Exodus 28:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the stones {H68} shall be with the names {H8034} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, twelve {H8147}{H6240}, according to their names {H8034}, like the engravings {H6603} of a signet {H2368}; every one {H376} with his name {H8034} shall they be according to the twelve {H8147}{H6240} tribes {H7626}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The stones will correspond to the names of the twelve sons of Isra'el; they are to be engraved with their names as a seal would be engraved, to represent the twelve tribes.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 28:21 details the precise and permanent engraving of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel onto the twelve precious stones of the high priestly breastplate. This instruction underscores the High Priest's representative role, bearing the identity and needs of the entire nation before God, and signifies God's unwavering commitment to and intimate remembrance of His covenant people, much like an indelible mark on a signet seal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a highly detailed section within Exodus (chapters 25-31 and 35-40) outlining God's specific instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and the sacred garments for the priests. Immediately preceding this verse, God describes the breastplate itself, also known as the "breastplate of judgment" ([Exodus 28:15](/exodus/28-15 "Exodus 28:15 - The Breastplate of Judgment")), specifying its dimensions, materials, and the setting of the twelve precious stones. These stones were to be arranged in four rows of three, each stone representing one of the twelve tribes. The breastplate was designed to be worn over the ephod, a complex priestly garment, and was intended to hold the Urim and Thummim, objects used by the High Priest to discern God's will for the nation ([Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim")). The engraving of the names on the breastplate's stones complements the names also engraved on two onyx stones on the ephod's shoulder pieces ([Exodus 28:9-12](/exodus/28-9 "Exodus 28:9-12 - The Ephod's Shoulder Stones")), emphasizing the High Priest's comprehensive role as the representative of all Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, signet rings or seals were not merely decorative but held immense legal, personal, and authoritative significance. They were used to authenticate documents, confirm ownership, and signify identity or authority. An "engraving of a signet" (Hebrew: *chotam*) implied a deep, permanent, and official mark, not easily altered or erased. This imagery would have been well understood by the Israelites, conveying the enduring and authoritative nature of what was being inscribed. The practice of bearing tribal or family names on significant objects was also common, but here, the divine command elevates it to a sacred act. The selection of precious stones, rather than common materials, further underscored the immense value and importance God placed on each tribe and, by extension, each individual within the nation of Israel. This meticulous detail reflects a culture where symbols and objects carried profound meaning, especially in religious and covenantal contexts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Signet (Hebrew, חֹתָם _chotam_):** This term refers to a seal, signet ring, or stamp. In ancient cultures, a signet was used to make an authentic, official impression, often in wax or clay, on documents or property. The engraving on a signet was typically deep and permanent, signifying authority, ownership, and an unchangeable decree. When applied to the names on the breastplate, it conveys that God's recognition and remembrance of His people are not superficial or temporary, but deeply etched, official, and enduring.
* **Engravings (Hebrew, פִּתּוּחֵי _pittuchei_):** Derived from the verb "to engrave" or "to carve," this word emphasizes the skilled and precise nature of the inscription. It denotes a deliberate, artistic, and permanent mark made by cutting into a hard surface. This is not merely writing or painting, but a deep, indelible etching, reinforcing the idea that the identity and representation of the tribes before God were firmly established and unalterable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names":** This clause establishes the primary function of the twelve precious stones on the breastplate: each is to bear the name of one of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob (Israel). The repetition of "twelve, according to their names" emphasizes the comprehensive and individualized representation of the entire nation, ensuring no tribe is omitted or forgotten.
* **"[like] the engravings of a signet":** This crucial simile describes the *manner* of the inscription. It's not a superficial mark but a deep, permanent, and authoritative engraving, akin to the seal of a king or official. This signifies the indelible nature of God's remembrance of His people and the enduring validity of the High Priest's representative role.
* **"every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes":** This final phrase reiterates and reinforces the previous statements, ensuring clarity regarding the individual representation of each of the twelve tribes. It confirms that each stone corresponds uniquely to a specific tribal name, solidifying the concept of a distinct yet unified representation before God.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 28:21 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Symbolism** is central, with the twelve precious stones symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel, highlighting their value and unique identity before God. The breastplate itself is a powerful symbol of representation and intercession. The phrase "like the engravings of a signet" functions as a **simile**, drawing a comparison between the permanence and authority of the names on the stones and the indelible mark of an official seal. This simile elevates the significance of the inscription, implying that God's remembrance and acknowledgment of His people are as firm and unchangeable as a royal decree. Furthermore, the **repetition** of "twelve" and "names" throughout the verse serves to emphasize the comprehensive and individual representation of each tribe, ensuring that the entirety of Israel is accounted for and brought into God's presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully communicates several profound theological truths. It underscores the theme of **Divine Representation**, where the High Priest, bearing the names of all Israel, serves as the nation's intercessor and advocate before God. This act signifies God's meticulous care and constant remembrance of His people, not as an undifferentiated mass, but as distinct individuals united in a covenant relationship. The permanence implied by the "engravings of a signet" speaks to God's **unwavering faithfulness** and the enduring nature of His covenant with Israel. It also highlights the **preciousness and value** God places on His chosen people, each tribe, and by extension, each individual, being represented by a unique and valuable gem.

