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Exodus 35:27 — Word Study

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WLCוְהַנְּשִׂאִ֣ם הֵבִ֔יאוּ אֵ֚ת אַבְנֵ֣י הַשֹּׁ֔הַם וְאֵ֖ת אַבְנֵ֣י הַמִּלֻּאִ֑ים לָאֵפ֖וֹד וְלַחֹֽשֶׁן׃

BSAThe leadersnâsîyʼ [high-ranking officials, captains] broughtbôwʼ onyxshôham stonesʼeben [precious gemstones, possibly green or blue] and gemstonesʼeben [stones to be set, for the ephod] to mountmilluʼ on the ephodʼêphôwd [a special vest worn by priests] and breastpiecechôshen [a sacred pouch, the breastplate]

Word
Listen & take awayExodus 35
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 27 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (ve.la.Cho.shen) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Exodus 35:27quick helps
In a sentenceThe leaders brought precious stones for the priestly garments.
Who is speakingThe leaders, who are high-ranking officials.
Where we areThis verse is part of the instructions for constructing the Tabernacle.
The hard wordנָשִׂיא
Take awayThe contributions are for sacred purposes.
5 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Ellicott, AdamClarke & more — read them › clause verbבּוֹא The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Exodus 35:27

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — Contributions for the Tabernaclegenerated

26And all the skilled women whose hearts were stirred spun the goat hair.
27The leaders brought onyx stones and gemstones to mount on the ephod and breastpiece,
28as well as spices and olive oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense.
29So all the men and women of the Israelites whose hearts prompted them brought a freewill offering to the LORD for all the work that the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do.

Exodus 35:27 describes how the leaders of the Israelites contributed valuable stones for the ephod and breastpiece, which were essential components of the priestly garments. This act of bringing precious materials highlights the communal effort in constructing the Tabernacle, a central place of worship, as instructed by God through Moses.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Exodus 35:9and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.
21 Chronicles 29:6Then the leaders of the households, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly.
3Ezra 2:68When they arrived at the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families gave freewill offerings to rebuild the house of God on its original site.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 3 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;Exodus 35:9 1 Chronicles 29:6 Ezra 2:68

The Key Word נָשִׂיא, ve.ha.ne.si.'Imgenerated

The word נָשִׂיא (nasiy') refers to a leader or high-ranking official, such as a chief or prince. Its root implies the idea of lifting up, which connects to the authority and responsibility of leadership. In this verse, it emphasizes the role of the leaders in contributing to the sacred tasks.

This noun is in the masculine plural form, indicating a group of leaders, and it serves as the subject of the verb in the sentence. The leaders are taking an active role in the construction of the priestly garments, demonstrating their commitment to the worship of God.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb הֵבִיאוּ, they brought, governs the entire verse, with several noun phrases and prepositional phrases hanging off it. The structure emphasizes the actions of the leaders and the objects they brought.

The sentence begins with the subject וְהַנְּשִׂאִ֣ם (and the leaders), which sets the stage for the contributions being made, followed by the direct objects and their descriptions.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word נָשִׂיא is rendered as ἄρξοντες (arxontes), meaning 'rulers' or 'leaders'. This choice reflects a similar understanding of authority and leadership in both texts.

The translation choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning, maintaining the focus on the leaders' roles in the contributions.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Exodus 35:27 shows that the leaders of the Israelites brought valuable onyx stones and other gemstones for the ephod and breastpiece. This act was part of their contributions to the construction of the Tabernacle, highlighting their commitment to God's instructions.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What is the significance of the leaders bringing stones?

The leaders' contributions were essential for creating the priestly garments, which were vital for worship and service to God.

What does the ephod represent?

The ephod was a special vest worn by priests, symbolizing their role in mediating between God and the people.

Why are gemstones important in this context?

Gemstones were not only valuable but also held symbolic significance in the priestly garments, representing beauty and holiness.

How does this verse connect to the overall theme of Exodus?

This verse illustrates the communal effort in obeying God's commands and the importance of sacred objects in worship.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What role do leaders play in your community, and how can they contribute to spiritual growth?
  2. In what ways can you offer your resources for the work of God?
  3. How do you view the importance of sacred objects or symbols in your faith?
  4. What can you learn from the leaders' willingness to contribute to the Tabernacle?

