Definition and Description:
Knops, in the context of the Bible, refer to ornamental designs resembling buds or knobs, often used in the construction and decoration of sacred objects, particularly in the Tabernacle and Temple. The term "knop" is derived from the Hebrew word "kaphtor," which signifies a bulbous or rounded shape. These decorative elements are mentioned in the descriptions of the lampstand (menorah) and other sacred furnishings.

Biblical References:
The primary references to knops are found in the descriptions of the Tabernacle's lampstand in the Book of Exodus. The lampstand, a central fixture in the Tabernacle, was crafted with intricate designs, including knops, which added to its beauty and symbolism.

· Exodus 25:31-36 : "You are to make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand is to be made of hammered work—its base and shaft, its cups, its buds, and its blossoms 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 one branch, with buds and blossoms, and 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 blossoms. For the six branches that extend from the lampstand, a bud shall 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."

In this passage, the knops are described as part of the ornate design of the lampstand, symbolizing life and growth, akin to almond blossoms. The use of knops in the lampstand's design reflects the beauty and intricacy of God's creation, as well as the light and life that emanate from His presence.

Symbolism and Significance:
Knops, as part of the lampstand, carry rich symbolic meaning. The lampstand itself is a symbol of divine light and guidance, representing God's presence among His people. The knops, with their resemblance to almond blossoms, signify watchfulness and the awakening of life, as the almond tree is one of the first to bloom in the spring. This symbolism is further emphasized in the context of the lampstand, which was to be kept burning continually, signifying the perpetual presence and vigilance of God.

The intricate design of the knops also highlights the importance of beauty and craftsmanship in worship. The detailed work required to create these elements reflects the care and devotion expected in the service of God, underscoring the principle that offerings to God should be of the highest quality and craftsmanship.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, decorative motifs like knops were common in religious and royal architecture. The use of such designs in the Tabernacle aligns with the broader cultural practices of the time, yet it also sets the worship of Yahweh apart by infusing these elements with specific theological significance. The knops on the lampstand serve not only as artistic embellishments but also as reminders of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, and the light and life that flow from that relationship.

Conclusion:
The knops in the biblical narrative are more than mere decorative elements; they are imbued with deep spiritual meaning, reflecting the beauty, life, and divine presence that characterize the worship of God. Through their inclusion in the sacred furnishings of the Tabernacle, knops serve as a testament to the intricate and purposeful design of God's dwelling place among His people.

Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ...
... It was made with its knops, and lilies, and pomegranates, and bowls [which ornaments
amounted to seventy in all]; by which means the shaft elevated itself on ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the tabernacle.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... as co-ordinate with [Hebrew: hK]: "And they may tremble," equivalent to "Make to
tremble.""The suffix in [Hebrew: bceM] refers to the knops and threshold, or ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Knops (8 Occurrences)
...Knops (8 Occurrences). ... (KJV JPS ASV YLT). Exodus 25:34 And in the candlesticks shall
be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers. ...
/k/knops.htm - 8k

Bowls (47 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/b/bowls.htm - 21k

Calyxes (6 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:31 And thou hast made a candlestick of pure gold, of beaten work is the
candlestick made; its base, and its branch, its calyxes, its knops, and its ...
/c/calyxes.htm - 8k

Candlestick (34 Occurrences)
... Stem and branches were ornamented with cups like almond-blossoms, knops and
flowers-four of this series on the stem, and three on each of the branches. ...
/c/candlestick.htm - 27k

Flowerlike (2 Occurrences)
... 25:31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the
candlestick be made, even its base, and its shaft; its cups, its knops, and its ...
/f/flowerlike.htm - 7k

Compassing (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:24 And under the brim of it round about there were knops compassing it,
ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about: the knops were cast in two ...
/c/compassing.htm - 8k

Almond-blossoms (4 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:34 and in the candlestick four cups made like almond-blossoms, the
knops thereof, and the flowers thereof; (ASV JPS). Exodus ...
/a/almond-blossoms.htm - 7k

Almonds (6 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS YLT RSV). Exodus 25:34 And in the candlesticks shall be four bowls
made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers. ...
/a/almonds.htm - 8k

Branch (60 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/b/branch.htm - 28k

Beneath (73 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:24 and knops beneath its brim round about are compassing it, ten by the
cubit, going round the sea round about; in two rows 'are' the knops, cast in ...
/b/beneath.htm - 29k

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