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

EXODUS 39:6KJV
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Exodus 39:6 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:6 mean?

Exodus 39:6 describes how skilled workers made onyx stones set in gold settings, each stone engraved like a seal with the names of the tribes of Israel. The verse highlights the careful craftsmanship and the significance of representing all the children of Israel in the priestly garments.

This verse is part of the account of constructing the high priest’s garments as God instructed Moses. The onyx stones were to be placed on the priest’s shoulders, each engraved with six of the tribes’ names, symbolizing that the priest carried all Israel before God. The detailed description shows the importance of both beauty and meaning in the tabernacle’s service.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:6

  • "Onyx" (שֹׁהַם, shoham): This stone is often understood as a precious, dark-colored gem. Its use here emphasizes value and distinction, setting the stones apart as special markers for the tribes.
  • "Ouches" (מִשְׁבְּצוֹת, mishbetzot): This word refers to gold settings or mountings. The settings were crafted to securely hold the onyx stones, showing attention to both function and appearance.
  • "Graven" (פִּתּוּחֵי, pituché): This term means engraved or carved, especially as one would engrave a seal or signet ring. The engraving was not just decorative but served to identify each tribe by name.
  • "Signets" (חֹתָם, chotam): A signet was used to make an official mark or seal. Comparing the engraving to a signet suggests the names were deeply and clearly inscribed, making each tribe’s identity unmistakable.

Why Exodus 39:6 matters

  • Exodus 39:6 clarifies that the priest’s garments were not only beautiful but also meaningful, with each tribe’s name permanently represented.
  • The verse connects the priest’s role to the whole nation, showing that the high priest symbolically bore all Israel before God, not just himself.
  • This detail ties into the broader theme of Exodus 39, which is about obedience to God’s specific instructions and the care taken in worship and service.

Where else these words appear

“inclosed” Hebrew H4142 · used in 5 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 39:13 And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.
  • Numbers 32:38 And Nebo, and Baalmeon,(their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded.

“ouches” Hebrew H4865 · used in 9 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 28:14 And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches.
  • Exodus 39:16 And they made two ouches of gold, and two gold rings; and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate.

“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.

“graven” 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 39:14 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.
  • 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.