Exodus 28:9
Exodus 28:9 in Multiple Translations
Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel:
And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:
And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:
You are to take two beryl stones, on which the names of the children of Israel are to be cut:
Engrave on two onyx stones the names of the Israelite tribes,
And thou shalt take two onix stones, and graue vpon them the names of the children of Israel:
'And thou hast taken the two shoham stones, and hast opened on them the names of the sons of Israel;
You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel.
And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel:
And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and shalt grave on them the names of the children of Israel:
A skilled workman must take two expensive onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the twelve sons of Jacob.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 28:9
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 28:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לָ֣קַחְתָּ֔
אֶת
שְׁתֵּ֖י
אַבְנֵי
שֹׁ֑הַם
וּ/פִתַּחְתָּ֣
עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
שְׁמ֖וֹת
בְּנֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וְ/לָ֣קַחְתָּ֔
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁתֵּ֖י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
אַבְנֵי
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fp
שֹׁ֑הַם
shôham
H7718
onyx
N-ms
וּ/פִתַּחְתָּ֣
pâthach
H6605
to open
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
שְׁמ֖וֹת
shêm
H8034
name
N-mp
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 28:9
וְ/לָ֣קַחְתָּ֔
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
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.
שְׁתֵּ֖י
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.
אַבְנֵי
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
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.
שֹׁ֑הַם
shôham
H7718
"onyx"
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.
וּ/פִתַּחְתָּ֣
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
שְׁמ֖וֹת
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-mp
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.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 28:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 28:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 28:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 28:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 28:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 28:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 28:9
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 28:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 28:9
- Sermons on Exodus 28:9
Context — The Ephod
7It shall have two shoulder pieces attached at two of its corners, so it can be fastened.
8And the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod must be of one piece, of the same workmanship—with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.
9Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel:
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 28:13 | You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 2:7 | Send me, therefore, a craftsman skilled in engraving to work with gold and silver, with bronze and iron, and with purple, crimson, and blue yarn. He will work with my craftsmen in Judah and Jerusalem, whom my father David provided. |
| 3 | Isaiah 49:16 | Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me. |
| 4 | Job 28:16 | It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. |
| 5 | Exodus 28:20 | and in the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Mount these stones in gold filigree settings. |
| 6 | Song of Solomon 8:6 | Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal upon your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as unrelenting as Sheol. Its sparks are fiery flames, the fiercest blaze of all. |
| 7 | Genesis 2:12 | And the gold of that land is pure, and bdellium and onyx are found there. |
| 8 | Exodus 28:36 | You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. |
| 9 | Exodus 39:13 | and the fourth row had a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. These stones were mounted in gold filigree settings. |
| 10 | Exodus 39:6 | They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel. |
Exodus 28:9 Summary
[This verse is talking about special stones that the high priest, Aaron, would wear on his shoulders, with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel engraved on them. This was a way for God to remember His people and for Aaron to pray for them, much like how Jesus prays for us today, as seen in Hebrews 7:25. It's a beautiful picture of how God cares for each of us individually, and how He wants us to pray for one another, just like it says in Ephesians 6:18. By wearing these stones, Aaron was reminded of his responsibility to intercede for the people of Israel, and we can learn from his example by praying for those around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the onyx stones in Exodus 28:9?
The onyx stones represent the twelve tribes of Israel, and engraving their names on the stones signifies God's covenant with His people, as seen in Exodus 28:9 and reinforced in Revelation 21:12 where the names of the tribes are written on the gates of the New Jerusalem.
Why are the names of the sons of Israel engraved on the stones?
The names are engraved to symbolize the priestly intercession of Aaron, who bears the names of the tribes on his heart, as mentioned in Exodus 28:29, and to remind God of His people, much like He remembers the covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17:1-14.
What kind of stones are onyx stones and what do they represent?
Onyx stones are a type of gemstone, and in biblical times, they were considered precious, representing the value and worth God places on His people, as seen in the high priest's garments in Exodus 28 and the foundations of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:19-20.
How does this verse relate to the bigger picture of God's plan?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant with Israel and His plan for redemption, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as seen in the book of Hebrews, particularly in Hebrews 7:1-10:25, where the author discusses the superiority of the new covenant.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to have my name 'engraved' on God's heart, and how does that impact my daily life?
- How can I, like Aaron, intercede for others and bear their names before God in prayer?
- What does the use of precious stones in the priest's garments reveal about God's character and His view of humanity?
- In what ways can I reflect the beauty and value of the onyx stones in my own life, as a representative of God's people?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 28:9
And thou shall take two onyx stones,.... called from the colour of a man's nail, which they to resemble: the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan call them stones of beryl, and so the Syriac version; the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 28:9
And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work. Ephod.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 28:9
Exodus 28:9 And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:Ver. 9. Two onyx stones.] These signified Christ’ s perpetual love to his people, and how precious they be to him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 28:9
(9) Two onyx stones.—The shôham of the Hebrews has been regarded by some as the emerald, by others as the beryl; but it is probably either the stone usually called the onyx, or that variety which is known as the sardonyx—a stone of three layers—black, white, and red. (See Joseph., Ant. Jud., iii. 7, § 5.) Emeralds could not have been cut by any process known at the time. Onyx and sardonyx were used from a very early period, as stones for signets, both in Egypt and elsewhere. And grave on them the names of the children of Israel.—That gem-engraving was practised from a remote antiquity both in Egypt and in Babylonia appears from the remains found in those countries. The signet cylinders of Chaldæan kings are regarded by the best Assyriologists as going back, at least, to B.C. 2,000. The signets of Egyptian monarchs reach, at any rate, to the twelfth dynasty, which is perhaps nearly as early. The hardest kinds of stone—diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, topaz—defied the art of the time; but stones of the second class—sard, carnelian, onyx, beryl, jasper, lapis lazuli—readily yielded to the engraver’s tools. There is no difficulty in supposing that among the Israelites were to be found persons who had been engaged in Egyptian workshops during the servitude, and were acquainted with Egyptian art in all its principal departments. The “names” to be engraved were doubtless the “tribe” names, as explained by Josephus.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 28:9
Verse 9. Two onyx stones] See Clarke on Exodus 25:7.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 28:9
9–12. Two onyx stones, enclosed in filigree settings of gold, and each engraved with the names of six of the tribes of Israel, to be fixed on the top of the two shoulder-straps. onyx] see on v. 20.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 28:9
9-12. Two onyx stones — Hebrews, stones of shoham. Some render beryl, others, sardonyx.
Sermons on Exodus 28:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Setting Fire to Satan's Harvest - Part 1 by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the danger of allowing complaints and seeds of discontent to take root in our hearts, leading to a spirit of overwhelming negativity and rebellion against Go |
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Rock Seminar by John Musser | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power of music, particularly rock music, as a tool of indoctrination. He argues that Satan has devised a beat that is appealing to young |
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The Significance of the Death of Christ by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of Christ's death, illustrating how it addresses the essence of sin, which is independence from God. He explains that this ind |
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Generations Remade by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan explores the theme of creation and the fall, emphasizing that everything God created was initially good, but something went wrong, leading to a state of formlessness |
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Why You Must Know God in Person by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the comforting presence of God in times of darkness and despair. They share personal experiences of feeling hopeless and burdened, but also |
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Fear of Man by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker addresses a group of people and asks them if they have unfinished business in their lives. He mentions those who have built houses but haven't dedicated |
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The Sickness, Death and Resurrection of Lazarus 1 of 4 (Reading) by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus and his disciples on the Sea of Galilee. He emphasizes the importance of faith and how it is tested in times of trials. Th |