In biblical terminology, the term "calyx" refers to a part of a flower, specifically the outermost whorl of a flower, which typically encloses and protects the developing bud. In the context of the Bible, calyxes are mentioned in the description of the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, particularly in the design of the lampstands.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 25:31-34 : The instructions for the construction of the golden lampstand (Menorah) in the Tabernacle include detailed descriptions of its design, which features calyxes. "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. 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 extending from the lampstand."

2. 1 Kings 7:18-20 : In the construction of Solomon's Temple, calyxes are again mentioned in the description of the two pillars named Jachin and Boaz. "He made pomegranates in two rows encircling each network to decorate the capitals on top of the pillars. He did the same for each capital. The capitals on top of the pillars in the portico were shaped like lilies, four cubits high. And the capitals on the two pillars also had pomegranates above the rounded projection next to the network; there were two hundred pomegranates in rows encircling each capital."

Symbolism and Significance:

In the biblical context, calyxes are often associated with beauty, craftsmanship, and divine instruction. The intricate design of the lampstand and the pillars, including the calyxes, reflects the glory and majesty of God's dwelling place among His people. The use of floral motifs, such as almond blossoms and lilies, symbolizes life, growth, and the beauty of creation, which are central themes in the biblical narrative.

The almond blossom, in particular, holds significant symbolism. In the Hebrew language, the word for almond (שָׁקֵד, "shaqed") is related to the word for "watchful" or "awake" (שָׁקַד, "shaqad"), suggesting vigilance and the fulfillment of God's promises. This symbolism is further emphasized in Jeremiah 1:11-12, where the almond tree is used as a metaphor for God's watchfulness over His word to perform it.

Theological Implications:

The detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple, including the calyxes, underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands and the reverence due to His holy presence. The beauty and precision of the designs serve as a reminder of the order and intentionality inherent in God's creation and His desire for His people to reflect His glory through their worship and service.

In the broader biblical narrative, the calyxes, as part of the sacred architecture, point to the ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling with humanity through Jesus Christ, who is described as the true light and the embodiment of God's presence among His people (John 1:14, 9). The intricate beauty of the calyxes in the Tabernacle and Temple foreshadows the beauty and perfection of the new creation, where God's presence will dwell eternally with His people (Revelation 21:3-4).(n.) Plural of Calyx.

The Treasure Cave
... The bottoms and lower halves yet remained, forming calyxes, out of which tumbled
heaps of gold and silver rings, zones, bracelets, collars and masks from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xx the treasure cave.htm

Calyxes (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Calyx. Multi-Version Concordance
Calyxes (6 Occurrences). Exodus 25:31 And thou hast made ...
/c/calyxes.htm - 8k

Cambyses

/c/cambyses.htm - 12k

Itself (203 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Exodus 25:34 And in the candlestick 'are' four calyxes made
like almonds, its knops and its flowers; (See RSV). Exodus ...
/i/itself.htm - 36k

Bowl (44 Occurrences)
... to translation gabhia`, "the bowls made like almonds" (Exodus 25:33 the King James
Version), as applied to the "cups" (Revised Version), or calyxes, used to ...
/b/bowl.htm - 26k

Calving (1 Occurrence)

/c/calving.htm - 6k

Maketh (399 Occurrences)
... Exodus 37:17 And he maketh the candlestick of pure gold; of beaten work he hath
made the candlestick, its base, and its branch, its calyxes, its knops, and its ...
/m/maketh.htm - 34k

Calyxes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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