Exodus 39:12 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:12 mean?

Exodus 39:12 names the three stones placed in the third row of the high priest’s breastpiece, a decorated piece worn on the chest. The KJV calls them a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. The verse records part of the breastpiece’s careful construction.

The list continues from the second row in verse 11. The names help readers picture the stones arranged side by side, though some ancient stone names are difficult to match with modern ones. In particular, the stone called “ligure” is uncertain.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:12

• “ligure” — לֶשֶׁם (leshem): This is the Hebrew name for the first stone in the row. Its exact modern identity is uncertain, so “ligure” preserves a traditional name rather than giving a sure identification.

Why Exodus 39:12 matters

• The stones were part of a larger set, not loose decorations. Verse 13 places all four rows in gold settings.
• The stones were connected with Israel’s twelve tribes. Verse 14 says the twelve stones bore the names of Israel’s sons, one name on each stone.