Exodus 28:12

Exodus 28:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

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 Jehovah upon his two shoulders for a memorial.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the two stones are to be placed on the ephod, over the arm-holes, to be stones of memory for the children of Israel: Aaron will have their names on his arms when he goes in before the Lord, to keep the Lord in mind of them.

Free Bible Version FBV

Attach both stones to the shoulder pieces of the ephod as reminders for the Israelite tribes. Aaron is to wear their names on his two shoulders to remind the Israelites that he represents them when he goes in to the Lord's presence.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And thou shalt put the two stones vpon the shoulders of the Ephod, as stones of remebrance of the children of Israel: for Aaron shall beare their names before the Lord vpon his two shoulders for a remembrance.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And thou hast set the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod — stones of memorial to the sons of Israel — and Aaron hath borne their names before Jehovah, on his two shoulders, for a memorial.

World English Bible WEB

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 the LORD on his two shoulders for a memorial.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And thou shalt put them in both sides of the ephod, a memorial for the children of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon both shoulders, for a remembrance.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then he should fasten the stones onto the shoulder straps of the sacred apron, to represent the twelve Israeli tribes. In that way, Aaron will carry the names of the tribes on his shoulders in order that I, Yahweh, will never forget my people (OR, in order that he will always remember that those tribes belong to Yahweh).

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 28:12

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 28:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/שַׂמְתָּ֞ אֶת שְׁתֵּ֣י הָ/אֲבָנִ֗ים עַ֚ל כִּתְפֹ֣ת הָֽ/אֵפֹ֔ד אַבְנֵ֥י זִכָּרֹ֖ן לִ/בְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְ/נָשָׂא֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן אֶת שְׁמוֹתָ֜/ם לִ/פְנֵ֧י יְהוָ֛ה עַל שְׁתֵּ֥י כְתֵפָ֖י/ו לְ/זִכָּרֹֽן

וְ/שַׂמְתָּ֞ sûwm H7760 to set Conj | V-Qal-2ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

שְׁתֵּ֣י shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj

הָ/אֲבָנִ֗ים ʼeben H68 stone Art | N-fp

עַ֚ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

כִּתְפֹ֣ת kâthêph H3802 shoulder N-fp

הָֽ/אֵפֹ֔ד ʼêphôwd H646 ephod Art | N-ms

אַבְנֵ֥י ʼeben H68 stone N-fp

זִכָּרֹ֖ן zikrôwn H2146 memorial N-ms

לִ/בְנֵ֣י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

וְ/נָשָׂא֩ nâsâʼ H5375 to lift Conj | V-Qal-3ms

אַהֲרֹ֨ן ʼAhărôwn H175 Aaron N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

שְׁמוֹתָ֜/ם shêm H8034 name N-mp | Suff

לִ/פְנֵ֧י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

יְהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

שְׁתֵּ֥י shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj

כְתֵפָ֖י/ו kâthêph H3802 shoulder N-fd | Suff

לְ/זִכָּרֹֽן zikrôwn H2146 memorial Prep | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 28:12

וְ/שַׂמְתָּ֞ sûwm H7760 "to set" Conj | V-Qal-2ms

This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.

Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set

Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

שְׁתֵּ֣י shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

הָ/אֲבָנִ֗ים ʼeben H68 "stone" Art | N-fp

In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.

Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart

Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.

עַ֚ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

כִּתְפֹ֣ת kâthêph H3802 "shoulder" N-fp

The Hebrew word for shoulder describes the upper end of the arm, where garments hang, and is used in Exodus 28:7 to describe the shoulder pieces of the ephod.

Definition: 1) shoulder, shoulder-blade, side, slope 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade (of man) 1b) shoulder, shoulder-pieces (of animals) 1c) side, slope (of mountain) 1d) supports (of laver)

Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter. See also: Exodus 27:14; 2 Kings 11:11; Isaiah 11:14.

הָֽ/אֵפֹ֔ד ʼêphôwd H646 "ephod" Art | N-ms

The ephod was a special vest worn by priests in the Bible, including the high priest, made with gold, blue, and purple threads. It was a symbol of their role and had shoulder pieces and a breastpiece with gems. In Exodus 28:6, God instructs Moses on how to make the ephod.

