Exodus 39:14

KJV

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:14 details the meticulous craftsmanship of the high priestly breastplate, specifically the twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This verse underscores the divine precision in fulfilling God's commands for the Tabernacle, emphasizing the High Priest's role as a perpetual representative of the entire nation before the Lord, with each tribe individually and permanently remembered in God's presence, much like a binding, authoritative seal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39 is situated within the latter portion of the book of Exodus, which meticulously details the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, along with the garments for the priests. Chapters 35-40 describe the actual execution of the commands given by God to Moses in earlier chapters, particularly the detailed instructions for the priestly vestments in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Instructions for Priestly Garments"). Verse 14 specifically refers to the "breastplate of judgment" (mentioned in [Exodus 28:15](/exodus/28-15 "Exodus 28:15 - The Breastplate of Judgment")), a crucial component worn over the ephod. The repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout Exodus 39 highlights the absolute fidelity of the craftsmen to the divine blueprint, ensuring every detail, including the engraving of the stones, was executed precisely according to God's will.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the role of a priest was often 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 care for His covenant people. The concept of "engravings of a signet" is deeply rooted in ancient cultural practices. Signet rings or cylinders were 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 value, permanence, and divine beauty, fitting for items used in the worship of the holy God of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stones (Hebrew, אֶבֶן, _'even'_):** In this context, these are precious gemstones, specifically listed in [Exodus 28:17-20](/exodus/28-17 "Exodus 28:17-20 - The Twelve Stones of the Breastplate"). The use of valuable stones signifies the preciousness of the people of Israel to God, their enduring nature, and the beauty of their representation before Him. Each stone was unique, mirroring the distinct identity of each tribe.
* **Engravings of a signet (Hebrew, פִּתּוּחֵי חוֹתָם, _pittuchei chotam'_):** This phrase is highly significant. A "signet" (חוֹתָם, _chotam'_) refers to a seal, typically a ring or cylinder, used to create an official, binding impression. "Engravings" (פִּתּוּחֵי, _pittuchei'_) denotes a deep, precise, and permanent carving, not a superficial mark. This imagery 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, as secure and authoritative as a royal seal.
* **Names (Hebrew, שֵׁמוֹת, _shemot'_):** 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. Knowing a name in the biblical sense implies a deep, personal understanding and relationship, underscoring that God's remembrance of His people is not generic but profoundly personal.

#### 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 correspondence between each of the twelve precious stones and the twelve distinct tribes descended from Jacob (Israel). Each stone was designated for a specific tribe, bearing its unique name. This highlights the concept of individual identity and representation within the collective nation, ensuring that no tribe was overlooked.
* **"[like] the engravings of a signet":** This simile describes the method of inscription. It was not a superficial painting or a temporary mark, but a deep, permanent, and authoritative carving, akin to the 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.
* **"every one with his name, according to the twelve tribes":** This phrase serves as a powerful reiteration and reinforcement of the preceding points. It underscores the comprehensive and personal nature of the representation. 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.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 39:14 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **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 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 people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:14 profoundly illustrates God's 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 reminder that Israel was perpetually "on the heart" of their mediator, and thus, perpetually before God. This imagery speaks 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.

* [Exodus 28:15-21](/exodus/28-15 "Exodus 28:15-21 - Description of the Breastplate of Judgment")
* [Isaiah 49:16](/isaiah/49-16 "Isaiah 49:16 - God has engraved us on the palms of His hands")
* [Malachi 3:16](/malachi/3-16 "Malachi 3:16 - The Book of Remembrance for Those Who Fear the LORD")

### 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. Furthermore, it encourages us to intercede for others, bearing their needs and names before God, much like the High Priest bore the tribes, recognizing our interconnectedness within the body of Christ.

#### 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 does this bring?**
* **Considering that God knows you by name and holds you permanently inscribed, how might this truth impact your sense of identity, security, and purpose in your daily walk?**

### 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.

**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, underscoring the enduring nature of His covenant promises.

### 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](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, 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](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24-28 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through His finished work, our names are not just engraved on stones, but written in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/3-5 "Revelation 3:5 - Names Written in the Book of Life"), a permanent and eternal record. Jesus knows His sheep by name ([John 10:3](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Shepherd Calls His Own Sheep by Name")) and carries us, not just on His heart, but within His very being, having united us to Himself. His priesthood is eternal and unchangeable ([Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Christ's Permanent Priesthood and Intercession")), 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](/revelation/21-14 "Revelation 21:14 - The 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.

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 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: