Back to Exodus 28

Exodus 28:9-21

You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel. Six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the six that remain on the other stone, in the order of their birth. With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones, according to the names of the children of Israel. You shall make them to be enclosed in settings of gold. You shall put the two stones on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel. Aaron shall bear their names before Yahweh on his two shoulders for a memorial. You shall make settings of gold, and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords of braided work. You shall put the braided chains on the settings.

“You shall make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, you shall make it. It shall be square and folded double; a span shall be its length, and a span its width. You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row; and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald; and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be enclosed in gold in their settings. The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.

World English Bible · Public Domain
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Exodus 28:9-21 sits inside this longer paragraph.

“They shall make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skillful workman. It shall have two shoulder straps joined to the two ends of it, that it may be joined together. The skillfully woven band, which is on it, shall be like its work and of the same piece; of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel. Six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the six that remain on the other stone, in the order of their birth. With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones, according to the names of the children of Israel. You shall make them to be enclosed in settings of gold. You shall put the two stones on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel. Aaron shall bear their names before Yahweh on his two shoulders for a memorial. You shall make settings of gold, and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords of braided work. You shall put the braided chains on the settings.

“You shall make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, you shall make it. It shall be square and folded double; a span shall be its length, and a span its width. You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row; and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald; and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be enclosed in gold in their settings. The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes. You shall make on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold. You shall make on the breastplate two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. You shall put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate. The other two ends of the two braided chains you shall put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in its forepart. You shall make two rings of gold, and you shall put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its edge, which is toward the side of the ephod inward. You shall make two rings of gold, and shall put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, in its forepart, close by its coupling, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. They shall bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate may not swing out from the ephod. Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment on his heart, when he goes in to the holy place, for a memorial before Yahweh continually. You shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be on Aaron’s heart, when he goes in before Yahweh. Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel on his heart before Yahweh continually.

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Parallel Translations

  • WEB World English Bible

    You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel.

    Six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the six that remain on the other stone, in the order of their birth.

    With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones, according to the names of the children of Israel. You shall make them to be enclosed in settings of gold.

    You shall put the two stones on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel. Aaron shall bear their names before Yahweh on his two shoulders for a memorial.

    You shall make settings of gold,

    and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords of braided work. You shall put the braided chains on the settings.

    “You shall make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, you shall make it.

    It shall be square and folded double; a span shall be its length, and a span its width.

    You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row;

    and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;

    and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;

    and the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be enclosed in gold in their settings.

    The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.

  • KJV King James Version

    And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:

    Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth.

    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.

    And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.

    And thou shalt make ouches of gold;

    And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches.

    And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.

    Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.

    And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.

    And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

    And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.

    And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.

    And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.

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  • JPS JPS Tanakh (1917)

    And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:

    six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the six that remain on the other stone, according to their birth.

    With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones, according to the names of the children of Israel; thou shalt make them to be inclosed in settings of gold.

    And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel; and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.

    And thou shalt make settings of gold;

    and two chains of pure gold; of plaited thread shalt thou make them, of wreathen work; and thou shalt put the wreathen chains on the settings.

    And thou shalt make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skilful workman; like the work of the ephod thou shalt make it: of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.

    Four-square it shall be and double: a span shall be the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof.

    And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of carnelian, topaz, and smaragd shall be the first row;

    and the second row a carbuncle, a sapphire, and an emerald;

    and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;

    and the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper; they shall be inclosed in gold in their settings.

    And the stones shall be 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, they shall be for the twelve tribes.

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Cross-references (93)

