What number verse is Exodus 39:14 in the Bible?

Exodus 39:14 is the 2,679th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 39:14 sits at position 2,679.

Translation

King James Version

And the stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, every one with his name, according to the twelve tribes.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And the stones ^H68 were according to 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, according to the twelve ^{H8147 H6240} tribes ^H7626.

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Complete Jewish Bible

The stones corresponded to the names of the twelve sons of Isra'el; they were engraved with their names as a seal would be engraved, each name representing one of the twelve tribes.

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Berean Standard Bible

The twelve stones corresponded to the names of the sons of Israel. Each stone was engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

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American Standard Version

And the stones were 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, for the twelve tribes.

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World English Bible Messianic

The stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, for the twelve tribes.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

So the stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, euen twelue after their names, grauen like signets euery one after his name according to the twelue tribes.

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Young's Literal Translation

And the stones, according to the names of the sons of Israel, are twelve, according to their names, openings of a signet, each according to his name, for the twelve tribes.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 39:14 precisely details the crafting of the high priestly breastplate, specifically focusing on the twelve precious stones, each meticulously engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This verse underscores the divine imperative for absolute precision in fulfilling God's commands for the Tabernacle and its sacred garments, emphasizing the High Priest's perpetual role as the representative of the entire nation before the Lord, with each tribe individually and permanently remembered in God's holy presence, much like a binding, authoritative seal.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Exodus 39 is situated within the latter half of the book of Exodus, which meticulously chronicles the construction of the Tabernacle, its sacred furnishings, and the garments for the priests. Chapters 35-40 describe the actual execution of the divine commands given by God to Moses in earlier chapters, particularly the detailed instructions for the priestly vestments found in Exodus 28. Verse 14 specifically refers to the "breastplate of judgment" (mentioned in Exodus 28:15), a crucial component worn over the ephod. The recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout Exodus 39 highlights the unwavering fidelity of the craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab, to the divine blueprint, ensuring every detail, including the engraving of the stones, was executed precisely according to God's revealed will. This emphasis on obedience ensures the sanctity and efficacy of the Tabernacle and its worship.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, the role of a priest was fundamentally to mediate between the divine and humanity, representing the people before their deity. The Israelite High Priest uniquely bore the names of the tribes on his heart when he entered the Holy Place, symbolizing God's constant remembrance and active care for His covenant people. The concept of "engravings of a signet" is deeply rooted in ancient cultural practices. Signet rings or cylinder seals were indispensable tools used to make official, binding impressions on clay or wax, serving as a legal signature, a mark of ownership, or a seal of authenticity and authority. This practice ensured permanence and the inviolability of a document or decree. The use of precious stones also conveyed immense value, permanence, and divine beauty, fitting for items used in the worship of the holy God of Israel, reflecting the preciousness of His covenant people.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive throughout Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Presence and Mediation, as the High Priest, bearing the names of the tribes, served as the primary mediator between God and Israel. Secondly, it highlights God's Covenant Faithfulness and Remembrance, demonstrating that God's people are perpetually "on His heart," known by name and held in His enduring memory. This is reminiscent of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2 to make his name great and to bless those who bless him. Thirdly, the meticulous detail and precise execution emphasize the theme of Holiness and Order in Worship, reflecting God's demand for absolute adherence to His commands in all matters pertaining to sacred service. Finally, the representation of all twelve tribes speaks to the Unity and Identity of God's People, emphasizing that despite their individual tribal distinctions, they are one unified nation before the Lord, as seen in the collective identity established at Mount Sinai in Exodus 19.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Stones (Hebrew, 'eben', H68): This term refers to precious gemstones, specifically enumerated in Exodus 28:17-20. As derived from a root meaning "to build," these stones metaphorically represent the foundational and enduring nature of the tribes of Israel. Their intrinsic value signifies the preciousness of God's people to Him, their enduring nature as a covenant nation, and the beauty of their representation before His divine presence. Each stone was distinct, mirroring the unique identity of each tribe within the collective.
Engravings (Hebrew, pittûwach' H6603) of a signet (Hebrew, chôwthâm', H6603): This phrase is profoundly significant. Pittûwach' denotes a deep, precise, and permanent carving or sculpture, not a superficial mark. Chôwthâm' refers to a seal, typically a ring or cylinder, used to create an official, binding impression. The combination of these terms conveys that the names of the tribes were not lightly or temporarily placed but were deeply and permanently etched, symbolizing the enduring, authentic, and binding nature of God's covenant relationship with His people. It signifies that Israel's identity before God is as secure and authoritative as a royal or legal seal, indicating ownership, authenticity, and inviolability.
Names (Hebrew, shêm', H8034): The emphasis on "names" rather than mere symbols highlights God's personal knowledge and intimate relationship with each tribe and, by extension, each individual within Israel. In biblical thought, knowing a name implies a deep, personal understanding, authority, and relationship. This underscores that God's remembrance of His people is not generic or abstract but profoundly personal, reflecting His character and the honor He bestows upon those He calls His own. The inscription of names signifies a perpetual memorial and a personal connection.

