Exodus 39:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:11 precisely details the second row of precious stones—an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond—affixed to the High Priest's breastplate. This verse is part of the meticulous record of the Tabernacle's construction and the priestly garments, all crafted in exact obedience to God's divine instructions given to Moses. It highlights the divine precision required in worship and the profound symbolic representation of God's covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Exodus 39, which chronicles the faithful execution of the divine blueprint for the Tabernacle and its sacred components, particularly the priestly vestments. Chapters 35-39 describe the fulfillment of the commands given in Exodus 25-31. Specifically, Exodus 39:8-21 details the construction of the breastplate of judgment (the *choshen mishpat*), including the setting of the twelve precious stones. The instructions for these stones were initially laid out in [Exodus 28:17-20](/exodus/28-17 "Exodus 28:17-20 - Instructions for the Breastplate Stones"), and here, the text confirms their precise placement. The repetition underscores the importance of exact adherence to God's specifications, emphasizing the sacredness and symbolic weight of each element.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle was the central undertaking for the Israelites in the wilderness, serving as God's dwelling place among His people. The High Priest's garments, especially the breastplate, were not merely decorative but deeply functional and symbolic. Worn over the ephod, the breastplate held twelve unique stones, each engraved with the name of one of the [twelve tribes of Israel](/genesis/49-28 "Genesis 49:28 - Jacob's Blessing of the Tribes"). This ensured that the High Priest, as the mediator, bore the names of the entire nation before the Lord when he entered the Holy Place, symbolizing God's constant remembrance and care for His covenant people. In the ancient Near East, precious stones were highly valued for their beauty, rarity, and often believed to possess mystical or protective qualities, making their inclusion in sacred attire particularly significant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Emerald (נֹפֶךְ, _nophek_):** While translated "emerald" in the KJV, the precise identification of this stone is debated among modern gemologists. It likely refers to a stone of a green hue, possibly malachite, carnelian, or turquoise, rather than the beryl emerald known today. It was prized for its color and brilliance, contributing to the overall splendor of the breastplate.
* **Sapphire (סַפִּיר, _sappir_):** This term most probably refers to lapis lazuli, a deep blue, opaque stone with golden flecks, rather than the transparent corundum sapphire of modern times. Lapis lazuli was highly esteemed in the ancient world and often associated with divine majesty and heavenly realms, as seen in descriptions of God's throne or pavement in [Exodus 24:10](/exodus/24-10 "Exodus 24:10 - The Pavement of Sapphire").
* **Diamond (יַהֲלֹם, _yahalom_):** This word denotes a very hard, brilliant stone, but almost certainly not the carbon diamond we recognize today, which was not cut or polished in antiquity as it is now. Scholars suggest it could have been onyx, jasper, or rock crystal, valued for its hardness, durability, and ability to reflect light. Its inclusion highlights the enduring and radiant nature intended for the representation of God's people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the second row":** This phrase continues the systematic enumeration of the precious stones on the breastplate, following the first row described in the preceding verse. It emphasizes the ordered, complete, and precise nature of the divine instructions and their faithful execution, ensuring that all twelve tribes were represented in a structured manner.
* **"an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond":** This specific listing identifies the three distinct stones chosen for this particular row. Each stone, with its unique color, brilliance, and perceived properties, contributed to the overall aesthetic and symbolic richness of the breastplate. The selection underscores the diversity of the tribes, yet their unity as they were brought together before God through the High Priest.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Exodus 39:11 is **Cataloging** or **Enumeration**. The verse simply lists the three specific stones in the second row, contributing to the overall detailed inventory of the Tabernacle's construction. This precise listing emphasizes God's meticulousness and the importance of exact adherence to His divine blueprint. The cumulative effect of such detailed enumeration throughout Exodus 39 highlights the **Symbolism** inherent in each component of the priestly garments. Each stone, while distinct, contributed to the unified representation of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing their collective presence before God and His constant remembrance of His covenant people. The beauty and preciousness of the stones also carry **Symbolic** weight, signifying the glory, honor, and sacredness associated with the High Priest's office and the holiness of the God he served.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:11, though a simple enumeration of stones, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous attention to detail and His desire for order and beauty in worship. The breastplate, with its twelve precious stones, served as a tangible reminder that the High Priest bore the names of all the tribes of Israel before the Lord, signifying God's constant remembrance, care, and intercession for His people. This act underscored the covenant relationship, where each tribe, distinct yet united, was precious in God's sight. The divine precision in the selection and placement of each stone speaks to the sacredness of the High Priest's office and the holiness of the God he served, for whom nothing was too small or insignificant.