Commentators on this verse — 5 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Exodus 35:27 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set,.... Or "stones of fillings" (d), to be set in ouches, and fill them up, as stones set in rings do: for the ephod, and for the breastplate;

Read John Gill on Exodus 35 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins, brought them. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Read Robert Jamieson on Exodus 35 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(27) The rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set.—The “rulers” here intended are probably the “princes of the tribes” of Israel (Numbers 1:16; Numbers 3:3; Numbers 3:5, &c.). The twelve stones required for the breastplate would naturally be contributed by the twelve chiefs of the tribes whose names they were to bear (Exodus 28:21). The two onyx stones for the ephod (Exodus 28:9-12), may have been the further gift of two of the number, who happened to possess stones of the large size needed.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Exodus 35 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 27. The rulers brought onyx stones] These being persons of consequence, might be naturally expected to furnish the more scarce and costly articles. See how all join in this service! The men worked and brought offerings, the women spun and brought their ornaments, the rulers united with them, and delivered up their jewels! and all the children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord, Exodus 35:29.

Read AdamClarke on Exodus 35 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The precious stones Exodus 28:9 and spices were contributed by the rulers, who were more wealthy than the other Israelites.

Read Albert Barnes on Exodus 35 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

The leaders brought onyx stones and gemstones to mount on the ephod and breastpiece,

WEBWorld English Bible2000

The rulers brought the onyx stones and the stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate;

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

The leaders brought onyx stones and gemstones to mount on the ephod and breastpiece,

NETBNew English Translation2006

The leaders brought onyx stones and other gems to be mounted for the ephod and the breastpiece,

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And the rulers brought the onyx stones, and the stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;

RVARevised Version, American1894

And the rulers brought the onyx stones, and the stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breast-plate;

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And ye rulers brought onix stones, and stones to be set in the Ephod, and in the brest plate:

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And the principal men brought the onyx stones, and the stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And the princes have brought in the shoham stones, and the stones for settings, for the ephod, and for the breastplate,

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And the princes have brought in the shoham stones, and the stones for settings, for the ephod, and for the breastplate,

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And the princes brought the onyx stones, and the stones for setting, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

The leaders brought onyx stones and other gems to be set into the ephod and the breastpiece;

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

But the princes offered onyx stone, and precious stones, for the ephod and the rational,

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

The leaders brought onyx stones and gemstones to make the ephod and breastpiece,

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And the rulers gave the beryls and the cut jewels for the ephod and the priest's bag;

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

וְandclausenoun phrase · subjectהַtheנְּשִׂאִ֣םleadersverbהֵבִ֔יאוּthey.broughtnoun phrase · objectnoun phraseאֵ֚ת(et)noun phraseאַבְנֵ֣יthe.stonesnoun phraseהַofשֹּׁ֔הַםthe.onyxוְandnoun phraseאֵ֖ת(et)noun phraseאַבְנֵ֣יthe.stonesnoun phraseהַofמִּלֻּאִ֑יםthe.setting(s)prepositional phrase · prepositionalprepositional phraseלָfornoun phrasetheאֵפ֖וֹדephodוְandprepositional phraseלַfornoun phrasetheחֹֽשֶׁןbreastpiece

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree, with the Septuagint providing a close word-by-word correspondence. However, the Samaritan Pentateuch differs by using the term נשׂיאים (chief) instead of the Masoretic נְשִׂאִם (leaders), which may imply a slightly different nuance in leadership.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

וְהַנְּשִׂאִ֣ם הֵבִ֔יאוּ אֵ֚ת אַבְנֵ֣י הַשֹּׁ֔הַם וְאֵ֖ת אַבְנֵ֣י הַמִּלֻּאִ֑ים לָאֵפ֖וֹד וְלַחֹֽשֶׁן׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְהַנְּשִׂאִ֣םἄρξοντεςהֵבִ֔יאוּἤνεγκανאַבְנֵ֣יλίθουςהַשֹּׁ֔הַםσμαράγδουוְאֵ֖תκαὶאַבְנֵ֣יλίθουςהַמִּלֻּאִ֑יםπληρώσεωςלָאֵפ֖וֹדἐπωμίδαוְלַחֹֽשֶׁן׃εἰς

9 of the 10 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

והנשׂיאים הביאו את אבני השׁהם ואת אבני המלאים לאפוד ולחשׁן

1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: נשׂיאים (chief)

