In biblical contexts, the term "knob" is often associated with architectural and ornamental features, particularly in the construction of sacred objects and spaces. The Hebrew word often translated as "knob" is "kaphtor," which can also mean "capital" or "bulb." This term is primarily found in descriptions of the Tabernacle and the Temple, where it refers to decorative elements that adorned sacred furnishings.

Tabernacle and Temple Furnishings

The most notable use of "knob" in the Bible is in the description of the lampstand, or menorah, in the Tabernacle. In Exodus 25:31-36, God provides Moses with detailed instructions for crafting the lampstand, which includes the presence of knobs:

"Then you are to make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand and its base and shaft are to be of hammered work; its cups, buds, and petals must 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. 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." (Exodus 25:31-36)

In this passage, the "buds" are often understood to be knobs, serving both a decorative and symbolic purpose. The almond blossom design, including the knobs, symbolizes life and light, fitting for the lampstand's role in the Tabernacle.

Symbolism and Significance

The use of knobs in the design of the lampstand is rich with symbolism. The almond tree is one of the first to bloom in the spring, representing new life and resurrection. The knobs, as part of the almond blossom motif, emphasize the themes of light, life, and divine presence. The lampstand itself is a symbol of God's light and guidance for His people, and the intricate design reflects the beauty and holiness of God's dwelling place.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, decorative knobs and similar features were common in both religious and secular architecture. They often served as symbols of fertility, life, and divine favor. The biblical use of knobs in sacred contexts aligns with these broader cultural practices, yet it is distinct in its theological emphasis on Yahweh's unique covenant relationship with Israel.

Conclusion

The concept of the "knob" in biblical texts, while seemingly minor, contributes to the rich tapestry of symbolism and artistry in the construction of sacred spaces. It reflects the care and precision with which God instructed His people to approach worship and the creation of objects that would facilitate their relationship with Him.1. (n.) A hard protuberance; a hard swelling or rising; a bunch; a lump; as, a knob in the flesh, or on a bone.

2. (n.) A knoblike ornament or handle; as, the knob of a lock, door, or drawer.

3. (n.) A rounded hill or mountain; as, the Pilot Knob.

4. (n.) See Knop.

5. (v. i.) To grow into knobs or bunches; to become knobbed.

2777. kephalis -- a little head, a roll
... Noun, Feminine Transliteration: kephalis Phonetic Spelling: (kef-al-is') Short
Definition: a roll, volume Definition: (lit: little head, then: the knob at the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2777.htm - 6k3730. kaphtor -- capital, knob, bulb
... 3729, 3730. kaphtor or kaphtor. 3731 . capital, knob, bulb. Transliteration:
kaphtor or kaphtor Phonetic Spelling: (kaf-tore') Short Definition: bulb. ...
/hebrew/3730.htm - 6k

7165. qeres -- a hook
... tache. From qarac; a knob or belaying-pin (from its swelling form) -- tache. see
HEBREW qarac. 7164, 7165. qeres. 7166 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7165.htm - 6k

Three Forms of Prayer.
... ever open. The knob to be turned is on our side. He opened His side long
ago, and propped it open, and threw the knob away. The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/three forms of prayer.htm

Climbing Towards the Climax.
... But the great Man outside had His hand on the knob delaying the shutting process,
in the earnest hope that it yet might be quite stopped. ... The knob is free. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/climbing towards the climax.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... surmounted by points with knobs. Over the top of the crown five metal bands
met in a central knob. These bands were covered with ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

Personal Notes: Relics Nearby that the Three Kings had Given to ...
... they are. Several years ago I gave a little packet, sewn together like
a knob, to my sister-in-law who lives at Flamske. It was ...
/.../the life of the blessed virgin mary/xv personal notes relics nearby.htm

God's Sovereignty.
... With greatest reverence be it said that God waits reverently, hat in hand, outside
the door of a man's will, until the man inside turns the knob and throws ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/gods sovereignty.htm

The Moody Colportage Library
... Chisholm 176 The "True" Mystery Solved. Wright 177 The Resurrection of the
Human Body. Norman H. Camp 178 On Silver Creek Knob. Story. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys stories/the moody colportage library.htm

Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar.
... He is going to prove to all his brothers that the tempter has no power without the
consent of the tempted. The door into a man has only the one knob. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/earths ugliest deepest scar.htm

The Valleys --Experiences of Suffering and Sacrifice
... help. He can't make a single break in your lines from without. The only
knob to the door of your life is on the inside. Temptation ...
/.../quiet talks on following the christ/3 the valleysexperiences of suffering.htm

Christian Experience.
... thought, 'I will step down from my little seat and enter the coach with the rest.'
I was just about to do this"even had my hand upon the door knob"when I ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter xi christian experience.htm

A Heart-Breaking Verse.
... No man wants to leave the doorway of his life unguarded. He must keep the strong
hand of his controlling purpose on the knob of the front door of his life. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/a heart-breaking verse.htm

Knob (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A hard protuberance; a hard swelling or rising;
a bunch; a lump; as, a knob in the flesh, or on a bone. ...Knob (4 Occurrences). ...
/k/knob.htm - 8k

Lamp-stand (17 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:33 three cups shaped like almonds in the one branch, a knob and a flower:
and three cups shaped like almonds in the other branch, a knob and a flower ...
/l/lamp-stand.htm - 11k

Project (6 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:33 Three bowls made like to almonds, with a knob and a flower in one branch;
and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knob and a ...
/p/project.htm - 9k

Proceeding (18 Occurrences)
... Exodus 37:19 Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knob
and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knob and ...
/p/proceeding.htm - 12k

Pommel (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (v.) To pummel; or (n.) a knob or ball; as on a pommel horse. 2. (n.) The knob
on the hilt of a sword. 3. (n.) The knob or protuberant part of a saddlebow. ...
/p/pommel.htm - 7k

Shaped (10 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:33 three cups shaped like almonds in the one branch, a knob and a flower:
and three cups shaped like almonds in the other branch, a knob and a flower ...
/s/shaped.htm - 9k

Knop (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) A knob; a bud; a bunch; a button. 2.
(n.) Any boldly projecting sculptured ornament; esp., the ...
/k/knop.htm - 9k

Boss
... A protuberant ornament on any work, either of different material from that of the
work or of the same, as upon a buckler or bridle; a stud; a knob; the central ...
/b/boss.htm - 7k

Knobs (9 Occurrences)

/k/knobs.htm - 8k

Knives (12 Occurrences)

/k/knives.htm - 10k

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Knob: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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