  • Exodus 28:29 (v12) Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment on his heart, when he goes in to the holy place, for a…
  • Ezekiel 28:13 (vv9, 17, 18) You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise,…
  • Exodus 39:6-7 (v12) They worked the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold, engraved with the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children…
  • Exodus 39:10-21 (v17) They set in it four rows of stones. A row of ruby, topaz, and beryl was the first row; and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an…
  • Joshua 4:7 (v12) then you shall tell them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of Yahweh’s covenant. When it crossed over the…
Show all 86 cross-references
  • Leviticus 24:7 (v12) You shall put pure frankincense on each row, that it may be to the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire to Yahweh.
  • Numbers 16:40 (v12) to be a memorial to the children of Israel, to the end that no stranger who isn’t of the offspring of Aaron, would come near to burn…
  • Numbers 31:54 (v12) Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the Tent of Meeting for a…
  • Proverbs 8:11 (v17) For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.
  • Isaiah 9:6 (v12) For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor,…
  • Revelation 7:4-8 (v21) I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel: of the…
  • Revelation 21:12 (v21) having a great and high wall; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written on them, which are the names of the…
  • Revelation 21:19-21 (v17) The foundations of the city’s wall were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire;…
  • Exodus 28:36 (vv9, 11) “You shall make a plate of pure gold, and engrave on it, like the engravings of a signet, ‘HOLY TO YAHWEH.’
  • Exodus 39:6 (vv9, 11) They worked the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold, engraved with the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children…
  • Exodus 39:13 (vv9, 11) and the fourth row, a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in gold settings.
  • Job 28:16 (vv9, 18) It can’t be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
  • Revelation 4:3 (vv18, 20) that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at.
  • Genesis 2:12 (v9) and the gold of that land is good. Bdellium and onyx stone are also there.
  • Genesis 9:12-17 (v12) God said, “This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual…
  • Genesis 43:33 (v10) They sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth, and the men marveled with one…
  • Exodus 1:1-4 (v10) Now these are the names of the sons of Israel, who came into Egypt (every man and his household came with Jacob): Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and…
  • Exodus 12:14 (v12) This day shall be a memorial for you. You shall keep it as a feast to Yahweh. You shall keep it as a feast throughout your generations by…
  • Exodus 13:9 (v12) It shall be for a sign to you on your hand, and for a memorial between your eyes, that Yahweh’s law may be in your mouth; for with a strong…
  • Exodus 24:10 (v18) They saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was like a paved work of sapphire stone, like the skies for clearness.
  • Exodus 26:1 (v15) “Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim. You shall…
  • Exodus 28:4 (v15) These are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a fitted tunic, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy…
  • Exodus 28:6 (v15) “They shall make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skillful workman.
  • Exodus 28:7 (v12) It shall have two shoulder straps joined to the two ends of it, that it may be joined together.
  • Exodus 28:9 (v17) You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel.
  • Exodus 28:11 (v17) With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones, according to the names of the…
  • Exodus 28:13-14 (v11) You shall make settings of gold, and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords of braided work. You shall put the braided…
  • Exodus 28:20 (v9) and the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be enclosed in gold in their settings.
  • Exodus 28:21 (v11) The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet,…
  • Exodus 28:22-25 (v14) You shall make on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold. You shall make on the breastplate two rings of gold, and…
  • Exodus 28:25 (v11) The other two ends of the two braided chains you shall put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in its…
  • Exodus 28:30 (v15) You shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be on Aaron’s heart, when he goes in before Yahweh.…
  • Exodus 39:8-21 (v15) He made the breastplate, the work of a skillful workman, like the work of the ephod: of gold, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined…
  • Exodus 39:11 (v18) and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;
  • Exodus 39:12 (v19) and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;
  • Exodus 39:15 (v14) They made on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold.
  • Exodus 39:17-18 (v14) They put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate. The other two ends of the two braided chains they…
  • Exodus 39:18 (v11) The other two ends of the two braided chains they put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, in its front.
  • Leviticus 8:8 (v15) He placed the breastplate on him. He put the Urim and Thummim in the breastplate.
  • 1 Kings 7:17 (v14) There were nets of checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the capitals which were on the top of the pillars; seven for the one…
  • 1 Kings 18:31 (v21) Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom Yahweh’s word came, saying, “Israel shall be…
  • 2 Kings 25:17 (v14) The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and a capital of bronze was on it. The height of the capital was three cubits, with…
  • 2 Chronicles 2:7 (v9) “Now therefore send me a man skillful to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in iron, and in purple, crimson, and blue, and who knows how…
  • 2 Chronicles 4:12-13 (v14) the two pillars, the bowls, the two capitals which were on the top of the pillars, the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals…
  • Job 28:6 (v18) Sapphires come from its rocks. It has dust of gold.
  • Job 28:18-19 (v17) No mention will be made of coral or of crystal. Yes, the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia will not equal it, nor will…
  • Psalms 89:19 (v12) Then you spoke in vision to your saints, and said, “I have given strength to the warrior. I have exalted a young man from the people.
  • Proverbs 3:15 (v17) She is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her.
  • Proverbs 20:15 (v17) There is gold and abundance of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.
  • Proverbs 31:10 (v17) Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies.
  • Song of Solomon 5:14 (v18) His hands are like rings of gold set with beryl. His body is like ivory work overlaid with sapphires.
  • Song of Solomon 8:6 (v9) Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; for love is strong as death. Jealousy is as cruel as Sheol. Its flashes are flashes…
  • Isaiah 12:2 (v12) Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and will not be afraid; for Yah, Yahweh, is my strength and song; and he has become my…
  • Isaiah 49:16 (v9) Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Your walls are continually before me.
  • Isaiah 54:11-12 (v17) “You afflicted, tossed with storms, and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in beautiful colors, and lay your foundations with…
  • Isaiah 54:12 (v19) I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.
  • Isaiah 62:6 (v12) I have set watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem. They will never be silent day nor night. You who call on Yahweh, take no rest,
  • Jeremiah 17:1 (v18) “The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond. It is engraved on the tablet of their heart, and on the…
  • Jeremiah 22:24 (v11) “As I live,” says Yahweh, “though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah were the signet on my right hand, I would still pluck you from…
  • Lamentations 4:7 (v17) Her nobles were purer than snow. They were whiter than milk. They were more ruddy in body than rubies. Their polishing was like sapphire.
  • Ezekiel 1:16 (v20) The appearance of the wheels and their work was like a beryl. The four of them had one likeness. Their appearance and their work was as it…
  • Ezekiel 1:26 (v18) Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone. On the likeness of the…
  • Ezekiel 10:1 (v18) Then I looked, and see, in the expanse that was over the head of the cherubim there appeared above them as it were a sapphire stone, as the…
  • Ezekiel 10:9 (v20) I looked, and behold, there were four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside one cherub, and another wheel beside another cherub. The…
  • Ezekiel 27:16 (v18) “ ‘ “Syria was your merchant by reason of the multitude of your handiworks. They traded for your wares with emeralds, purple, embroidered…
  • Daniel 10:6 (v20) His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches. His arms and his feet were…
  • Zechariah 3:9 (v11) For, behold, the stone that I have set before Joshua; on one stone are seven eyes: behold, I will engrave its engraving,’ says Yahweh of…
  • Zechariah 6:13-14 (v12) even he shall build Yahweh’s temple; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on his throne; and he shall be a priest on his…
  • Malachi 3:17 (v17) They shall be mine,” says Yahweh of Armies, “my own possession in the day that I make, and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son…
  • Luke 1:54 (v12) He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy,
  • Luke 1:72 (v12) to show mercy toward our fathers, to remember his holy covenant,
  • Luke 22:30 (v21) that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
  • Acts 10:4 (v12) He, fastening his eyes on him, and being frightened, said, “What is it, Lord?” He said to him, “Your prayers and your gifts to the needy…
  • Ephesians 1:13 (v11) In him you also, having heard the word of the truth, the Good News of your salvation—in whom, having also believed, you were sealed with…
  • Ephesians 4:30 (v11) Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
  • 2 Timothy 2:19 (v11) However God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let every one who names the name of the…
  • Hebrews 7:25-28 (v12) Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make…
  • James 1:1 (v21) James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are in the Dispersion: Greetings.
  • Revelation 7:2 (v11) I saw another angel ascend from the sunrise, having the seal of the living God. He cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it…
  • Revelation 21:11 (v20) having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, as if it were a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
  • Revelation 21:18-20 (v20) The construction of its wall was jasper. The city was pure gold, like pure glass. The foundations of the city’s wall were adorned with all…

