Exodus 28:20
Exodus 28:20 in Multiple Translations
and in the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Mount these stones in gold filigree settings.
And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.
and the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be inclosed in gold in their settings.
The fourth, a topaz, a beryl, and a jasper; they are to be fixed in twisted frames of gold.
In the fourth row topaz, beryl, and jasper. Place these stones in ornamental gold settings.
And in the fourth rowe a chrysolite, an onix, and a iasper: and they shall be set in golde in their embossements.
and the fourth row [is] beryl, and onyx, and jasper; embroidered with gold are they in their settings,
and the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be enclosed in gold in their settings.
And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.
In the fourth a chrysolite, an onyx, and a beryl. They shall be set in gold by their rows.
In the fourth row he must put a yellow beryl, a red carnelian, and a green jasper.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 28:20
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 28:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/טּוּר֙
הָ/רְבִיעִ֔י
תַּרְשִׁ֥ישׁ
וְ/שֹׁ֖הַם
וְ/יָשְׁפֵ֑ה
מְשֻׁבָּצִ֥ים
זָהָ֛ב
יִהְי֖וּ
בְּ/מִלּוּאֹתָֽ/ם
וְ/הַ/טּוּר֙
ṭûwr
H2905
row
Conj | Art | N-ms
הָ/רְבִיעִ֔י
rᵉbîyʻîy
H7243
fourth
Art | Adj
תַּרְשִׁ֥ישׁ
tarshîysh
H8658
jasper
N-ms
וְ/שֹׁ֖הַם
shôham
H7718
onyx
Conj | N-ms
וְ/יָשְׁפֵ֑ה
yâshᵉphêh
H3471
jasper
Conj | N-ms
מְשֻׁבָּצִ֥ים
shâbats
H7660
to weave
V-Pual-Inf-c
זָהָ֛ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
N-ms
יִהְי֖וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בְּ/מִלּוּאֹתָֽ/ם
milluʼâh
H4396
setting
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 28:20
וְ/הַ/טּוּר֙
ṭûwr
H2905
"row"
Conj | Art | N-ms
This word refers to a row of things, like a row of bricks in a wall or a row of jewels on a necklace. It is used to describe something that is arranged in a line or sequence.
Definition: 1) row 1a) row, course (of building) 1b) row (of jewels)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: row. See also: Exodus 28:17; 1 Kings 7:3; Ezekiel 46:23.
הָ/רְבִיעִ֔י
rᵉbîyʻîy
H7243
"fourth"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means fourth, and is used to describe something that is four-sided or divided into four parts, like a square or a quarter.
Definition: 1) fourth 1a) fourth 1b) four square 1c) fourth part Aramaic equivalent: re.vi.ay (רְבִיעִי "fourth" H7244)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: foursquare, fourth (part). See also: Genesis 1:19; 1 Chronicles 8:2; Jeremiah 25:1.
תַּרְשִׁ֥ישׁ
tarshîysh
H8658
"jasper"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a precious gem, possibly a topaz or yellow jasper, translated as beryl in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) a precious stone or semi-precious gem 1a) perhaps a chrysolite, yellow jasper, or other yellow coloured stone
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: beryl. See also: Exodus 28:20; Ezekiel 1:16; Daniel 10:6.
וְ/שֹׁ֖הַם
shôham
H7718
"onyx"
Conj | N-ms
Onyx is a precious gemstone, possibly green or blue in color, used in the Bible to describe luxurious items. It is also known as beryl or chrysoprasus.
Definition: 1) a precious stone or gem 1a) probably onyx, chrysoprasus, beryl, malachite
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: onyx. See also: Genesis 2:12; Exodus 35:27; Ezekiel 28:13.
וְ/יָשְׁפֵ֑ה
yâshᵉphêh
H3471
"jasper"
Conj | N-ms
Jasper is a precious gemstone mentioned in the Bible, often translated as a valuable stone. It is first mentioned in Exodus 28:20 as one of the stones on the breastplate of the high priest. Jasper is also mentioned in Revelation 21:11 and 18-20.
Definition: jasper (a precious stone)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: jasper. See also: Exodus 28:20; Exodus 39:13; Ezekiel 28:13.
מְשֻׁבָּצִ֥ים
shâbats
H7660
"to weave"
V-Pual-Inf-c
This verb means to weave or embroider, like the intricate patterns on the priestly robes in Exodus 28:39. It involves interweaving threads or setting gems into gold, requiring great skill and attention to detail.
Definition: 1) to weave in checkered or plaited work or pattern (meaning probable) 1a) (Piel) to weave, plait 1b) (Pual) inwoven, set (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: embroider, set. See also: Exodus 28:20; Exodus 28:39.
זָהָ֛ב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
יִהְי֖וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/מִלּוּאֹתָֽ/ם
milluʼâh
H4396
"setting"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This term is about setting or enclosing something, like a precious stone in a piece of jewelry, as described in Exodus 28:11 and 35:27.
Definition: setting (of jewel)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: enclosing, setting. See also: Exodus 28:17; Exodus 28:20; Exodus 39:13.
Study Notes — Exodus 28:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Breastpiece
18in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond;
19in the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;
20and in the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Mount these stones in gold filigree settings.
21The twelve stones are to correspond to the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. 22For the breastpiece, make braided chains like cords of pure gold.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 1:16 | The workmanship of the wheels looked like the gleam of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. Their workmanship looked like a wheel within a wheel. |
| 2 | Revelation 4:3 | The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne. |
| 3 | Daniel 10:6 | His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 10:9 | Then I looked and saw four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside each cherub. And the wheels gleamed like a beryl stone. |
| 5 | Revelation 21:11 | shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal. |
| 6 | Revelation 21:18–20 | The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. |
Exodus 28:20 Summary
Exodus 28:20 describes the fourth row of stones on the priest's breastpiece, which represents the twelve tribes of Israel. The stones are mounted in gold filigree settings, symbolizing the beauty and value of God's people. This verse teaches us that God values and treasures His people, and that we are all precious in His sight, as seen in Psalm 138:8. Just like the priest, we can represent our community or family before God in prayer and intercession, as seen in Exodus 28:12 and Numbers 27:21.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the stones mentioned in Exodus 28:20?
