Bible Strands
Exodus 39:14
The twelve stones corresponded to the names of the sons of Israel. Each stone was engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrative records the final inspection of the high priest’s breastpiece by the appointed artisans during the tabernacle’s assembly.
The words — אֲבָנִים ('a.va.nim) identifies the twelve physical gems, while שְׁמֹת (she.Mot) specifies the inscribed names that mark each stone.
The thread — This structural pattern of twelve named tribal markers reappears in Revelation 21:12, where the walls of the New Jerusalem bear identical inscriptions.
Why it lands — The text commands exact physical correspondence between the stones and the twelve tribes, requiring precise engraving and unambiguous representation rather than abstract symbolism.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Revelation 21:12 The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates.