Exodus 39:10 kjv
And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row.
Exodus 39:10 nkjv
And they set in it four rows of stones: a row with a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald was the first row;
Exodus 39:10 niv
Then they mounted four rows of precious stones on it. The first row was carnelian, chrysolite and beryl;
Exodus 39:10 esv
And they set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle was the first row;
Exodus 39:10 nlt
They mounted four rows of gemstones on it. The first row contained a red carnelian, a pale-green peridot, and an emerald.
Exodus 39 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ex 28:17-20 | "And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row." | God's original command for the breastpiece stones. |
| Ex 39:12-13 | "And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst." | Continues the description of the breastpiece stones. |
| Ex 39:14 | "And the stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, every one with his name..." | Confirms the representation of the twelve tribes. |
| Ex 28:21 | "And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name..." | Details that each stone bore a tribal name. |
| Lev 8:8 | "And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim." | Aaron invested with the breastpiece during consecration. |
| Num 2:1-2 | "And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house..." | The ordered arrangement of tribes, reflected in the stones. |
| Rev 21:19-20 | "And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third..." | Heavenly Jerusalem's foundations use similar precious stones, echoing glory and permanence. |
| Isa 54:11-12 | "O thou afflicted...I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles..." | Prophecy of spiritual adornment for Zion, using precious stone imagery. |
| Eze 28:13 | "Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper..." | Description of the King of Tyre's former splendor, using precious stones; caution against pride. |
| 1 Pet 2:5 | "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." | Believers as "living stones," a spiritual priesthood. |
| 1 Pet 2:9 | "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you..." | Spiritual priesthood and identity of believers. |
| Eph 2:20 | "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;" | Christ as the cornerstone; believers as building on spiritual foundation. |
| Heb 9:11-12 | "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle...Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood..." | Christ as the ultimate High Priest, fulfilling and surpassing the Aaronic priesthood. |
| 1 Cor 3:12 | "Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;" | Symbolic use of precious stones representing lasting, spiritual works. |
| Mal 3:17 | "And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." | God's people as His "jewels" or "treasured possession." |
| Zec 3:9 | "For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the engraving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts..." | Symbolic stone, related to divine observation and foundation. |
| Gen 49:1-28 | "Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together...Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength..." | Jacob's blessings on his sons, often associated with tribal symbolism reflected in the stones. |
| Ex 31:1-6 | "See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding..." | God empowering skilled artisans like Bezalel for the Tabernacle work. |
| Isa 49:16 | "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." | God's constant remembrance and engraving of His people, paralleling the names on stones. |
| Psa 118:22 | "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner." | Prophetic of Christ, the cornerstone, valued and chosen by God. |
Exodus 39 verses
Exodus 39 10 Meaning
Exodus 39:10 describes the beginning of the meticulous craftsmanship of the High Priest's breastpiece, specifically detailing the first of its four rows. This initial row consisted of three distinct precious stones: a sardius (or carnelian), a topaz, and a carbuncle (often identified as an emerald or garnet). Each of these stones, along with the others in the subsequent rows, represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying their collective presence before the Lord through their priestly representative.
Exodus 39 10 Context
Exodus chapter 39 is a detailed account of the actual construction of the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons, fulfilling the specific instructions given by God in Exodus 28. Having received the divine pattern, Bezalel, Oholiab, and other skilled artisans are meticulously crafting each component. Verse 10 focuses specifically on the execution of the design for the High Priest's breastpiece (the choshen), describing the very first set of stones chosen and affixed according to God's precise command. This section highlights the faithful obedience and exquisite skill applied in making sacred objects for divine service, underscoring the holiness and significance of every detail in Israelite worship. The historical context is that of a newly redeemed nation learning to worship their Holy God, with the Tabernacle and its associated rituals providing the means for God's presence among His people.
Exodus 39 10 Word analysis
- And they set in it: Vayemalle'u vo (וַיְמַלְּאוּ בוֹ). Literally "And they filled in it" or "they fitted it with." This denotes the skilled artisans, empowered by the Spirit (Ex 31:3), meticulously embedding the stones into the golden settings of the breastpiece. It signifies completion, fulfillment of the command, and the full occupancy of the prescribed places.