Definition: 1) ephod 1a) priestly garment, shoulder-cape or mantle, outer garment 1a1) worn by an ordinary priest and made of white stuff 1a2) worn by the high priest-more costly, woven of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen threads provided with shoulder-pieces and a breast piece of like material, ornamented with gems and gold

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: ephod. See also: Exodus 25:7; Exodus 39:21; Hosea 3:4.

אַבְנֵ֥י ʼeben H68 "stone" N-fp

זִכָּרֹ֖ן zikrôwn H2146 "memorial" N-ms

A memorial or reminder, this word refers to something that helps people remember important events or people. It can be a written record or a special day. The word is used in the Bible to describe memorials to God.

Definition: memorial, reminder, remembrance

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: memorial, record. See also: Exodus 12:14; Numbers 17:5; Isaiah 57:8.

לִ/בְנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

וְ/נָשָׂא֩ nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.

Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

אַהֲרֹ֨ן ʼAhărôwn H175 "Aaron" N-proper

Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest

Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

שְׁמוֹתָ֜/ם shêm H8034 "name" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

לִ/פְנֵ֧י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

יְהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

שְׁתֵּ֥י shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

כְתֵפָ֖י/ו kâthêph H3802 "shoulder" N-fd | Suff

The Hebrew word for shoulder describes the upper end of the arm, where garments hang, and is used in Exodus 28:7 to describe the shoulder pieces of the ephod.

Definition: 1) shoulder, shoulder-blade, side, slope 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade (of man) 1b) shoulder, shoulder-pieces (of animals) 1c) side, slope (of mountain) 1d) supports (of laver)

Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter. See also: Exodus 27:14; 2 Kings 11:11; Isaiah 11:14.

לְ/זִכָּרֹֽן zikrôwn H2146 "memorial" Prep | N-ms

Definition: memorial, reminder, remembrance

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: memorial, record. See also: Exodus 12:14; Numbers 17:5; Isaiah 57:8.

Study Notes — Exodus 28:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 28:12 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 28:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 28:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 28:12
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 28:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 28:12
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 28:12
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 28:12
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 28:12
Sermons on Exodus 28:12

Context — The Ephod

10six of their names on one stone and the remaining six on the other, in the order of their birth. 11Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings.

12Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.

13Fashion gold filigree settings 14and two chains of pure gold, made of braided cord work; and attach these chains to the settings.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 28:29	Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he shall bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of judgment, as a continual reminder before the LORD.
2	Joshua 4:7	you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.”
3	Exodus 39:6–7	They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel. Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
4	Isaiah 9:6	For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
5	Numbers 16:40	just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers.
6	Numbers 31:54	And Moses and Eleazar the priest received the gold from the commanders of thousands and of hundreds and brought it into the Tent of Meeting as a memorial for the Israelites before the LORD.
7	Leviticus 24:7	And you are to place pure frankincense near each row, so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread, an offering made by fire to the LORD.
8	Luke 1:54	He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful,
9	Psalms 89:19	You once spoke in a vision; to Your godly ones You said, “I have bestowed help on a warrior; I have exalted one chosen from the people.
10	Hebrews 7:25–28	Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

Exodus 28:12 Summary

[This verse tells us that God wants to be reminded of His people, and He wants us to remember Him too. Aaron, the high priest, wore special stones on his shoulders with the names of the sons of Israel engraved on them, so he could remember to pray for them. This is like how Jesus prays for us, as seen in Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25. We can learn from this verse that God loves us and wants us to remember Him, just like He remembers us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod?

The stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod serve as a reminder of the sons of Israel, and Aaron is to bear their names as a memorial before the Lord, as seen in Exodus 28:12. This is similar to how God instructed Moses to create the breastpiece of judgment in Exodus 28:15-30.

How does this verse relate to the concept of prayer and intercession?

This verse illustrates how Aaron, as the high priest, is to bear the names of the sons of Israel on his shoulders, symbolizing his role as an intercessor before the Lord, much like how Jesus intercedes for us according to Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25.

What can we learn about God's character from this verse?

This verse reveals God's desire to be reminded of His people, and His willingness to have their names engraved on stones, symbolizing His love and care for them, as seen in Isaiah 49:16 and Malachi 3:16-17.

How does this verse relate to the New Testament concept of Jesus as our High Priest?