The stones represent the twelve tribes of Israel, with each stone corresponding to a specific tribe, as mentioned in Exodus 28:21. This emphasizes the priest's role in representing the people before God, as seen in Exodus 28:12.
What is gold filigree and why is it used in Exodus 28:20?
Gold filigree is a delicate metalwork technique used to create intricate designs. In Exodus 28:20, it is used to mount the stones, symbolizing the beauty and value of God's people, as also seen in Psalm 138:8 where God's people are precious in His sight.
How does Exodus 28:20 relate to the overall purpose of the breastpiece?
The breastpiece, with its twelve stones, serves as a reminder of the priest's responsibility to bear the names of the tribes before God, as stated in Exodus 28:29, and to intercede on their behalf, as seen in Exodus 28:12 and Numbers 27:21.
What can we learn from the specific arrangement of the stones in Exodus 28:20?
The arrangement of the stones, with three stones in each row, may symbolize the unity and harmony among the tribes, as emphasized in Psalm 133:1, and the importance of each tribe having a representation before God, as seen in Revelation 21:12-14 where each gate represents a tribe of Israel.
Reflection Questions
- What does the use of precious stones in Exodus 28:20 reveal about God's view of His people?
- How can I, like the priest, represent my community or family before God in prayer and intercession, as seen in Exodus 28:12 and Numbers 27:21?
- What does the beauty and craftsmanship of the gold filigree settings teach me about the value God places on His people, as seen in Psalm 138:8?
- In what ways can I reflect the unity and harmony among the tribes of Israel, as symbolized by the arrangement of the stones, in my own relationships and community, as emphasized in Psalm 133:1?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 28:20
And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper,.... Whatever stone is meant by the first in this row, it must be of a sea green colour; for "tarshish", the word used, signifies the sea; and so
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 28:20
And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 28:20
(20) They shall be set in gold in their inclosings.—Or, in their settings. Every gem was to be enclosed in its own setting of gold.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 28:20
20. a beryl] Heb. tarshish, χρυσόλιθος (Revelation 21:10), chrysolithus: Ezekiel 1:16; Ezekiel 10:9; Ezekiel 28:13, Son 5:14, Daniel 10:6. The name tarshish apparently points to its being obtained from Tarshish (Tartessus) in Spain. The chrysolite (‘gold-stone’) of the later Greeks (which was also obtained from Spain, Pliny, H. N. xxxvii. 127) is probably our topaz1[208], but as this was unknown in earlier times, some other gold-coloured stone must be intended,—perhaps (Petrie) the yellow jasper. It is not however stated whether this stone is (or was) found in Spain. The rend. beryl is as old as Abarbanel (1437–1508): the chalcedony (RVm.; Revelation 21:19) of the ancients,—so called from its being found at Chalcedon (opposite to Byzantium),—was the green transparent carbonate of copper, our copper emerald (Smith, DB. s.v.). [208] By a curious interchange of terms, it seems that ‘the ancient chrysolite is the modern topaz, and the ancient topaz the modern chrysolite’ (Smith, DB. s.v. Beryl).an onyx] Heb. shτham, βηρύλλιον (so LXX. here, but not consistently), onychinus: v. 9, Exodus 25:7, Genesis 2:12, Ezekiel 28:13, Job 28:16, 1 Chronicles 29:2. This is usually supposed to be either the onyx (LXX. in Job; Vulg. mostly) or the beryl (LXX. here; Pesh. Targ. always): the onyx being a stratified stone, consisting of layers of white (resembling in colour the nail, whence the name), grey, and other colours (see DB. s.v.), and the beryl a clear blue, green, or pale yellow stone (see EB. s.v.). Myres, however (EB. iv. 4808), argues in favour of malachite (green carbonate of copper), ‘common in Egypt in all periods, obtained from the Sinaitic mine district,’ and also other sources of copper, as Cyprus, and known likewise in Babylonia and Assyria. a jasper] Heb. yβshepheh, ὀνύχιον, beryllus (but see on ‘diamond’ in v. 18): Ezekiel 28:13, Revelation 21:19.
In all probability the green jasper is intended.
Sermons on Exodus 28:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Some Account of the Late Work of god... by John Wesley | John Wesley discusses the intricate workings of God's providence in North America, likening it to 'a wheel in the middle of a wheel.' He reflects on the spiritual awakenings in the |
|
Attributes of God (Series 2): The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by recounting the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection. The disciples were initially discouraged and disheartened, b |
|
Revelation 4 & 5 by John McGregor | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation, specifically chapters 4 and 5. He emphasizes the idea of access into heaven, highlighting the significance of the ope |
|
The Rainbow in the Clouds by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the significance of the rainbow as a symbol of God's covenant with the earth, reflecting His tenderness, compassion, and watchful care towards His people. The |
|
The Morning Breaketh by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the contrasting themes of night and morning in the Bible, emphasizing how God always sends messengers of hope even in the darkest times. The Prophet I |
|
Men Whose Eyes Have Seen the King - Part 7 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the visions of God that Ezekiel saw. The speaker highlights that whenever the Lord takes a new step or movement, He reveals His glory to some |
|
|
How to See the Glory of God by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the ultimate priority of Jesus' life and ministry was the glory of God, as illustrated in John 11. He explains that Jesus' commitment to this glory |