* [Exodus 28:17-20](/exodus/28-17 "Original Instructions for the Breastplate")
* [Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "High Priest Bearing Israel's Names")
* [Revelation 21:19-20](/revelation/21-19 "Foundation Stones of New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple verse invites us to reflect on the profound truth of God's personal and meticulous care for His people. Just as each stone on the breastplate was unique, precious, and specifically chosen to represent a tribe, so too are we, as individual believers, uniquely valued and remembered by God. The High Priest bore the names close to his heart, symbolizing God's intimate knowledge and concern for each one of us. This should instill in us a deep sense of security and belonging, knowing that our names are eternally etched in the heart of our divine High Priest. Furthermore, the beauty and glory of these garments remind us that our lives, when submitted to God's design, are meant to reflect His glory and beauty in the world, serving as living stones in His spiritual house.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the construction of the breastplate, as seen in this verse, speak to God's character and His expectations for our worship and service?**
* **In what ways do you feel "borne" or remembered by God, knowing that the High Priest carried the names of Israel before Him?**
* **Considering the beauty and value of these stones, how can we, as God's people, better reflect His glory and beauty in our daily lives?**

### FAQ
**Why are the specific identifications of these ancient stones debated by scholars?**

Answer: The debate arises primarily from the ancient nature of the Hebrew terms and the evolution of gemological science. In biblical times, stones were often classified by color or general properties (e.g., hardness, brilliance) rather than by precise mineralogical composition as they are today. Furthermore, the same name might have applied to different stones across various regions or periods. Thus, *nophek*, *sappir*, and *yahalom* refer to categories of precious, colorful, and hard stones, whose exact modern equivalents are difficult to pinpoint with absolute certainty. The spiritual and symbolic significance of them being precious, beautiful, and representative is far more important than their precise modern classification.

**What is the deeper significance of the "second row" being specified?**

Answer: The specification of the "second row" is part of the overall meticulous cataloging of the breastplate's construction, emphasizing God's demand for order and completeness. The breastplate was designed to hold twelve stones, arranged in four rows of three. Each row contributed to the full representation of the twelve tribes of Israel. By detailing each row, the text underscores the systematic and comprehensive nature of God's design, ensuring that every tribe—and by extension, every part of His people—was accounted for and brought before Him in a structured and intentional manner. It highlights divine precision and the non-negotiable nature of God's instructions for sacred service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:11, with its description of the High Priest bearing precious stones representing the tribes of Israel, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly High Priest, with his ornate garments and the breastplate of judgment, served as a foreshadowing of our [Great High Priest, Jesus](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our Great High Priest"). Unlike Aaron, who bore the names of Israel on physical stones, Jesus bears His people—the new Israel, the Church—not on a breastplate, but on His very heart, in His perpetual intercession before the Father. He has entered, not into an earthly sanctuary made with hands, but into the heavenly Holy of Holies, having obtained eternal redemption through His own blood ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Heavenly Priesthood")). Just as the stones were precious and unique, so too are believers precious in Christ's sight, bought with an immeasurable price. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through Him, we are not merely represented but eternally united to God, His intercession for us being constant and perfect ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Perpetual Intercession")). The beauty and glory of the breastplate point to the surpassing glory of Christ, who perfectly embodies God's presence and perfectly represents His people.

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.