for a true knowledge and understanding of the Holy Spirit and His work. The speaker highlights that living in the good of t |
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(Exodus) Exodus 27:9-21 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of light in the Bible and its connection to Christ. The speaker explains that while Jesus was on earth, he referred to himsel |