Just as Aaron bore the names of the sons of Israel on his shoulders, Jesus bears our names before the Father, as our eternal High Priest, according to Hebrews 4:14-16 and Hebrews 10:19-22.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to have my name 'engraved' on God's heart, and how does that impact my daily life?
In what ways can I, like Aaron, bear the burdens and names of others before the Lord in prayer and intercession?
How does the concept of memorial stones in this verse relate to the idea of remembering and commemorating God's works in our lives, as seen in Psalm 111:4 and Isaiah 63:7?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of remembrance and gratitude in my relationship with God?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 28:12

And thou shall put the stones upon the shoulders of the ephod,.... That is, the shoulder pieces of it; these stones were put there, the names of the twelve sons of Israel being engraven on them, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 28:12

And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work. Ephod.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 28:12

Upon the shoulders of the ephod, i.e. in the place where the two shoulder-pieces were joined together. Before the Lord; into the holy of holies: an evident type of Christ’ s entering into heaven with the names and in the stead of his people, the true Israel, upon his shoulders, and presenting them to his Father with acceptance. For a memorial; not so much to the high priest, that he should not forget to pray for them, as to God, that he, beholding their names there, according to his order, might graciously remember them, and show mercy unto them. Such a memorial to God was the rainbow, . Such things are spoken of God after the manner of men.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 28:12

Exodus 28:12 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.Ver. 12. And Aaron shall bear their names.] To set forth Christ’ s incessant intercession for all God’ s Israel, even when his back seems turned upon them.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 28:12

(12) For stones of memorial unto the children of Israel.—Rather, for the children of Israel. The intention was that the stones should be “stones of memorial” to God, on behalf of Israel; should remind God that the high priest represented all the tribes, and pleaded before Him on their behalf, and in their name. The tribes were represented doubly in the costume of the high priest, by the onyx stones and by the stones of the breastplate.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 28:12

Verse 12. Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord] He was to consider that he was the representative of the children of Israel; and the stones on the ephod and the stones on the breastplate were for a memorial to put Aaron in remembrance that he was the priest and mediator of the twelve tribes; and, speaking after the manner of men, God was to be put in mind of the children of Israel, their wants, &c., as frequently as the high priest appeared before him with the breastplate and the ephod. See Exodus 28:29.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 28:12

12. The two stones, thus engraved, are to remind Jehovah of His people: cf. on v. 29. 13–30 (with vv. 15–28, cf. Exodus 39:8-21). The pouch of judgement, designed to contain the Urim and Thummim (v. 30). This was a pouch, or bag, ½ a cubit (9 in.) square, made of the same richly coloured texture as the ephod; and on its front were inserted, by means of gold settings, four rows of jewels, three in a row, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. It was worn in front of the ephod, its four corners having golden rings, by which it was fastened to the two shoulder-straps (which are conceived to extend along the sides of the ephod to its bottom).

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 28:12

9-12. Two onyx stones — Hebrews, stones of shoham. Some render beryl, others, sardonyx.

Sermons on Exodus 28:12

	Sermon	Description
	Hints on the Tabernacle Exodus 25-34 by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby explores the significance of the tabernacle as a divine pattern reflecting heavenly realities, emphasizing that the tabernacle serves as a shadow of good things t
	Our Ever Living Intercessor by A.W. Tozer	A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of Christ's high priestly prayer in John 17:9, where Jesus states He prays specifically for His followers, not the world. Tozer clarifies tha
	Twenty-Fourth Day: "And Thy staff." by J. Wilbur Chapman	J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the significance of the shepherd's staff, symbolizing the Lord's care, rescue, and correction for His people. He emphasizes that our names are know
	Last Day, That Great Day of the Feast - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker, David Thomas, shares his personal experience of witnessing for the Lord and the sacrifices he made for his faith. He recounts a conversation with a bus
	A Christmas Question by C.H. Spurgeon	The sermon transcript describes the pitiable condition of those who died from hunger and cold in the streets. It then transitions to a depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ,
	Let God Be in You by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God has chosen individuals from seemingly ordinary and unpromising backgrounds to serve Him. He encourages the audience, whether they a
	Christ the Man #1 by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning and remembering spiritual principles. He highlights the story of a man who relied on the Lord and experienced divi