שָׁקַד (sha.qad)
sha.qad
be almond shaped
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shaqad, appearing in its Pual stem only four times in Scripture, describes a specific physical form: being shaped like an almond blossom. In these instances, it functions as a denominal adjective, deriving its meaning from the word for "almond" (shaqed). The term does not describe the act of blooming or watching, but rather the distinctive cup-like shape of objects crafted to resemble the flower.
This unique usage occurs exclusively in the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle’s furnishings. Exodus 25:33 and 37:19 specify that the golden lampstand should feature cups shaped like almond blossoms, while Exodus 37:19 reiterates this design for the menorah. The repetition underscores the precision required in these sacred artifacts, linking the beauty of nature directly to the worship space.
The choice of this imagery likely highlights the almond tree’s early blooming status in the region, symbolizing vigilance or divine promptness in broader biblical thought, though here the focus remains strictly on artistic detail. Translators typically render it as "almond-shaped cups" or similar phrases to preserve the visual specificity intended for the craftsmen building the sanctuary.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shaqad describes a specific physical shape, resembling an almond blossom. It appears only in the instructions for building the Tabernacle's lampstand. This detail shows that God cares about the precise beauty of worship spaces. The craftsmen were told to carve cups like these flowers, linking nature’s early spring bloom to sacred art.
For your faith, this reminds us that God values both function and form. He does not just want obedience; He wants beauty offered with care. When we serve Him, even small details matter. The almond tree blooms early, signaling hope after winter. In the same way, our acts of worship can bring light to dark places.
This word invites us to look closely at how we honor God. It is not enough to be correct; we should also be beautiful in spirit and action. Let your life reflect the careful craftsmanship seen in the lampstand. May your service shine with the same intentional grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shaped like almond blossoms6×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְשֻׁקָּדִ֛ים2×
- מְֽשֻׁקָּדִ֞ים2×
- מְשֻׁקָּדִ֔ים1×
- מְשֻׁ֨קָּדִ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 25:33
three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower; and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bud and a flower, so for the six branches going out of the lamp stand;
This verse specifies the exact count and arrangement of almond-shaped cups on one branch, establishing the pattern for all six side branches.
-
Exodus 25:34
and in the lamp stand four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers;
It highlights the four central cups made like almond blossoms, which stand apart from the side branches and likely held primary significance in the lampstand's design.
-
Exodus 37:19
three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower, and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bud and a flower; so for the six branches going out of the lamp stand.
This passage confirms that Bezalel followed the divine pattern precisely by crafting three almond-blossom cups on each of the six branches, ensuring symmetry and order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does shaqad mean in the Bible?
Why is this word important for understanding worship?
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Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Exodus 4 verses
three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower; and three cups made like almond blossoms in the…
Exodus 25:34and in the lamp stand four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers;
Exodus 37:19three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower, and three cups made like almond blossoms in the…
Exodus 37:20In the lamp stand were four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers;