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 meticulously details the composition of the second row of precious stones—an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond—affixed to the High Priest's breastplate. This verse is an integral part of the comprehensive record of the Tabernacle's construction and the priestly garments, all crafted with unwavering precision in exact obedience to God's divine instructions given to Moses. It profoundly underscores the divine demand for precision in worship and the deep symbolic representation of God's covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the concluding chapters of Exodus (Exodus 35-40), which meticulously chronicle the fulfillment of God's commands for the Tabernacle's construction and the priestly vestments, as originally detailed in Exodus 25-31. Specifically, [Exodus 39:8-21](/exodus/39-8-21 "Exodus 39:8-21 - Construction of the Breastplate") describes the fabrication of the breastplate of judgment (*choshen mishpat*), including the precise setting of the twelve precious stones. The instructions for these stones were initially laid out in [Exodus 28:17-20](/exodus/28-17-20 "Exodus 28:17-20 - Instructions for the Breastplate Stones"), and here, the text confirms their exact placement and composition. The repetition of these details across the command and fulfillment sections serves to emphasize the paramount importance of exact adherence to God's specifications, highlighting the sacredness and immense symbolic weight of each element within the divine blueprint.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle represented the central undertaking for the Israelites during their wilderness journey, serving as the tangible manifestation of God's dwelling presence among His covenant people. The High Priest's garments, particularly the breastplate, transcended mere decoration; they were deeply functional and imbued with profound symbolism. Worn directly over the ephod, the breastplate held twelve unique stones, each meticulously 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, acting as the designated mediator, literally bore the names of the entire nation before the Lord whenever he entered the Holy Place, symbolizing God's constant remembrance, care, and intercession for His covenant people. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, precious stones were highly valued not only for their inherent beauty and rarity but also often believed to possess mystical, protective, or even divine qualities, making their inclusion in sacred attire particularly significant and universally understood as a mark of honor and divine favor.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 39:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Precision and Obedience**, demonstrating that every detail of God's instructions, no matter how minute, was to be followed exactly. This meticulousness reflects God's ordered character and the sanctity required in His worship. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Representation and Intercession**, as the stones on the breastplate symbolize the High Priest bearing the entire nation before God, a concept central to the priestly ministry described in [Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - High Priest Bearing Israel's Names"). Thirdly, it speaks to the **Glory and Beauty of God's Dwelling**, as the precious stones contribute to the splendor of the priestly garments, reflecting the majesty of the God whom the Tabernacle housed. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Relationship**, where each distinct tribe, though diverse, was united and precious in God's sight, brought together in His presence through the High Priest.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **second (Hebrew, _shênîy'_):** From the root meaning "double," this word properly signifies "second" in sequence. Its use here emphasizes the ordered, systematic arrangement of the stones on the breastplate. It highlights the divine precision in the Tabernacle's construction, ensuring that each of the twelve tribes was represented in a structured and complete manner, with no omission.
* **row (Hebrew, _ṭûwr'_):** Derived from an unused root implying a regular arrangement or range, this term denotes a line or series. In this context, it refers to one of the four horizontal lines of stones on the breastplate. Its inclusion underscores the methodical and deliberate design of the breastplate, where each stone had its designated place within a larger, unified pattern, reflecting divine order.
* **emerald (Hebrew, _nôphek'_):** From an unused root meaning "to glisten," this term describes a shining gem, likely a stone with a vibrant green hue. While translated "emerald" in the KJV, modern gemologists often suggest it was more likely a garnet or another brilliant green stone, as the beryl emerald known today was not typically used or cut in that era. Its presence contributed to the rich tapestry of colors on the breastplate, symbolizing beauty and perhaps vitality.
* **sapphire (Hebrew, _çappîyr'_):** This term refers to a precious gem, possibly used for scratching other substances due to its hardness. It is widely believed to refer to lapis lazuli, a deep blue, opaque stone often flecked with gold, rather than the transparent corundum sapphire of modern times. Lapis lazuli was highly esteemed in the ancient world and frequently 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"). Its deep blue color evoked transcendence and the heavens.
* **diamond (Hebrew, _yahălôm'_):):** Derived from a root conveying hardness, this word denotes a precious stone. While translated "diamond," it almost certainly does not refer to the carbon diamond we know today, which was not cut or polished in antiquity as it is now. Scholars suggest it was likely onyx, jasper, or rock crystal, valued for its extreme hardness, durability, and ability to reflect light. Its inclusion on the breastplate would have signified permanence, strength, and perhaps the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the second row":** This opening phrase immediately places the verse within the ongoing, systematic enumeration of the precious stones adorning the High Priest's breastplate. It follows the description of the first row in the preceding verse ([Exodus 39:10](/exodus/39-10 "Exodus 39:10 - First Row of Breastplate Stones")), emphasizing the ordered, complete, and precise nature of the divine instructions and their faithful execution. This methodical listing ensures that all twelve tribes of Israel were represented in a structured and intentional manner before the Lord.
* **"an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond":** This specific listing identifies the three distinct stones designated for this particular row. Each stone, with its unique color, brilliance, and perceived properties, contributed to the overall aesthetic splendor and profound symbolic richness of the breastplate. The careful selection of these diverse gems underscores the diversity of the tribes of Israel, yet their unity as they were collectively brought together and presented before God through the High Priest's mediatorial role.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 39:11 primarily employs **Enumeration** (or **Cataloging**), a literary device where elements are listed sequentially. The verse simply itemizes the three specific stones in the second row of the breastplate. This precise listing contributes to the overall meticulous inventory of the Tabernacle's construction found throughout Exodus 39, highlighting God's exactitude and the critical importance of adhering precisely to His divine blueprint. Beyond mere listing, the cumulative effect of such detailed enumeration throughout the description of the priestly garments underscores the profound **Symbolism** inherent in each component. Each stone, distinct in its beauty and properties, 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. Furthermore, the inherent beauty, rarity, and preciousness of the stones themselves carry significant **Symbolic** weight, signifying the glory, honor, and sacredness associated with the High Priest's office and, by extension, the holiness and majesty of the God whom he served. The selection of these specific, valuable gems elevates the spiritual significance of the object, marking it as sacred and set apart.

