Exodus 28:21
Exodus 28:21 in Multiple Translations
The twelve stones are to correspond to the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.
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 shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
And the stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, every one according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.
The jewels are to be twelve in number, for the names of the children of Israel; every jewel having the name of one of the twelve tribes cut on it as on a stamp.
Each of the twelve stones will be engraved like a personal seal with the name of one of the twelve Israelite tribes and will represent them.
And the stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelue, according to their names, grauen as signets, euerye one after his name, and they shall bee for the twelue tribes.
and the stones are according to the names of the sons of Israel, twelve, according to their names, openings of a signet, each by his name are they for the twelve tribes.
The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.
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 shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
And they shall have the names of the children of Israel: with twelve names shall they be engraved, each stone with the name of one according to the twelve tribes.
A gem-cutter should engrave on each of these twelve stones the name of one of the sons of Jacob. These names will represent the twelve Israeli tribes.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 28:21
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Exodus 28:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 28:21
Study Notes — Exodus 28:21
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 28:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 28:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 28:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 28:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 28:21
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 28:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 28:21
- Sermons on Exodus 28:21
Context — The Breastpiece
21The twelve stones are to correspond to the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.
22For the breastpiece, make braided chains like cords of pure gold. 23You are also to make two gold rings and fasten them to the two corners of the breastpiece.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 21:12 | The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates. |
| 2 | Revelation 7:4–8 | And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel: From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, and from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 18:31 | And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.” |
| 4 | Luke 22:30 | so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. |
| 5 | James 1:1 | James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings. |
Exodus 28:21 Summary
[This verse is talking about the special stones that were put on the breastpiece of the high priest's garment, which represented the twelve tribes of Israel. Each stone had the name of one of the tribes engraved on it, like a seal, as a reminder that God knows and cares about each of His people individually, as seen in Psalm 139:13-16. The stones were a symbol of God's love and concern for His people, and they remind us that we are all part of a larger family, as described in Galatians 3:26-29. By wearing these stones, the high priest was showing that he represented all of God's people, and that he was responsible for praying for them and seeking God's guidance on their behalf.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the twelve stones on the breastpiece?
The twelve stones represent the twelve tribes of Israel, as stated in Exodus 28:21, and symbolize the unity and completeness of God's people, much like the twelve apostles in the New Testament, as seen in Matthew 10:2-4.
Why are the stones engraved like a seal with the name of each tribe?
The engraving of the stones with the name of each tribe signifies God's ownership and identification with each tribe, much like a seal signifies ownership or authority, as seen in Revelation 7:3-8 where the 144,000 are sealed with God's name.
How does this verse relate to the overall purpose of the breastpiece?
The breastpiece, with its twelve stones, was a part of the high priest's garments, as described in Exodus 28:1-5, and was used to symbolize the priest's role in representing the people before God, as seen in Exodus 28:29-30 where the priest is to bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart.
What can we learn from the specificity of the stones and their arrangement?
The specificity of the stones and their arrangement, as described in Exodus 28:15-20, teaches us about God's attention to detail and His desire for order and beauty in our lives, as seen in Psalm 19:1-6 where the heavens declare the glory of God.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to be 'engraved' with God's name, and how can I reflect His character in my life?
- In what ways can I, like the high priest, represent my community or family before God in prayer and intercession?
- How can I, like the twelve stones, be a unique and vital part of the larger body of Christ, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27?
- What are some ways that I can symbolize my commitment to God and my identity as a child of God, as the stones symbolized the tribes' identity as God's people?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 28:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 28:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 28:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 28:21
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 28:21
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 28:21
Sermons on Exodus 28:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Lesser Known Characters 07 John-Telescopic Vision by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus for salvation, as emphasized by the Gospel of John. He also discusses the four faces seen in a vision, w |
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The New Heaven and the New Earth by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord preaches about the vision of the new heaven and the new earth in Revelation 21, emphasizing the eternal state where God dwells with His people in the holy city, th |
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Attainment by Discipline by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose is to have a people in absolute ascendency, which is a central theme throughout Scripture. He illustrates this through the h |
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Israel in the End Times by David Pawson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the signs that Jesus gave regarding his second coming. He explains that there are four main signs: famine, wars, earthquakes in the world; a g |
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(Through the Bible) 1 John 4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the love of God as demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He highlights that God's love is not based on our love for Him, |
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Good Friday Sermon by Martin Geehan | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of a near-death encounter where he felt a sense of darkness and void. He emphasizes the importance of knowing Christ as a p |
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(Revelation) the Sorrows in Earth by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the fifth field in heaven by Jesus Christ. This event is accompanied by great signs on earth, including a great earthquake, th |







