Exodus 39:11

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

Complete Jewish Bible:

the second row a green feldspar, a sapphire and a diamond;

Berean Standard Bible:

the second row had a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond;

American Standard Version:

and the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And the second{H8145} row{H2905}, an emerald{H5306}, a sapphire{H5601}, and a diamond{H3095}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Ezekiel 28:13

  • Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone [was] thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

Exodus 28:18

  • And the second row [shall be] an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

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Commentary for Exodus 39:11

Exodus 39:11 is part of the detailed instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, which was to serve as the portable dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt.

**Themes:**
1. **Divine Precision:** The specificity of the gemstones mentioned underscores the importance of following God's instructions precisely. This attention to detail reflects the holiness and majesty that was to be associated with the Tabernacle.
2. **Beauty and Value:** The use of precious stones like emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds signifies the beauty and inestimable value of the sacred space where God would meet with His people.
3. **Representation of Creation:** Some scholars suggest that the stones represent various aspects of creation, with each stone symbolizing different elements or qualities, pointing to the Creator's mastery over all things.
4. **Symbolism of Stones:** Each stone may also symbolize different tribes of Israel, connecting the people to the priestly garments and the worship of God.

**Historical Context:**
The historical context of Exodus 39:11 is set within the broader narrative of the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. After receiving the Ten Commandments and other laws at Mount Sinai, Moses is given intricate instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the priestly garments. These instructions are part of God's covenant with Israel, establishing a way for the people to worship and maintain a relationship with God. The Tabernacle would be at the center of Israelite worship until the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem by King Solomon.

In summary, Exodus 39:11 reflects the meticulous care required in the construction of the Tabernacle, highlighting the sanctity of worship and the importance of creation and craftsmanship in the context of Israel's covenant relationship with God.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H8145
    There are 151 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שֵׁנִי
    Transliteration: shênîy
    Pronunciation: shay-nee'
    Description: from שָׁנָה; properly, double, i.e. second; also adverbially, again; again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time).
  2. Strong's Number: H2905
    There are 20 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: טוּר
    Transliteration: ṭûwr
    Pronunciation: toor
    Description: from an unused root meaning to range in a regular manner; a row; hence, a wall; row.
  3. Strong's Number: H5306
    There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נֹפֶךְ
    Transliteration: nôphek
    Pronunciation: no'-fek
    Description: from an unused root meaning to glisten; shining; a gem, probably the garnet; emerald.
  4. Strong's Number: H5601
    There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: סַפִּיר
    Transliteration: çappîyr
    Pronunciation: sap-peer'
    Description: from סָפַר; a gem (perhaps used for scratching other substances), probably the sapphire; sapphire.
  5. Strong's Number: H3095
    There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יַהֲלֹם
    Transliteration: yahălôm
    Pronunciation: yah-hal-ome'
    Description: from הָלַם (in the sense of hardness); a precious stone, probably onyx; diamond.