- four rows: Arba'ah turim (אַרְבָּעָה טוּרִים). This specific numerical instruction underscores divine precision. Four rows, each containing three stones, total twelve, directly corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel. This arrangement emphasizes order, completeness, and comprehensive representation before God.
- of stones: Even (אָבֶן). A general term for stone. The plural (though morphologically singular collective) emphasizes the multiple distinct, valuable, and individually set gems. In a broader biblical sense, stones often symbolize strength, foundation, and divine acts (e.g., God as a rock).
- a row of sardius: Tur odem (טוּר אֹדֶם). The first stone in the first row. Odem (אָדֶם) derives from the Hebrew word for "red" (adom), pointing to a red or reddish-brown gem, often identified as sardius or carnelian. Traditionally linked to the tribe of Reuben, who was Jacob's firstborn. Red can symbolize vitality, zeal, or the earthy origins of humanity (from adamah, earth).
- a topaz: Piṭdāh (פִּטְדָה). This stone is generally understood as yellow or greenish-yellow, though modern "topaz" might differ. It could refer to peridot. The specific tribal association varies but often relates to Simeon or Judah. Yellow or golden hues are frequently associated with light, glory, or wealth.
- and a carbuncle: Uvareqeṭ (וּבָרֶקֶת). The vav ("and") distinctly links this third stone to the prior two within the same row. Bareqeṭ (בָּרֶקֶת) literally means "flashing" or "lightning-like," indicating a brilliant, possibly fiery gem. This is commonly identified as an emerald (green) or possibly a garnet. It might be linked to the tribe of Levi or Judah. Its brilliance suggests divine revelation or the flashing brilliance of God's presence.
- was the first row: Haṭṭur ha'echad (הַטּוּר הָאֶחָד). This emphasizes the commencement and foundational aspect of these specific three stones within the overall arrangement of twelve. The sequence was significant, mirroring the order in which the tribes would be arranged and called upon. It highlights the completed, precisely ordered initial segment of the breastpiece's design, adhering exactly to God's blueprint.
Exodus 39 10 Bonus section
- The exact identification of the ancient Hebrew gems (sardius, topaz, carbuncle) with their modern equivalents can be debated due to linguistic shifts and changes in geological understanding. However, the consistent element is their preciousness and visual splendor.
- Each of the twelve stones, including those in Ex 39:10, had the name of one of Israel's tribes engraved upon it "like the engravings of a signet" (Ex 39:14). This permanent engraving signifies God's indelible knowledge and care for each tribe and, by extension, for every individual within His covenant people. It is a powerful image of being "written in the book of life" (Phil 4:3, Rev 20:15).
- The Breastpiece of Judgment (choshen mishpat) containing these stones was a key part of the High Priest's garments for performing divine judgment and seeking God's will through the Urim and Thummim (Ex 28:30). The very stones themselves were thus linked not just to tribal identity but to the function of divine revelation and justice.
Exodus 39 10 Commentary
Exodus 39:10 succinctly details the first completed stage of creating the High Priest's breastpiece—the precise arrangement of the first three precious stones. This verse is not merely an architectural description; it underscores the divine standard for worship: meticulously crafted, God-ordained patterns must be followed with perfect obedience. The stones themselves, chosen for their beauty and rarity, symbolized the value God placed upon each of the twelve tribes of Israel. These gems were fixed upon the High Priest's heart (Ex 28:29), illustrating that the High Priest carried the burdens and identity of the entire nation before God. This served as a tangible reminder of God's intimate relationship with His people and the representational nature of the priestly office. Ultimately, this detailed instruction foreshadowed the perfect representation of believers before God through Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, who bears us upon His heart in the heavenly sanctuary (Heb 4:14; 9:24). Just as the varying hues of the stones brought forth collective brilliance, so too does the diverse body of Christ, each "living stone," collectively reflect God's glory and bear one another's burdens in unity.