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.

EXODUS 39:14KJV
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Exodus 39:14 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:14 mean?

Exodus 39:14 describes how twelve stones were prepared, each one engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, just like a seal or signet would be engraved. Each stone represented a specific tribe, and the names were carefully inscribed to match each tribe exactly.

This verse is part of the instructions for making the high priest’s breastplate in the tabernacle. Skilled craftsmen made sure each stone matched a tribe, showing attention to detail and the importance of every tribe in Israel’s community. The verse highlights the care taken to represent all the tribes equally before God.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:14

  • שֵׁמוֹת (shemot, “names”): This word is repeated several times, emphasizing that each stone was individually marked with a specific name, not just a symbol or number. The focus is on personal identity and representation.
  • פִּתּוּחֵי (pittuḥei, “engravings”) and חוֹתָם (ḥotam, “signet”): The engravings were done with the same care and permanence as a signet ring, which was used to mark ownership or authority. This suggests the names were meant to last and carried significance.
  • שְׁבָטִים (shevatim, “tribes”): This word clarifies that the names corresponded to the twelve distinct family groups within Israel, underlining the unity and diversity of the nation.

Why Exodus 39:14 matters

  • Exodus 39:14 makes clear that every tribe had a place on the high priest’s breastplate, showing that no group was left out or forgotten in Israel’s relationship with God.
  • The careful engraving “like the engravings of a signet” stresses the value and permanence of each tribe’s identity, not just a temporary label.
  • This verse ties the physical design of the priestly garments to the spiritual reality of representation and remembrance before God, connecting craftsmanship to deeper meaning in Israel’s worship.

Where else these words appear

“engravings” Hebrew H6603 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 28:11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.
  • Exodus 39:6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:7 Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.

“signet” Hebrew H2368 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 38:18 And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.
  • Exodus 39:6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.
  • Job 41:15 His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal.