Exodus 39 6

Exodus 39:6 kjv

And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.

Exodus 39:6 nkjv

And they set onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold; they were engraved, as signets are engraved, with the names of the sons of Israel.

Exodus 39:6 niv

They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings and engraved them like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel.

Exodus 39:6 esv

They made the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold filigree, and engraved like the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the sons of Israel.

Exodus 39:6 nlt

They mounted the two onyx stones in settings of gold filigree. The stones were engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, just as a seal is engraved.

Exodus 39 verses

Exodus 39 6 Meaning

Exodus 39:6 describes the creation of two precious onyx stones for the high priest's ephod. These stones were meticulously crafted, set in ornate gold frames, and engraved like signet rings with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. This detail highlights the skillful artistry involved and, more significantly, the representative function of the high priest who was to bear the names of God's people before the Lord.

Exodus 39 6 Context

Exodus chapter 39 is a meticulous account of the actual construction and assembly of the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons, as previously commanded by God in Exodus 28. This verse, Exodus 39:6, specifically focuses on the two onyx stones, set in gold settings, destined for the shoulder pieces of the ephod. These stones were paramount in symbolizing the high priest's representative role, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel before the Lord. The chapter repeatedly emphasizes that the work was carried out "just as the LORD had commanded Moses," highlighting strict adherence to divine blueprint, purity of worship, and the significance of every detail in Tabernacle construction. The historical context is the Israelites in the wilderness after receiving the Law at Mount Sinai, preparing to establish the central place of worship and the structured priesthood that would mediate their relationship with God.

Exodus 39 6 Word analysis

• And they wrought: Hebrew: וַיַּעֲשׂוּ (vayyaʿaśū). From the root עָשָׂה (ʿāśāh), meaning "to make, do, fashion, accomplish." This signifies active, skilled craftsmanship. The "they" refers to Bezalel, Oholiab, and other artisans whom God had filled with His Spirit for this specific work (Exod 35:30-35), emphasizing that this intricate work was not merely human effort but divinely empowered skill.
• onyx stones: Hebrew: אַבְנֵי שֹׁהַם (ʾavnê shoham). ʾavnê is the construct plural of ʾeven (stone); shoham refers to the onyx stone, a precious, veined variety. Onyx is noted as a valuable substance from creation (Gen 2:12). The choice of a precious stone highlights the dignity and sacredness of the priest's office and the people represented.
• enclosed in ouches of gold: Hebrew: מֻסַּבֹּת מִשְׁבְּצֹת זָהָב (mussaḇōt mishbeṣōt zāhāḇ). mussaḇōt (set, mounted, surrounded) signifies a secure and intentional placement. mishbeṣōt (filigree settings, frames, sockets) refers to the intricate gold settings that held the stones. zāhāḇ (gold) symbolizes purity, divine glory, and value. The meticulous detail in the setting underscored the importance of the stones and what they represented.
• graven as signets are graven: Hebrew: פִּתּוּחֵי חֹתָם מֻפְתָּחוֹת (pittûḥê ḥōtām muphtāḥôt). pittûḥê (engravings); ḥōtām (seal, signet ring). muphtāḥôt (engraved, cut). A signet ring was an emblem of authority, identity, and personal ownership, used for sealing documents and making indelible marks. Engraving implies permanence, ensuring the names of Israel were perpetually and officially present before God through His priest.
• with the names of the children of Israel: Hebrew: עַל שְׁמוֹת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (ʿal shᵉmōt bᵉnê Yisrāʾēl). ʿal shᵉmōt (upon the names); bᵉnê Yisrāʾēl (sons of Israel, referring to the twelve tribes). This is the symbolic heart of the verse. The High Priest literally bore the people's identity before God. This act represents the High Priest's role as the intercessor and representative of the entire community, ensuring their constant presence and remembrance in the divine presence during worship.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And they wrought onyx stones enclosed in ouches of gold": This phrase emphasizes the precise and divinely directed craftsmanship applied to the most valuable materials. The pairing of precious stones with gold frames suggests beauty, durability, and a sacred aesthetic intended for God's glory and the significance of the objects. It illustrates that every detail, however small, in divine worship is meticulously important.
• "graven as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel": This passage details the method and profound purpose of the work. The "signet" engraving highlights the permanency and authority of this representation. Just as a king's signet authorizes decrees, these engraved names represent an unalterable commitment between God and His people, brought before Him through His chosen mediator. It underscores the high priest's burden and responsibility to intercede for all Israel.

Exodus 39 6 Bonus section

• The placement of these onyx stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod is symbolic. The shoulder traditionally signifies strength, carrying burdens, and responsibility. Thus, the high priest metaphorically bore the burden and responsibility of all Israel when he ministered before the Lord.
• The distinction between the two onyx stones on the shoulders (six tribes on each) and the twelve different stones on the breastplate of judgment (one tribe per stone) emphasizes distinct aspects of representation. The shoulders symbolized strength and carrying, while the breastplate over the heart signified an intimate, compassionate presentation of the people. Both garments served the same ultimate purpose: to keep Israel ever-present before God.
• This detailed recounting underscores the biblical theme of obedience to divine instruction. The repetitive phrase "as the LORD had commanded Moses" throughout Exodus 39 (appearing at least nine times) reinforces that every aspect of the Tabernacle and priesthood was precisely according to God's revelation, leaving no room for human invention in worship.
• The meticulous craft of engraving on stone without modern tools speaks to the advanced skill and spiritual dedication of the artisans, underscoring that spiritual tasks demand excellent execution.

Exodus 39 6 Commentary

Exodus 39:6 succinctly details the crafting of the ephod's shoulder stones, pivotal elements of the high priest's attire. This seemingly minor instruction reveals deep theological truths. The highly skilled artisans, imbued with divine wisdom, meticulously fashioned precious onyx and gold, demonstrating that the Tabernacle and its implements demanded the highest quality of human artistry dedicated to God. The choice of precious stones and gold underscored the holiness and inherent value God placed on these items and, by extension, on His worship.

The most profound aspect is the engraving of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Likened to the cutting of a signet, this process ensured a permanent and authoritative representation. The high priest, when serving before the Lord, bore the literal weight and symbolic identity of the entire nation on his shoulders. This act served as a perpetual intercession, a constant reminder to God of His covenant people. It prefigures the work of Christ, our true High Priest, who forever bears His people—those purchased by His blood—in His presence before the Father, not on stones, but on His heart, and ultimately through His ongoing heavenly intercession, as described in Hebrews. The attention to detail in this verse reflects God's meticulousness in worship and His desire for an ordered, consecrated people perpetually remembered in His holy presence.