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Exodus 35:27נָשִׂיאand the leaand the leadersנָשִׂיאבּוֹאthey broughthey broughtבּוֹאאֵתthe object the object markאֵתאֶ֫בֶן[the] stone[the] stones ofאֶ֫בֶןשֹׁ֫הַםthe onyxthe onyxשֹׁ֫הַםאֵתand the objand the object אֵתאֶ֫בֶן[the] stone[the] stones ofאֶ֫בֶןמִלּוּאthe settingthe settingמִלּוּאאֵפוֹדfor the ephfor the ephodאֵפוֹדחֹ֫שֶׁןand for theand for the breחֹ֫שֶׁןאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתבָּנָהto buildto buildבָּנָהמָלֵאto fillto fillמָלֵאנָשָׂאto lift: rto lift: raiseנָשָׂאמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁיָקָרpreciouspreciousיָקָרלוּחַtablettabletלוּחַחֹ֫שֶׁןbreastpiecbreastpieceחֹ֫שֶׁןמַטֶּהtribetribeמַטֶּהשֶׁ֫מֶשׁsunsunשֶׁ֫מֶשׁיָֽשְׁפֶהjasperjasperיָֽשְׁפֶהתַּרְשִׁישׁjasperjasperתַּרְשִׁישׁשֹׁ֫הַםonyxonyxשֹׁ֫הַםחֵ֫שֶׁבartworkartworkחֵ֫שֶׁבאֵפוֹדephodephodאֵפוֹדקָצָהendendקָצָה
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Exodus 35:27

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and the leaders they brought the object marker [the] stones of the onyx and the object marker [the] stones of the setting for the ephod and for the breastpiece
וְהַנְּשִׂאִ֣םve.ha.ne.si.'Im and the leaders H5387 Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
134× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a leader or a high-ranking official, like a king or a captain. It can also describe a rising mist, as seen in Isaiah 60:13. In the Bible, it often symbolizes power and authority.
Amplified meaning
high-ranking officials, captains
Tyndale gloss
leader
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָשִׂיא (nasiy') refers to an exalted figure, such as a chief, prince, or ruler, and also denotes a rising mist or vapor. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to lift up.' Its meanings encompass leadership roles and atmospheric phenomena, as noted in various lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָשִׂיא 128 n.m. one lifted up, i.e. a chief prince

base

[נָשִׂיא] n.[m.] rising mist, vapour

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5387a נָשִׂיא one lifted up, i.e. a chief prince H5387b נָשִׂיא rising mist, vapour

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5387 nasiy' naw-see'

or nasi8 {naw-see'}; from 5375; properly, an exalted one,

i.e. a king or sheik; also a rising mist:--captain, chief,

cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour.

see HEBREW for 0nasi8

see HEBREW for 05375

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָשִׂיא (na.si) — leader.

one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader

נָשִׂיא (na.si) — mist.

rising mist, vapour

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Art | N-mp — Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
HC/Td/Ncmpa
and the leaders they brought the object marker [the] stones of the onyx and the object marker [the] stones of the setting for the ephod and for the breastpiece
הֵבִ֔יאוּhe.Vi.'u they brought H935 Verb · Hiphil · perfect third person common plural
2,573× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Tyndale gloss
Lebo
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בּוֹא (bo) is a Hebrew verb meaning to come or go in, with a wide range of applications including entering, arriving, and bringing in. It can refer to both physical movement and abstract concepts like events coming to pass. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal (to come), Hiphil (to cause to come), and Hophal (to be brought). There is no significant disagreement among lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בּוֹא 2569 vb. come in, come, go in, go

Qal

come in

come (approach, arrive)

go, i.e. walk, associate with

go from speaker, but with limit of motion given

Hiph.

cause to come in, bring in (conduct, lead, obj. persons and animals)

cause to come, bring, bring near, etc. (animate obj.)

Hoph.

be brought in (of pers. and things)

be brought

be introduced, put

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H935 בּוֹא come in, come, go in, go .. come in

. come (approach, arrive)

. go, i.e. walk, associate with

. go from speaker, but with limit of motion given

. . cause to come in, bring in (conduct, lead, obj. persons and animals)

. cause to come, bring, bring near, etc. (animate obj.)

. . be brought in (of pers. and things)

. be brought

. be introduced, put

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

935 bow' bo

a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of

applications):--abide, apply, attain, X be, befall, +

besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, X

certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out,

upon, to pass), depart, X doubtless again, + eat, + employ,

(cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be

fallen, fetch, + follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war),

grant, + have, X indeed, (in-)vade, lead, lift (up), mention,

pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, X (well) stricken

(in age), X surely, take (in), way.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בּוֹא (bo) — to come (in): come.

