Exodus 39:14
Exodus 39:14 in Multiple Translations
The twelve stones corresponded to the names of the sons of Israel. Each stone was engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.
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.
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 according to his name, for the twelve tribes.
There were twelve stones for the twelve tribes of Israel; on every one the name of one of the tribes of Israel was cut, like the cutting of a stamp.
Each of the twelve stones were engraved like a personal seal with the name of one of the twelve Israelites tribes and represented them.
So the stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, euen twelue after their names, grauen like signets euery one after his name according to the twelue tribes.
And the stones, according to the names of the sons of Israel, are twelve, according to their names, openings of a signet, each according to his name, for the twelve tribes.
The stones were 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, for the twelve tribes.
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.
And the twelve stones were engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, each one with its several name.
On each of the twelve stones they engraved the name of one of the sons of Jacob, to represent one of the twelve Israeli tribes.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 39:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 39:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ֠/הָ/אֲבָנִים
עַל
שְׁמֹ֨ת
בְּנֵי
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל
הֵ֛נָּה
שְׁתֵּ֥ים
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
עַל
שְׁמֹתָ֑/ם
פִּתּוּחֵ֤י
חֹתָם֙
אִ֣ישׁ
עַל
שְׁמ֔/וֹ
לִ/שְׁנֵ֥ים
עָשָׂ֖ר
שָֽׁבֶט
וְ֠/הָ/אֲבָנִים
ʼeben
H68
stone
Conj | Art | N-fp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׁמֹ֨ת
shêm
H8034
name
N-mp
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
הֵ֛נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
they(fem.)
Pron
שְׁתֵּ֥ים
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׁמֹתָ֑/ם
shêm
H8034
name
N-mp | Suff
פִּתּוּחֵ֤י
pittûwach
H6603
engraving
N-mp
חֹתָם֙
chôwthâm
H2368
signet
N-ms
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׁמ֔/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
לִ/שְׁנֵ֥ים
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Prep | Adj
עָשָׂ֖ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
שָֽׁבֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 39:14
וְ֠/הָ/אֲבָנִים
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
Conj | Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׁמֹ֨ת
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-mp
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
הֵ֛נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
"they(fem.)"
Pron
A Hebrew pronoun meaning they or them, used to refer to a group of people or things, often in a general sense, like in the Psalms. It can also be used to describe something belonging to them.
Definition: they, these, the same, who A grammatical form of hu (הוּא "he/she/it" H1931)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in, [idiom] such (and such things), their, (into) them, thence, therein, these, they (had), on this side, whose, wherein. See also: Genesis 6:2; Psalms 34:21; Proverbs 6:16.
שְׁתֵּ֥ים
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׁמֹתָ֑/ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
פִּתּוּחֵ֤י
pittûwach
H6603
"engraving"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means an engraving or carving, often referring to intricate designs cut into stone or wood, like the carvings in Solomon's temple.
Definition: engraving, carving
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: carved (work) (are, en-) grave(-ing, -n). See also: Exodus 28:11; Exodus 39:30; Psalms 74:6.
חֹתָם֙
chôwthâm
H2368
"signet"
N-ms
A signet or seal was a ring used to sign important documents, like a signature ring. It is mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of authority and ownership.
Definition: seal, signet, signet-ring
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: seal, signet. See also: Genesis 38:18; Exodus 39:30; Jeremiah 22:24.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׁמ֔/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
לִ/שְׁנֵ֥ים
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Prep | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
עָשָׂ֖ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
שָֽׁבֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
Study Notes — Exodus 39:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Breastpiece
12the third row had a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;
13and the fourth row had a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. These stones were mounted in gold filigree settings.
14The twelve stones corresponded to the names of the sons of Israel. Each stone was engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.
15For the breastpiece they made braided chains like cords of pure gold. 16They also made two gold filigree settings and two gold rings, and fastened the two rings 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. |
Exodus 39:14 Summary
This verse tells us about the special stones on the breastpiece worn by the high priest, each one representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The stones were engraved with the name of each tribe, showing how much God cares about each person and group. Just like these stones, we are all precious to God, and He knows us by name (as seen in Isaiah 45:4 and John 10:3). This reminds us that we are all part of God's bigger family, and He loves and values each of us uniquely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the twelve stones on the breastpiece?
The twelve stones represented the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing God's covenant with His people, as seen in Exodus 28:21 and reinforced in Ezekiel 37:16-22.
Why were the stones engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes?
The engraving of the stones with the names of the tribes signified God's personal knowledge and care for each tribe, much like the promise in Isaiah 49:16 that God has engraved His people on the palms of His hands.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Exodus?
This verse highlights the attention to detail in the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings, underscoring the importance of obedience to God's commands, as emphasized in Exodus 40:16 and Deuteronomy 12:32.
What can we learn from the use of precious stones in the breastpiece?
The use of precious stones teaches us about the value God places on His people, comparing them to precious jewels in Malachi 3:17, and reminding us of the beauty and diversity of the body of Christ, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you that God has engraved your name, symbolically, on His heart, and how does this truth impact your sense of identity and purpose?
- In what ways can you reflect the beauty and uniqueness of the precious stones in your own life, as a child of God?
- How does the detail and craftsmanship described in this verse inspire your own approach to worship and service to God?
- What does the representation of the twelve tribes on the breastpiece teach you about God's heart for unity and diversity among His people?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 39:14
[See comments on Exodus 39:2].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 39:14
They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 39:14
XXXIX. THE MAKING OF THE HOLY .(1-31) This section corresponds to Exodus 28:5-40, but does not follow exactly the same order. Exodus 39:2-7 correspond to Exodus 39:5-12 of Exodus 28; Exodus 39:8-21 to Exodus 39:13-28; Exodus 39:22-26 to Exodus 39:31-35; but after this a dislocation occurs. Exodus 39:27-29 correspond to Exodus 39:39-42 of Exodus 28, and Exodus 39:30-31 to Exodus 39:36-38. It is not clear why any change was made. The order observed in Exodus 28 seems preferable.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 39:14
14, 15. Corresponding to Exodus 28:21-22. 16a (to gold) Introduced here from Exodus 28:13. Exodus 39:16 b (from and two gold rings)–21a=Exodus 28:23-28.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 39:14
THE HOLY OF THE PRIESTS, Exodus 39:1-31 See notes on Exodus 28. ALL BROUGHT TO MOSES AND , Exodus 39:32-43.
Sermons on Exodus 39:14
| 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 |