Exodus 39 14

Exodus 39:14 kjv

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, according to the twelve tribes.

Exodus 39:14 nkjv

There were twelve stones according to the names of the sons of Israel: according to their names, engraved like a signet, each one with its own name according to the twelve tribes.

Exodus 39:14 niv

There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

Exodus 39:14 esv

There were twelve stones with their names according to the names of the sons of Israel. They were like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes.

Exodus 39:14 nlt

Each stone represented one of the twelve sons of Israel, and the name of that tribe was engraved on it like a seal.

Exodus 39 verses

Exodus 39 14 Meaning

Exodus 39:14 describes the specific detail of the two onyx stones, fixed on the high priest's ephod shoulder pieces, as having the names of the twelve sons of Israel engraved upon them. These engravings were precise and permanent, likened to a signet seal, ensuring that each of the twelve tribes was represented by its unique name. This imagery conveyed the high priest's role in bearing the totality of the Israelites before God perpetually.

Exodus 39 14 Context

Exodus chapter 39 is part of a larger section (chapters 35-40) detailing the meticulous construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, and the sacred garments for the priesthood, according to the precise instructions God gave Moses on Mount Sinai (chapters 25-31). This chapter focuses specifically on the completion of the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons, emphasizing that every detail was made exactly "as the LORD had commanded Moses." Verse 14 builds upon verse 13, which describes the two onyx stones set in gold, and provides further specific details about the engravings on those stones that symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel. This context underscores the importance of exact obedience to divine commands for sacred worship and the deep symbolic representation of the nation before God.

Exodus 39 14 Word analysis

• And there were according to the names: This phrase highlights the divine precision and meticulous adherence to God's detailed instructions given earlier in Exodus 28. It emphasizes that the specific identities and numbers of God's chosen people were precisely considered.
• of the sons of Israel: Refers to the direct lineage of Jacob, whose twelve sons formed the basis of the twelve tribes, establishing the foundation of the covenant nation. This links the symbolic representation back to its historical and familial roots.
• twelve: The numerical specificity of "twelve" is critical, symbolizing completeness and the full inclusion of every segment of the nation. It reflects the entire organized community of Israel.
• according to their names: Reiteration from earlier in the verse and in Exodus 28:10. This repeated phrase stresses the individual identity of each tribe and its distinct representation before God, despite being part of a collective.
• like the engravings of a signet (Hebrew: כְּפִתּוּחֵ֥י חוֹתָ֛ם - ke-pittuḥei ḥotam):
  • פִּתּוּחֵי (pittuḥei) means "engravings" or "carvings."
  • חוֹתָם (ḥotam) means "signet" or "seal."
  • This simile signifies permanence, authenticity, authority, and ownership. A signet ring or seal was used to make an irreversible, official mark, ensuring identity and validating documents. Here, it implies that the names of Israel's tribes were indelibly and truly marked, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His people and their secure identity in Him.
• every one with his name: Emphasizes the personal and distinct representation of each individual tribe's identity. No tribe was overlooked; each held unique significance.
• according to the twelve tribes: This concluding phrase firmly connects the engraved names directly to the structured national organization of Israel, confirming that the representation on the high priest’s shoulder-pieces truly encompassed all the divinely constituted segments of the nation.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And there were according to the names... twelve, according to their names...": This emphasizes the exact adherence to divine command and the precise representation of the full roster of the tribes. The repetition underscores the comprehensive inclusion and the maintaining of individual tribal identities within the collective.
• "...sons of Israel, ... according to the twelve tribes.": These phrases collectively define the specific group being represented: the covenant nation descended from Jacob. It stresses the unified yet diverse nature of God's chosen people.
• "...like the engravings of a signet, every one with his name...": This central descriptive phrase powerfully conveys permanence, authenticity, and individuality. It illustrates that the bond between God and His people, represented by these names, is as indelible and secure as a governmental or personal seal. Each name was uniquely identified as belonging to God.

Exodus 39 14 Bonus section

The order in which the names were engraved on the two onyx stones (six on each) is often debated, but traditional Jewish understanding, drawing from the Masoretic text of Exo 28:10, suggests that they were arranged according to their birth order. The use of 'sardonyx' (a type of onyx) specifically points to its beauty and durability, suitable for a sacred and lasting emblem. The names were engraved not just for display, but for a "memorial before the LORD" (Exo 28:12), signifying an active, perpetual remembrance of Israel in the presence of God. This detail reinforced God's covenant faithfulness and His constant regard for each individual tribe, demonstrating His meticulous care for His entire chosen people.

Exodus 39 14 Commentary

Exodus 39:14 elucidates the symbolic significance of the onyx stones on the high priest's ephod: they bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, precisely engraved as if by a signet. This detailed instruction highlights God's perfect plan for Israel's worship and leadership. The act of engraving signifies permanence, security, and an unchanging identification, assuring Israel's continuous remembrance before God. The high priest, bearing these stones on his shoulders—a place of strength and carrying—symbolically presented the entire nation, tribe by tribe, individually yet wholly, before the Divine presence. This act prefigures Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who bears and perpetually intercedes for His people before the Father, not merely as a symbol, but through His completed work and eternal advocacy.