Verse Breakdown

"And the stones [were] according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names": This clause emphasizes the precise and divinely ordained correspondence between each of the twelve precious stones and the twelve distinct tribes descended from Jacob (Israel). Each stone was specifically designated for a particular tribe, bearing its unique name. This highlights the concept of individual identity and representation within the collective nation, ensuring that no tribe was overlooked or forgotten in the High Priest's ministry before God.
"[like] the engravings of a signet": This simile describes the method of inscription, emphasizing its permanence and authority. It was not a superficial painting or a temporary mark, but a deep, precise, and authoritative carving, akin to the indelible impression made by an official seal. This signifies the enduring and binding nature of God's commitment to His covenant people, as well as the authenticity and inviolability of their representation before Him, ensuring their perpetual remembrance.
"every one with his name, according to the twelve tribes": This phrase serves as a powerful reiteration and reinforcement of the preceding points, underscoring the comprehensive and personal nature of the representation. It emphasizes that every single tribe, without exception, had its name individually inscribed, ensuring that the High Priest bore the full weight and identity of the entire nation on his heart when ministering before the Lord, a complete and perfect representation.

Literary Devices

Exodus 39:14 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning and theological significance. Symbolism is central, with the twelve stones serving as potent symbols of the twelve tribes of Israel, representing the entire covenant community. The act of the High Priest bearing these stones on his heart symbolizes his role as a mediator and the perpetual remembrance of God's people in His presence. The phrase "[like] the engravings of a signet" functions as a clear simile, drawing a direct comparison between the method of inscription on the stones and the indelible, authoritative mark of an ancient seal. This simile powerfully conveys the ideas of permanence, authenticity, authority, and the binding nature of God's relationship with Israel. Furthermore, the verse utilizes repetition of key phrases like "according to their names" and "according to the twelve tribes." This repetition is not redundant but serves to emphasize the meticulous precision, the comprehensive representation, and the individual recognition of each tribe within the collective nation, reinforcing the divine order and God's personal knowledge of His beloved people.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Exodus 39:14 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His intimate, enduring knowledge of His people. The High Priest's breastplate, bearing the names of the twelve tribes, served as a tangible, visual reminder that Israel was perpetually "on the heart" of their mediator, and thus, perpetually before God. This imagery speaks powerfully to the deep personal value God places on each individual within His collective people, ensuring their remembrance and representation. It underscores the permanence of God's promises and His unwavering commitment to His chosen nation, etched as indelibly as a signet's mark. The meticulous detail in the construction of the breastplate reflects God's demand for excellence and holiness in worship, but more importantly, His perfect care for His beloved, demonstrating that His attention to His people is as precise and enduring as His own character.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The imagery of the High Priest bearing the names of Israel on his heart, permanently inscribed like a signet, offers profound comfort and assurance to believers today. It reminds us that God's knowledge of us is not general or fleeting, but deeply personal and enduring. We are not just part of a faceless crowd; we are known by name, cherished, and perpetually present in His thoughts. This truth should instill a deep sense of security and belonging, knowing that our identity and worth are eternally sealed in Him. It calls us to live lives that reflect the preciousness with which God regards us, walking in a manner worthy of His constant remembrance and care, striving for holiness and faithfulness in response to His enduring love. Furthermore, it encourages us to engage in intercessory prayer for others, bearing their needs and names before God, much like the High Priest bore the tribes, recognizing our interconnectedness and shared responsibility within the body of Christ. This act of bearing others before God is a tangible expression of love and solidarity, mirroring God's own heart for His people.

Questions for Reflection

How does the imagery of the engraved stones on the High Priest's heart deepen your understanding of God's personal knowledge and care for you?
In what ways does Christ, our High Priest, fulfill the representation seen in the Old Testament breastplate, and what comfort and assurance does this bring to your faith?
Considering that God knows you by name and holds you permanently inscribed in His remembrance, how might this truth impact your sense of identity, security, and purpose in your daily walk and service?

FAQ

Why were there twelve stones, and why were they engraved?

Answer: There were twelve stones to represent each of the twelve tribes of Israel, ensuring that the entire nation was comprehensively and individually represented before God by the High Priest. The stones were engraved "like the engravings of a signet" to signify permanence, authenticity, and the binding nature of God's covenant with His people. Just as a signet seal made an indelible mark to confirm a legal document or ownership, the names on the breastplate symbolized God's enduring and authoritative remembrance of each tribe, ensuring their perpetual presence before Him.

What was the significance of the "signet" in ancient times, and what does it imply here?

