Knop
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Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the term "knop" refers to an ornamental design resembling a bud or a round knob, often used in the context of sacred architecture and furnishings. The Hebrew word for knop is "kaphtor," which is used to describe decorative elements in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 25:31-36 : The term "knop" is prominently mentioned in the description of the golden lampstand (menorah) in the Tabernacle. The lampstand was to be crafted with a central shaft and six branches, each adorned with cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and flowers. The text states: "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 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 one branch, each with buds and petals, 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 petals. 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."

2. 1 Kings 6:18 : In the construction of Solomon's Temple, the interior was adorned with cedar wood, and the walls were carved with figures of gourds and open flowers. The term "knop" is used to describe these decorative carvings: "The inside of the temple was cedar, carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; no stone was visible."

3. 1 Kings 7:24 : The "Sea," a large basin used in the Temple, was also decorated with knops. The text describes: "Under the rim, gourds encircled it, ten per cubit, all the way around the Sea. The gourds were cast in two rows in one piece with the Sea."

Symbolism and Significance:

The use of knops in the design of sacred objects and spaces in the Bible carries rich symbolic meaning. The knop, often shaped like a budding flower or fruit, signifies life, growth, and the beauty of God's creation. In the context of the Tabernacle and Temple, these designs serve to remind the worshippers of the divine presence and the order of creation, reflecting the glory and majesty of God.

The intricate craftsmanship required to create these knops also underscores the importance of offering one's best to God. The detailed work involved in the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple furnishings highlights the reverence and dedication expected in worship and service to the Lord.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the presence of knops in the sacred architecture of Israel points to the idea of God as the ultimate Creator, who brings forth life and beauty. The knops, as part of the menorah, symbolize the light of God that illuminates the path of the faithful, guiding them in truth and righteousness. The menorah itself is a powerful symbol of God's eternal presence and the light of His Word.

In summary, the knop is a small yet significant detail in biblical descriptions of sacred spaces, serving as a reminder of the beauty and order of God's creation and the call to worship Him with excellence and devotion.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Knop

a word employed in the Authorized Version to translate two terms which refer to some architectural or ornamental object, but which have nothing in common.

  1. Caphtor . --This occurs in the description of the candlestick of the sacred tent in (Exodus 25:31-36) and Exod 37:17-22
  2. The second term, Pekaim , is found only in (1 Kings 6:18) and 1Kin 7:24 The word no doubt signifies some globular thing resembling a small gourd or an egg, though as to the character of the ornament we are quite in the dark.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Some architectural ornament.

(1.) Hebrews kaphtor (Exodus 25:31-36), occurring in the description of the candlestick. It was an ornamental swell beneath the cups of the candlestick, probably an imitation of the fruit of the almond.

(2.) Hebrews peka'im, found only in 1 Kings 6:18 and 7:24, an ornament resembling a small gourd or an egg, on the cedar wainscot in the temple and on the castings on the brim of the brazen sea.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (n.) A knob; a bud; a bunch; a button.

2. (n.) Any boldly projecting sculptured ornament; esp., the ornamental termination of a pinnacle, and then synonymous with finial; -- called also knob, and knosp.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
KNOP

nop: In Exodus 25:31;; 37:17; (kaphtor), part of the ornaments of the golden candlestick; in 1 Kings 6:18; 1 Kings 7:24 (peqa`im), gourd-like ornaments of the lining of Solomon's temple, and of the brazen sea (in 1 Kings 6:18, the Revised Version margin "gourds").

See CANDLESTICK, THE GOLDEN; TEMPLE; SEA, THE MOLTEN.

Strong's Hebrew
3730. kaphtor -- capital, knob, bulb
... knop, upper lintel. Or (Am. 9:1) kaphtowr {kaf-tore'}; probably from an
unused root meaning to encircle; a chaplet; but used only ...
/hebrew/3730.htm - 6k

6497. peqaim -- gourd (shaped) ornaments
... a semi-globe. From an unused root meaning to burst; only used as an architectural
term of an ornament similar to paqqu'ah, a semi-globe -- knop. ...
/hebrew/6497.htm - 6k

Library

Second Commandment
... nor serve them." In Exodus we are told that God ordered the bowls of the golden
candlestick for the tabernacle to be made "like unto almonds, with a knop and a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/second commandment.htm

Appendix.
... The knop of the shaft is encircled with eight elaborately wrought bosses,
ornamented with garnets and sapphires in gold settings. ...
/.../various/the sermons and addresses at the seabury centenary/appendix.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... extended to the deepest foundations. The greater number of interpreters translate:
"Strike the knop so that ... tremble," etc.; but the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

Thesaurus
Knop (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. KNOP. ... See CANDLESTICK, THE GOLDEN; TEMPLE; SEA,
THE MOLTEN. Multi-Version Concordance Knop (4 Occurrences). ...
/k/knop.htm - 9k

Bowls (47 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:33 Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one
branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and ...
/b/bowls.htm - 21k

Calyxes (6 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:33 three calyxes made like almonds in the one branch, a knop and a flower,
and three calyxes made like almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; so ...
/c/calyxes.htm - 8k

Almond-blossoms (4 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:33 three cups made like almond-blossoms in one branch, a knop and a flower;
and three cups made like almond-blossoms in the other branch, a knop and ...
/a/almond-blossoms.htm - 7k

Almonds (6 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:33 Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one
branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and ...
/a/almonds.htm - 8k

Candlestick (34 Occurrences)
... Some, however, understand the "cup" to embrace the "knop" and "flower"
(calyx and corolla). The shape of the pedestal is uncertain. ...
/c/candlestick.htm - 27k

Proceed (47 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:35 And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop
under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same ...
/p/proceed.htm - 21k

Fashion (24 Occurrences)
... Exodus 37:19 Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop
and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and ...
/f/fashion.htm - 21k

Knops (8 Occurrences)

/k/knops.htm - 8k

Knob (4 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A rounded hill or mountain; as, the Pilot Knob. 4. (n.) See Knop. 5. (vi)
To grow into knobs or bunches; to become knobbed. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/k/knob.htm - 8k

Resources
Knop: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Knop (4 Occurrences)

Exodus 25:33
Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick.
(KJV JPS ASV YLT)

Exodus 25:35
And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick.
(KJV JPS ASV YLT)

Exodus 37:19
Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick.
(KJV JPS ASV YLT)

Exodus 37:21
And a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches going out of it.
(KJV JPS ASV YLT)

Subtopics

Knop

Related Terms

Bowls (47 Occurrences)

Calyxes (6 Occurrences)

Candlestick (34 Occurrences)

Flowerlike (2 Occurrences)

Compassing (6 Occurrences)

Almond-blossoms (4 Occurrences)

Almonds (6 Occurrences)

Branch (60 Occurrences)

Beneath (73 Occurrences)

Compass (51 Occurrences)

Knop (4 Occurrences)

Itself (203 Occurrences)

Knots (2 Occurrences)

Candlesticks (11 Occurrences)

Beaten (73 Occurrences)

Branches (103 Occurrences)

Maketh (399 Occurrences)

Thereof (845 Occurrences)

Golden (86 Occurrences)

Tabernacle (333 Occurrences)

Knocks
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