Exodus 39:7 Meaning and Explanation
“And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The engraved stones were mounted on the ephod's shoulders as a lasting memorial to all twelve tribes.
The Context of Exodus 39:7
The memorial function of the stones is explained.
What Does Exodus 39:7 Mean?
Placing these memorial stones on the priest's shoulders created a permanent, visible link between the priest's office and the people he represented. Each time the high priest entered the tabernacle to approach God on behalf of the nation, he carried the names of all Israel before the Lord.
The positioning was deliberate: shoulders bear weight and carry burdens. By placing the tribal names there, the garment communicated that priestly service meant bearing the concerns and identity of God's people in God's presence—a weighty responsibility enacted through wearable art.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 39:7
What does Exodus 39:7 mean?
The engraved stones were mounted on the ephod's shoulders as a lasting memorial to all twelve tribes.
What is the context of Exodus 39:7?
The memorial function of the stones is explained.