Answer: In ancient times, a signet (often a ring or cylinder seal) was a crucial instrument used to authenticate documents, signify ownership, or legally bind agreements. An impression from a signet served as a signature, making a decree or contract official and inviolable. In Exodus 39:14, the comparison to "engravings of a signet" implies that God's remembrance and relationship with Israel were not temporary or superficial but deeply etched, permanent, authentic, and legally binding. This underscores the enduring nature of His covenant promises and the inviolable security of His people's standing before Him.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The High Priest's breastplate, with its twelve engraved stones, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. Just as the earthly priest bore the names of the tribes on his heart into the earthly sanctuary, Jesus, our heavenly High Priest, continually intercedes for us before the Father in the true, heavenly sanctuary. He does not merely bear our names as a symbol; He bore our sins and our very selves on the cross, offering the perfect and final sacrifice for all who believe (Hebrews 9:24-28). Through His finished work, our names are not just engraved on perishable stones, but written in the Lamb's Book of Life, a permanent and eternal record. Jesus knows His sheep by name (John 10:3) and carries us, not just on His heart, but within His very being, having united us to Himself as members of His body (Ephesians 5:30). His priesthood is eternal and unchangeable (Hebrews 7:24-25), ensuring that our representation before God is perfect, perpetual, and eternally secure, fulfilling the temporary shadow of the Old Testament priesthood with an everlasting reality. This imagery also subtly foreshadows the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem, bearing the names of the twelve apostles, linking the Old Testament representation of God's people to the New Testament church, founded upon Christ and His apostles, a continuous and glorious testament to God's enduring covenant with His people throughout all ages.

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Commentary on Exodus 39 verses 1–31

1 ¶ And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.

2 And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

3 And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, with cunning work.

4 They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together.

5 And the curious girdle of his ephod, that was upon it, was of the same, according to the work thereof; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; as the LORD commanded Moses.

6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.

7 And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.

8 And he made the breastplate of cunning work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

9 It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.

10 And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row.

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

12 And the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.

13 And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

14 And the stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, every one with his name, according to the twelve tribes.

15 And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends, of wreathen work of pure gold.

16 And they made two ouches of gold, and two gold rings; and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate.

17 And they put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate.

18 And the two ends of the two wreathen chains they fastened in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod, before it.

19 And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, upon the border of it, which was on the side of the ephod inward.

20 And they made two other golden rings, and put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart of it, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.

21 And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

22 And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.

23 And there was an hole in the midst of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, with a band round about the hole, that it should not rend.

24 And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen.

25 And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates;

26 A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the LORD commanded Moses.

27 And they made coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,

28 And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,

29 And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.

30 And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

31 And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.

In this account of the making of the priests' garments, according to the instructions given (ch. 28), we may observe, 1. That the priests' garments are called here clothes of service, Exo 39:1. Note, Those that wear robes of honour must look upon them as clothes of service; for from those upon whom honour is put service is expected. It is said of those that are arrayed in white robes that they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple, Rev 7:13, Rev 7:15. Holy garments were not made for men to sleep in, or to strut in, but to do service in; and then they are indeed for glory and beauty. The Son of man himself came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. 2. That all the six paragraphs here, which give a distinct account of the making of these holy garments, conclude with those words, as the Lord commanded Moses, Exo 39:5, Exo 39:7, Exo 39:21, Exo 39:26, Exo 39:29, Exo 39:31. The like is not in any of the foregoing accounts, as if in these, more than any other of the appurtenances of the tabernacle, they had a particular regard to the divine appointment, both for warrant and for direction. It is an intimation to all the Lord's ministers to make the word of God their rule in all their ministrations, and to act in observance of and obedience to the command of God. 3. That these garments, in conformity to the rest of the furniture of the tabernacle, were very rich and splendid; the church in its infancy was thus taught, thus pleased, with the rudiments of this world; but now under the gospel, which is the ministration of the Spirit, to affect and impose such pompous habits as the church of Rome does, under pretence of decency and instruction, is to betray the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and to entangle the church again in the bondage of those carnal ordinances which were imposed only till the time of reformation. 4. That they were all shadows of good things to come, but the substance is Christ, and the grace of the gospel; when therefore the substance has come, it is a jest to be fond of the shadow. (1.) Christ is our great high-priest; when he undertook the work of our redemption, he put on the clothes of service - he arrayed himself with the gifts and graces of the Spirit, which he received not by measure - girded himself with the curious girdle of resolution, to go through with his undertaking - charged himself with the curious girdle of resolution, to go through with his undertaking - charged himself with all God's spiritual Israel, bore them on his shoulders, carried them in his bosom, laid them near his heart, engraved them on the palms of his hands, and presented them in the breast-plate of judgment unto his Father. And (lastly) he crowned himself with holiness to the Lord, consecrating his whole undertaking to the honour of his Father's holiness: now consider how great this man is. (2.) True believers are spiritual priests. The clean linen with which all their clothes of service must be made is the righteousness of saints (Rev 19:8), and Holiness to the Lord must be so written upon their foreheads that all who converse with them may see, and say, that they bear the image of God's holiness, and are devoted to the praise of it.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–31. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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