: come/go_in

1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to enter, come in

1a2) to come

1a2a) to come with

1a2b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)

1a2c) to come to pass

1a3) to attain to

1a4) to be enumerated

1a5) to go

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to lead in

1b2) to carry in

1b3) to bring in, cause to come in, gather, cause to come, bring near, bring against, bring upon

1b4) to bring to pass

1c) (Hophal)

1c1) to be brought, brought in

1c2) to be introduced, be put

לְב֥וֹא (bo) — Lebo-(Hamath).

This name means to go in, enter

Combined with cha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574)

בּוֹא (bo) — to come (in): towards.

: towards/entrance

1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to enter, come in

1a2) to come

1a2a) to come with

1a2b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)

1a2c) to come to pass

1a3) to attain to

1a4) to be enumerated

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp — Verb · Hiphil · perfect third person common plural
HVhp3cp
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the leaders they brought the object marker [the] stones of the onyx and the object marker [the] stones of the setting for the ephod and for the breastpiece
אֵ֚ת'et the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the leaders they brought the object marker [the] stones of the onyx and the object marker [the] stones of the setting for the ephod and for the breastpiece
אַבְנֵ֣י'av.Nei [the] stones of H68 Noun common · masculine plural construct
273× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
precious gemstones, possibly green or blue
Tyndale gloss
stone: weight
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶ֫בֶן (*eben*) means 'stone' and encompasses various types, including common stones, precious stones, and stones used as weights or tools. It can also refer to metaphorical uses, such as a hardened heart or sinking in water. The entries highlight its physical and symbolic significance, with no notable disagreements among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶ֫בֶן 274 n.f. stone

in natural state

stone, as material

precious stone, gen. with modifying word

stone containing metal, = ore

a weight, as orig. stone

plummet

objects like stone

in sim. (mostly poet.) of sinking in water

In topogr. terms

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H68 אֶ֫בֶן stone . in natural state

. stone, as material

. precious stone, gen. with modifying word

. stone containing metal, = ore

. a weight, as orig. stone

. plummet

. objects like stone

. in sim. (mostly poet.) of sinking in water

. In topogr. terms

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

68 'eben eh'-ben

from the root of 1129 through the meaning to build; a

stone:--+ carbuncle, + mason, + plummet, (chalk-, hail-,

head-, sling-)stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s).

see HEBREW for 01129

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶ֫בֶן (e.ven) — stone.

: stone

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

אֶ֫בֶן (e.ven) — stone: weight.

: 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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fp — Noun common · masculine plural construct
HNcmpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and the leaders they brought the object marker [the] stones of the onyx and the object marker [the] stones of the setting for the ephod and for the breastpiece
הַשֹּׁ֔הַםha.Sho.ham the onyx H7718 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
11× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Onyx is a precious gemstone, possibly green or blue in color, used in the Bible to describe luxurious items. It is also known as beryl or chrysoprasus.
Tyndale gloss
onyx
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֹׁ֫הַם (shoham) refers to a gem, with its exact identification being uncertain. It is likely associated with onyx, beryl, or chrysoprasus, and may also refer to malachite. The word is built from an unused root that probably means to blanch, indicating a pale color.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֹׁ֫הַם n.m. a gem, identif. dubious; onyx or chrysoprasus, beryl, malachite (√ unknown)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7718 שֹׁ֫הַם a gem, identif. dubious (√ unknown)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7718 shoham sho'-ham

from an unused root probably mean to blanch; a gem, probably

the beryl (from its pale green color):--onyx.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֹׁ֫הַם (sho.ham) — onyx.

1) a precious stone or gem

1a) probably onyx, chrysoprasus, beryl, malachite

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

on'-iks o'-niks.

