Exodus 39:14 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Each of the twelve stones bore the engraved name of one tribe, making the breastplate a register of all Israel.
The Context of Exodus 39:14
The purpose of the twelve stones is restated: each represents one tribe by name.
What Does Exodus 39:14 Mean?
The breastplate served as a written record, not merely decoration. Each tribe's name was engraved on its corresponding stone with the precision of a signet seal, making the breastplate a permanent, sacred ledger. When the high priest consulted the Urim and Thummim for God's will, he did so while wearing the names of all twelve tribes over his heart.
This placement—tribal names on the priest's heart—was deeply meaningful. It suggested that the priest carried the people's identity and concerns not as external responsibilities, but as matters of heart. He was bound by love and covenant to bring them before God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 39:14
What does Exodus 39:14 mean?
Each of the twelve stones bore the engraved name of one tribe, making the breastplate a register of all Israel.
What is the context of Exodus 39:14?
The purpose of the twelve stones is restated: each represents one tribe by name.