And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;

EXODUS 35:27KJV
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Exodus 35:27 (KJV)

What does Exodus 35:27 mean?

Exodus 35:27 describes how the leaders of Israel brought onyx stones and other precious stones to be set into the ephod and the breastplate, which were special garments worn by the high priest. This verse highlights the rulers’ role in providing valuable materials for the construction of sacred items used in Israel’s worship.

In this part of Exodus, Moses is relaying instructions to the Israelites about gathering materials for the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary. The “rulers” mentioned here are the tribal leaders or heads of the people, and they contribute by bringing rare and valuable stones. These stones were specifically intended for the ephod and breastplate, two important pieces of the high priest’s ceremonial clothing, showing that the leaders participated in the community’s worship preparations by giving precious resources.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 35:27

  • The word for “rulers” is נְשִׂאִים (nĕśi’îm), which refers to tribal leaders or chiefs. This highlights that those in positions of authority took an active part in supporting the tabernacle project, not just the general population.
  • “Onyx” is שֹׁהַם (shoham), a precious stone whose exact identity is debated, but it is often understood as a valuable gem. Its mention shows the high quality and value of the offerings.
  • The word for “stones” is אֶבֶן (’even), a general term for stones, but here it refers to gems suitable for setting into ceremonial garments.
  • “To be set” comes from מִלּוּאִים (millu’im), which means “settings” or “mountings.” This indicates that the stones were prepared specifically to be placed into the ephod and breastplate, not just given as raw materials.

Why Exodus 35:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the leaders were personally involved in giving, not just directing others, which shows shared responsibility and generosity among all levels of the community.
  • By specifying the stones were for the ephod and breastplate, Exodus 35:27 connects the leaders’ gifts directly to the high priest’s role, emphasizing the importance of these garments in Israel’s worship.
  • The verse helps readers see how the building of the tabernacle was a collective effort, with each group contributing according to their means and position.

Where else these words appear

“onyx” Hebrew H7718 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 2:12 And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.
  • Exodus 28:20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.
  • Exodus 39:13 And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

“set” Hebrew H4394 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 25:7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
  • Exodus 29:31 And thou shalt take the ram of the consecration, and seethe his flesh in the holy place.
  • Leviticus 8:28 And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

“breastplate” Hebrew H2833 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 25:7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
  • Exodus 28:26 And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.
  • Exodus 39:9 It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.

“ephod” Hebrew H646 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 25:7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
  • Exodus 39:2 And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
  • Judges 18:18 And these went into Micah's house, and fetched the carved image, the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image. Then said the priest unto them, What do ye?