See STONES, PRECIOUS.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Onyx

A hail; claw; hoof, (Heb. shoham), a precious stone adorning the breast-plate of the high priest and the shoulders of the ephod (Ex. 28:9-12, 20; 35:27; Job 28:16; Ezek. 28:13). It was found in the land of Havilah (Gen. 2:12). The LXX. translates the Hebrew word by smaragdos, an emerald. Some think that the sardonyx is meant. But the onyx differs from the sardonyx in this, that while the latter has two layers (black and white) the former has three (black, white, and red).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(a nail) is the translation of the Hebrew shoham ; but there is some doubt as to its signification. Some writers believe that the "beryl" is intended; but the balance of authority is in favor of some variety of the onyx. ("The onyx is not a transparent stone, but as the color of the flesh appears through the nail (Greek onyx) on the human body, so the reddish mass which is below shines delicately through the whitish surface of the onyx. There are several varieties. White and reddish stripes alternating form the sardonyx; white and reddish gray, the chalcedony. When polished it has a fine lustre, and is easily wrought into a gem of great beauty."-Rosenmiller.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A nail, the eleventh stone in the high priest’s breastplate, Ex 28:20. The modern onyx has some resemblance to the agate; and the color of the body of the stone is like that of the human nail; hence its name. The Hebrew word so translated is not known with certainty to signify the onyx; but denoted some valuable stone, Ge 2:12; Ex 25:7; 28:9-12,20. A species of marble resembling the onyx was known to the Greeks, and may have been the "onyx-stones" stored up by David for the temple, 1Ch 29:2.

and the leaders they brought the object marker [the] stones of the onyx and the object marker [the] stones of the setting for the ephod and for the breastpiece
וְאֵ֖תve.'Et and the object marker H853 Conjunction · particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HC/To — Conjunction · particle
HC/To
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the leaders they brought the object marker [the] stones of the onyx and the object marker [the] stones of the setting for the ephod and for the breastpiece
אַבְנֵ֣י'av.Nei [the] stones of H68 Noun common · masculine plural construct
273× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
stones to be set, for the ephod
Tyndale gloss
stone: weight
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶ֫בֶן (*eben*) means 'stone' and encompasses various types, including common stones, precious stones, and stones used as weights or tools. It can also refer to metaphorical uses, such as a hardened heart or sinking in water. The entries highlight its physical and symbolic significance, with no notable disagreements among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶ֫בֶן 274 n.f. stone

in natural state

stone, as material

precious stone, gen. with modifying word

stone containing metal, = ore

a weight, as orig. stone

plummet

objects like stone

in sim. (mostly poet.) of sinking in water

In topogr. terms

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H68 אֶ֫בֶן stone . in natural state

. stone, as material

. precious stone, gen. with modifying word

. stone containing metal, = ore

. a weight, as orig. stone

. plummet

. objects like stone

. in sim. (mostly poet.) of sinking in water

. In topogr. terms

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

68 'eben eh'-ben

from the root of 1129 through the meaning to build; a

stone:--+ carbuncle, + mason, + plummet, (chalk-, hail-,

head-, sling-)stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s).

see HEBREW for 01129

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶ֫בֶן (e.ven) — stone.

: stone

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

אֶ֫בֶן (e.ven) — stone: weight.

: 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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fp — Noun common · masculine plural construct
HNcmpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and the leaders they brought the object marker [the] stones of the onyx and the object marker [the] stones of the setting for the ephod and for the breastpiece
הַמִּלֻּאִ֑יםha.mi.lu.'Im the setting H4394 Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
15× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to setting or installing something, like a gemstone or a priest, often in a ceremonial context, as seen in Exodus 28:11 and Leviticus 8:12.
Tyndale gloss
setting
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִלּוּא (millu') refers to a setting or installation, particularly in the context of gems or the consecration of priests. It is derived from the root meaning of fulfilling and is primarily used in plural form. The term encompasses both the literal act of setting stones and the technical aspect of dedicatory sacrifices.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[מִלּוּא, מִלֻּא] n.m. setting, installation

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4394 [מִלּוּא, מִלֻּא] setting, installation

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4394 millu' mil-loo'

from 4390; a fulfilling (only in plural), i.e. (literally) a

setting (of gems), or (technically) consecration (also

concretely, a dedicatory sacrifice):--consecration, be set.

see HEBREW for 04390

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִלֻּא (mil.lu) — setting.

1) setting, installation

1a) setting, stones for setting

1b) installation (of priests)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-mp — Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
HTd/Ncmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

set'-ing (millu'ah, literally, "a filling"): The word is used in the description of the manufacture of the breastplate of judgment (Ex 28:17). The instruction runs: "Thou shalt set in it settings of stones," namely, four rows of precious stones. The same word is rendered "inclosings" in Ex 28:20, and in 39:13 the King James Version.

