2 The verb is עָלָה (’alah). The Hiphil infinitive construct functions in a temporal clause. The idea of arranging the lamps on the lampstand certainly involved raising the lamps and placing them on the tops of each shaft and branch. Some have taken the idea to mean cause the flame to go up, or light the lamps.
3 The imperfect tense forms part of the instruction, and so the translation has to indicate that. The instruction would seem obvious, but the light was to shine in the area immediately in front of the lampstand, so that it would illumine the way and illumine the table that was across the room (hence, “in front of”).

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

“Speak to Aaron and say to him, When you set up the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lampstand.”

NIVNew International Version (2011)

“Speak to Aaron and say to him, ‘When you set up the lamps, see that all seven light up the area in front of the lampstand.’ ”

CSBChristian Standard Bible

“Speak to Aaron and tell him: When you set up the lamps, the seven lamps are to give light in front of the lampstand.”

NLTNew Living Translation

“Give Aaron the following instructions: When you set up the seven lamps in the lampstand, place them so their light shines forward in front of the lampstand.”

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

“Speak to Aaron, and say to him: ‘When you are setting up the lamps, the seven lamps will give light in front of the face of the lampstand.’ ”

KJV 1900King James Version

Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light over against the candlestick.

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