Exodus 39 11

Exodus 39:11 kjv

And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

Exodus 39:11 nkjv

the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond;

Exodus 39:11 niv

the second row was turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald;

Exodus 39:11 esv

and the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond;

Exodus 39:11 nlt

The second row contained a turquoise, a blue lapis lazuli, and a white moonstone.

Exodus 39 verses

Exodus 39 11 Meaning

Exodus 39:11 describes the making of the breastpiece of judgment for the High Priest, specifically detailing the second row of four precious stones. This row was comprised of a turquoise (or carbuncle), a sapphire, and a diamond (or onyx/jasper), each carefully set in gold filigree and intended to represent three of the twelve tribes of Israel. The verse emphasizes the precise adherence to divine instructions for the sacred garments essential for the priestly ministry and worship.

Exodus 39 11 Context

Exodus chapter 39 is a continuation of the detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle and its furnishings, focusing specifically on the crafting of the sacred garments for the priests. This verse fits within the description of the high priest's breastpiece (called the "breastpiece of judgment" in Exo 28:15). The preceding verses (Exo 39:8-10) outline the overall structure and the setting of the first row of stones, while this verse, Exodus 39:11, precisely lists the three stones in the second of four rows on this sacred garment. The historical context reveals that these were not merely decorative elements but held profound symbolic significance, meticulously crafted according to the divine blueprint given to Moses. The act of making these garments and the Tabernacle was an act of complete obedience to God's command, ensuring a dwelling place for God among His people and a means for their atonement and intercession.

Exodus 39 11 Word analysis

• and (wĕ - וְ): A common conjunction meaning "and," indicating a continuation or addition to the previous instruction or description. It maintains the flow of the detailed account of the Tabernacle's construction.
• the second row (haššûrâh haššēnît - הַשּׁוּרָה הַשֵּׁנִית):
  • haššûrâh (הַשּׁוּרָה): "the row." This term signifies an orderly line or arrangement, emphasizing the precise, systematic placement of the stones as divinely prescribed.
  • haššēnît (הַשֵּׁנִית): "the second." This numeric qualifier highlights the meticulousness of God's instructions, ensuring that each of the twelve tribes had its designated place on the breastpiece.
  This phrase underscores the exactness required in crafting the sacred garments, symbolizing the ordered representation of the tribes before God.
• a turquoise (nophek - נֹפֶךְ): This Hebrew term is variously translated as "carbuncle," "garnet," "turquoise," or "emerald" in ancient and modern versions. It refers to a deep red or greenish-blue stone. Its precise identification is debated, but it was undoubtedly a valuable gemstone known for its vibrant color. Spiritually, bright stones often symbolized divine presence or glory.
• a sapphire (sappîr - סַפִּיר): The Hebrew word is directly rendered as "sapphire." This is a deep blue stone, traditionally associated with heaven and divine majesty. Its connection to God's throne in Exo 24:10 and Eze 1:26 imbues it with profound spiritual significance, pointing to God's glory and transcendence.
• and a diamond (wĕyâhalom - וְיָהֲלֹם): The Hebrew `yâhalom` is a challenging word to identify definitively. While modern translations often render it as "diamond," historically, it has been translated as "onyx" or "jasper." A true diamond would have been extremely difficult to engrave in that period, leading some scholars to suggest it was a stone known for hardness and resistance (perhaps reflecting firmness in judgment) or simply a precious stone whose precise identity is now lost. If it was diamond, its brilliance and durability would signify steadfastness and eternal value. If onyx or jasper, these stones were often used for engraving seals, reinforcing the idea of bearing the tribal names before God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• The second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond: This group of words describes one of the four crucial rows on the high priest's breastpiece, each row holding three stones. This deliberate listing of specific, precious gemstones underscores the immense value placed on God's people and the meticulous nature of divine command regarding their representation. Each stone, by symbolizing a tribe, represents an aspect of Israel presented before God, demonstrating their collective identity and importance in God's eyes. The diverse colors and qualities of these stones suggest the beauty and distinctiveness of each tribe within the unified nation, all brought together on the high priest's heart for remembrance before God.

Exodus 39 11 Bonus section

The careful cataloging of the precious stones throughout Exodus 28 and 39 underscores the extraordinary value God places on holiness and representation. The materials, beyond their aesthetic appeal, pointed to the richness and glory of God. The breastpiece's design, with twelve stones representing the twelve tribes, is a strong type of the church, where all believers, though distinct, are collectively and individually precious to God and are carried by the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ (Heb 4:14-16, Heb 7:24-25). The transition from the blueprint in Exo 28 to the construction in Exo 39 showcases perfect obedience, serving as an example for spiritual building in Christ (1 Cor 3:10-15). The hardness of stones like "diamond" could also symbolically relate to the unyielding covenant of God, or the firmness of judgment pronounced from the breastpiece when used with the Urim and Thummim. Furthermore, these earthly materials prefigure the heavenly reality described in Revelation, where the foundations of the New Jerusalem are adorned with similar precious stones, linking the Tabernacle's earthly glory to the eternal glory of God's dwelling with His redeemed people.

Exodus 39 11 Commentary

Exodus 39:11 serves as a precise detail within the broader narrative of obedient construction of the Tabernacle and its priestly garments. This verse illustrates the divine emphasis on order, beauty, and specific representation within worship. The selection of a turquoise (or carbuncle), sapphire, and diamond (or onyx/jasper) for the second row of the breastpiece highlights the high value and preciousness of the tribes of Israel in God's sight. The breastpiece itself, worn over the high priest's heart, signified his role in bearing the burdens and identities of the twelve tribes before the Lord. This precise enumeration underscores that nothing in God's worship is arbitrary; every detail, even the placement of specific gemstones, serves a sacred purpose, symbolizing God's glory, His dwelling among His people, and the mediated access they had to His presence. It speaks to God's careful attention to every member of His covenant people.