* [Isaiah 49:16](/isaiah/49-16 "Isaiah 49:16 - Engraved on God's Palms")
* [Song of Solomon 8:6](/song_of_solomon/8-6 "Song of Solomon 8:6 - A Seal Upon the Heart")
* [Revelation 21:12-14](/revelation/21-12 "Revelation 21:12-14 - Foundations of the New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 28:21 offers immense comfort and assurance to believers today. Just as the High Priest carried the names of Israel, representing them continually before God, so too does our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, bear us upon His heart in the heavenly sanctuary. This truth reminds us that we are individually known, deeply valued, and constantly remembered by God. Our identity in Christ is not fleeting but eternally "engraved" in His divine memory, secured by His perfect sacrifice and ongoing intercession. This should inspire a profound sense of belonging and security, knowing that our High Priest ever lives to make intercession for us. It also serves as a powerful call to intercessory prayer, inviting us to follow the High Priest's example by bringing the needs and names of others before God's throne, participating in the divine work of advocacy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of your name being "engraved" on God's heart impact your sense of personal value and security in Christ?**
* **In what ways does Christ's role as our High Priest, bearing our names before God, encourage you in times of doubt or struggle?**
* **How can the concept of intercession, as exemplified by the High Priest, deepen your own prayer life for others?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "twelve" stones and "twelve tribes"?**

Answer: The number twelve is highly symbolic in biblical numerology, consistently representing completeness and divine governmental order, particularly in relation to Israel. The twelve stones, each engraved with the name of one of Jacob's sons (who became the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel), signify that the High Priest represented the *entirety* of the nation, every family and individual within it, before God. It emphasizes the collective identity and unity of God's covenant people.

**What does "like the engravings of a signet" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: In ancient times, a signet was a personal seal, often a ring, used to make an impression in soft clay or wax to authenticate documents, secure property, or signify ownership and authority. The engraving on a signet was deep and permanent, meant to last. Therefore, "like the engravings of a signet" means that the names on the breastplate stones were not lightly etched or easily erased, but were deeply, permanently, and officially inscribed, signifying an enduring and authoritative mark of God's covenant relationship with Israel.

**Did the breastplate have other functions besides bearing the names of the tribes?**

Answer: Yes, the breastplate, also called the "breastplate of judgment" ([Exodus 28:15](/exodus/28-15 "Exodus 28:15 - The Breastplate of Judgment")), had other crucial functions. It was designed to hold the Urim and Thummim ([Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim")), mysterious objects used by the High Priest to discern God's will and provide divine guidance for the nation. This function highlights the High Priest's role not just as a representative, but also as a mediator of divine revelation and judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 28:21 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest. Just as the Aaronic high priest carried the names of the twelve tribes on his heart into the Holy Place, Jesus, having entered the true heavenly sanctuary, continually bears His people before the very presence of God ([Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Entry into Heaven")). The permanence of the "engravings of a signet" beautifully foreshadows the unshakeable security of believers in Christ; our names are not merely written, but eternally etched into the Lamb's Book of Life ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Lamb's Book of Life")), signifying an unbreakable covenant relationship. Christ's intercession for us is not temporary but perpetual ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")), ensuring that every individual who belongs to Him is continually remembered, advocated for, and cherished by the Father. He is the ultimate representative, perfectly embodying and presenting His redeemed people before God, securing their access and standing through His finished work on the cross ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 7:4

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

Revelation 7:8

Of the tribe of Zabulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand.

Revelation 21:12

And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

1 Kings 18:31

And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:

Luke 22:30

That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

James 1:1

¶ James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.