86 distinct cross-references across this passage (93 total citations).

Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)

Explain this passage (21 sources)

Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.

Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 As they were in age, so should they be…

As they were in age, so should they be graven in order.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.

John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv9, 12, 14, 15, 17 Exo 28:9 And thou shalt take two onyx stones,…
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21 Levi seems to be omitted here, as being sufficiently…
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v15 The most considerable of the ornaments of the high…
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv9–21 And thou shall take two onyx stones,.... called from…
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv11, 15 Ouches - Hollow places, such as are made in…
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17 Verse 9. Two onyx stones] See Clarke on Ex…
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv11, 15 Exo 28:11. Ouches — Hollow places, such as are…
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 Onyx. Septuagint, emeralds. (Calmet) --- Hebrew shoham, which the…
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On v15 thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning…
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv9, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21 9-12. Two onyx stones — Hebrews, stones of shoham.…
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv9–20 9–12. Two onyx stones, enclosed in filigree settings of…
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21 (9) Two onyx stones.—The shôham of the Hebrews has…
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv9–21 Two onyx stones. The correctness of this rendering has…
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v15 The breastplate of Judgment.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On v15 THE BREASTPLATE.—Exo_28:15-30
Alexander MacLaren 1905 · Public Domain On v12 Exo 28:12, Exo 28:29.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On vv12, 15 The place of strenghth. Isa 9:6; Luk 15:4; Luk…
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v13 The Breastplate
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv10, 13, 15, 17, 21 General Information:
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv12, 15 28:12 names on his shoulders (cp. Isa 9:6): The…
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