and the leaders they brought the object marker [the] stones of the onyx and the object marker [the] stones of the setting for the ephod and for the breastpiece
לָאֵפ֖וֹדla.'e.Fod for the ephod H646 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
49× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The ephod was a special vest worn by priests in the Bible, including the high priest, made with gold, blue, and purple threads. It was a symbol of their role and had shoulder pieces and a breastpiece with gems. In Exodus 28:6, God instructs Moses on how to make the ephod.
Amplified meaning
a special vest worn by priests
Tyndale gloss
ephod
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֵפוֹד (ephod) refers to a priestly garment, specifically a shoulder-cape or mantle worn by priests, with variations in material and design for ordinary and high priests. It is mentioned in contexts of priestly duties and rituals, including its use in consulting God and a notable instance where Gideon made a gold ephod.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵפוֹד (28 t.) & אֵפֹד (20 t.) n.m. ephod

ephod, priestly garment, shoulder-cape or mantle

ephod used in consulting י׳

ephod of gold made by Gideon

made (material not given) for a private, local sanctuary

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H646 אֵפוֹד (28 t.) & אֵפֹד (20 t.) ephod

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

646 'ephowd ay-fode'

rarely oephod {ay-fode'}; probably of foreign derivation ; a

girdle; specifically the ephod or high-priest's shoulder-

piece; also generally, an image:--ephod.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵפוֹד (e.phod) — ephod.

1) ephod

1a) priestly garment, shoulder-cape or mantle, outer garment

1a1) worn by an ordinary priest and made of white stuff

1a2) worn by the high priest-more costly, woven of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen threads provided with shoulder-pieces and a breast piece of like material, ornamented with gems and gold

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HRd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Ephod

Something girt, a sacred vestment worn originally by the high priest (Ex. 28:4), afterwards by the ordinary priest (1 Sam. 22:18), and characteristic of his office (1 Sam. 2:18, 28; 14:3). It was worn by Samuel, and also by David (2 Sam. 6:14). It was made of fine linen, and consisted of two pieces, which hung from the neck, and covered both the back and front, above the tunic and outer garment (Ex. 28:31). That of the high priest was embroidered with divers colours. The two pieces were joined together over the shoulders (hence in Latin called superhumerale) by clasps or buckles of gold or precious stones, and…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(a sacred vestment originally appropriate to the high priest. (Exodus 28:4)

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

An ornamental part of the dress worn by the Hebrew priests. It was worn above the tunic and the robe, was without sleeves, and open below the arms on each side, consisting of two pieces, one of which covered the front of the body and the other the back, joined together on the shoulders by golden buckles set with gems, and reaching down to the middle of the thigh. A girdle was inwoven with it, by which it was fastened around the body, Ex 28:6-12. There were two kinds of ephod: one plain, of linen, for the priests, 1Sa 22:18; another embroidered, for the high priest. Young Samuel wore an ephod, though only a Levite and a child, 1Sa 2:18. David, in transferring the ark to Jerusalem, was "girt with a linen ephod,"

1. A sacred vestment worn by the high priest

Described Ex 28:6-14,31-35; 25:7

The making of Ex 39:2-26

Breastplate attached to Ex 28:22-29

Worn by Aaron Ex 39:5

Used as an oracle 1Sa 23:9,12; 30:7,8

An inferior, was worn by the ordinary priests 1Sa 22:18

Worn by Samuel 1Sa 2:18

Worn by David 2Sa 6:14

It was called COAT Ex 28:40; 29:8; 39:27; 40:14; Le 8:13; 10:5

and the leaders they brought the object marker [the] stones of the onyx and the object marker [the] stones of the setting for the ephod and for the breastpiece
וְלַחֹֽשֶׁן׃ve.la.Cho.shen and for the breastpiece H2833 Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The breastpiece was a sacred pouch worn by the high priest to hold the Urim and Thummim, as seen in Exodus 28:15-30.
Amplified meaning
a sacred pouch, the breastplate
Tyndale gloss
breastpiece
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֹ֫שֶׁן (choshen) refers to the breast-piece or sacred pouch worn by the high priest, designed to hold the Urim and Thummim. It is derived from a root that likely means to contain or sparkle, suggesting a connection to richness or precious stones. The term is used exclusively in this context within the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֹ֫שֶׁן n.m. the breast-piece or sacred pouch

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2833 חֹ֫שֶׁן the breast-piece or sacred pouch

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2833 choshen kho'-shen

from an unused root probably meaning to contain or sparkle;

perhaps a pocket (as holding the Urim and Thummim), or rich

(as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the

highpriest:--breastplate.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֹ֫שֶׁן (cho.shen) — breastpiece.

1) breastplate, breastpiece

1a) sacred pouch of the high priest designed to hold the Urim and Thummim

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Prep | N-ms — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HC/Rd/Ncmsa
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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