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

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

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

#### 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 today?**
* **In what specific ways do you personally feel "borne" or remembered by God, knowing that the High Priest carried the names of Israel before Him?**
* **Considering the inherent beauty and value of these stones, how can we, as God's redeemed people, better reflect His glory and beauty in our daily lives and interactions with the world?**

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

Answer: The debate regarding the precise identification of these ancient stones arises primarily from the nature of the Hebrew terminology and the evolution of gemological science. In biblical times, stones were often classified by their dominant color, general appearance, or physical properties (e.g., hardness, brilliance) rather than by their exact modern mineralogical composition. Furthermore, the same ancient name might have applied to different stones across various regions or periods, or a single Hebrew term might encompass a broader category of gems. Thus, *nophek* (emerald), *sappir* (sapphire), and *yahalom* (diamond) 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 of God's people 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 an integral part of the overall meticulous cataloging of the breastplate's construction, emphasizing God's demand for divine order, completeness, and precision. The breastplate was specifically designed to hold twelve stones, arranged in four distinct rows of three. Each row contributed to the full and comprehensive representation of the twelve tribes of Israel. By detailing each row individually, 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, intentional, and non-negotiable manner. It highlights divine precision and the sacred, non-negotiable nature of God's instructions for sacred service and worship.

### 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 the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly High Priest, with his ornate garments and the breastplate of judgment, served as a powerful and divinely ordained foreshadowing of our [Great High Priest, Jesus Christ](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our Great High Priest"). Unlike Aaron, who bore the names of physical Israel on tangible stones, Jesus bears His people—the new Israel, the Church—not on a breastplate, but eternally etched upon His very heart, in His perpetual and perfect intercession before the Father. He has entered, not into an earthly sanctuary made with human hands, but into the heavenly Holy of Holies, having obtained eternal redemption for us through the shedding of His own precious blood ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Heavenly Priesthood")). Just as the stones were precious and unique, so too are believers infinitely 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 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and through His finished work, we are not merely represented but eternally united to God, His intercession for us being constant, perfect, and eternally effective ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Perpetual Intercession")). The beauty, glory, and preciousness of the breastplate ultimately point to the surpassing glory of Christ, who perfectly embodies God's presence and perfectly represents and intercedes for His beloved 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.

Cross-References

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.