Exodus 39:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Two onyx stones were engraved with the names of the twelve tribes and set in gold bezels on the ephod's shoulders.
The Context of Exodus 39:6
The shoulder stones bearing the tribe names are inscribed.
What Does Exodus 39:6 Mean?
Onyx stones were precious, durable gems chosen for their ability to hold engraving. Each stone carried six names of Israel's tribes, meticulously carved like a signet seal, so that the high priest literally bore the names of all God's people upon his shoulders when ministering before God.
The use of a signet's engraving style elevated these stones beyond mere decoration. Signet seals were instruments of authority and authenticity; by using that same technique, the names of the tribes gained weight as an official, unchanging record of God's covenant people.
Exodus 39:6 in the Original Language
ouches (מִשְׁבְצוֹת mishbetzot) — ornamental settings or frames that hold precious stones in place
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 39:6
What does Exodus 39:6 mean?
Two onyx stones were engraved with the names of the twelve tribes and set in gold bezels on the ephod's shoulders.
What is the context of Exodus 39:6?
The shoulder stones bearing the tribe names are inscribed.