Exodus 28:21
New International Version
There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

New Living Translation
Each stone will represent one of the twelve sons of Israel, and the name of that tribe will be engraved on it like a seal.

English Standard Version
There shall be twelve stones with their names according to the names of the sons of Israel. They shall be like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes.

Berean Standard Bible
The 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.

King James Bible
And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.

New King James Version
And the stones shall have the names of the sons of Israel, twelve according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, each one with its own name; they shall be according to the twelve tribes.

New American Standard Bible
The stones shall be engraved according to the names of the sons of Israel: twelve, according to their names; they shall be like the engravings of a signet, each according to his name for the twelve tribes.

NASB 1995
“The stones shall be according to the names of the sons of Israel: twelve, according to their names; they shall be like the engravings of a seal, each according to his name for the twelve tribes.

NASB 1977
“And the stones shall be according to the names of the sons of Israel: twelve, according to their names; they shall be like the engravings of a seal, each according to his name for the twelve tribes.

Legacy Standard Bible
The stones shall be according to the names of the sons of Israel: twelve, according to their names; they shall be like the engravings of a signet, each according to his name for the twelve tribes.

Amplified Bible
The [engraved] stones shall be twelve, according to the names of [the twelve tribes of] the sons of Israel; they shall be like the engravings of a signet, each with its name for the twelve tribes.

Christian Standard Bible
The twelve stones are to correspond to the names of Israel’s sons. Each stone must be engraved like a seal, with one of the names of the twelve tribes.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The 12 stones are to correspond to the names of Israel’s sons. Each stone must be engraved like a seal, with one of the names of the 12 tribes.”

American Standard Version
And the stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, every one according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.

Contemporary English Version
and engrave on each of them the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

English Revised Version
And the stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, every one according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The stones correspond to the 12 sons of Israel, by name, each stone engraved (like a signet ring) with the name of one of the 12 tribes.

Good News Translation
Each of these twelve stones is to have engraved on it the name of one of the sons of Jacob, to represent the tribes of Israel.

International Standard Version
The stones are to correspond to the names of the sons of Israel, twelve stones corresponding to their names. They are to be engraved like a signet, each with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

Majority Standard Bible
The 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.

NET Bible
The stones are to be for the names of the sons of Israel, twelve, according to the number of their names. Each name according to the twelve tribes is to be like the engravings of a seal.

New Heart English Bible
The stones shall be according to the names of the sons of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.

World English Bible
The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the stones are according to the names of the sons of Israel, twelve according to their names, [as] engravings of a signet, each with his name; they are for the twelve tribes.

Young's Literal Translation
and the stones are according to the names of the sons of Israel, twelve, according to their names, openings of a signet, each by his name are they for the twelve tribes.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the stones shall be over the names of the sons of Israel, twelve, according to their names, the engravings of a signet; each according to his name shall be the twelve tribes.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they shall have the names of the children of Israel: with twelve names shall they be engraved, each stone with the name of one according to the twelve tribes.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And these shall have the names of the sons of Israel. With twelve names shall they be engraved: each stone with one name from the twelve tribes.

New American Bible
twelve of them to match the names of the sons of Israel, each stone engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

New Revised Standard Version
There shall be twelve stones with names corresponding to the names of the sons of Israel; they shall be like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the stones shall be engraved with the names of the sons of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one shall be engraved with his name according to the number of the twelve tribes.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And let the stones be engraved with the names of the twelve sons of Israel by their names, the engraving of a seal; let each man be according to his name for the twelve tribes.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, every one according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And let the stones of the names of the children of Israel be twelve according to their names, engravings as of seals: let them be for the twelve tribes each according to the name.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Breastpiece
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
Revelation 21:12-14
The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates. / There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west. / The wall of the city had twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Numbers 2:2-34
“The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it, each man under his standard, with the banners of his family. / On the east side, toward the sunrise, the divisions of Judah are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Judahites is Nahshon son of Amminadab, / and his division numbers 74,600. ...

Numbers 1:5-16
These are the names of the men who are to assist you: From the tribe of Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur; / from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai; / from Judah, Nahshon son of Amminadab; ...

Numbers 7:10-89
When the altar was anointed, the leaders approached with their offerings for its dedication and presented them before the altar. / And the LORD said to Moses, “Each day one leader is to present his offering for the dedication of the altar.” / On the first day Nahshon son of Amminadab from the tribe of Judah drew near with his offering. ...

Joshua 4:1-9
When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, / “Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, / and command them: ‘Take up for yourselves twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan where the priests were standing, carry them with you, and set them down in the place where you spend the night.’” ...

1 Kings 18:31
And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.”

Genesis 49:1-28
Then Jacob called for his sons and said, “Gather around so that I can tell you what will happen to you in the days to come: / Come together and listen, O sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel. / Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. ...

Ezekiel 48:30-35
“These will be the exits of the city: Beginning on the north side, which will be 4,500 cubits long, / the gates of the city will be named after the tribes of Israel. On the north side there will be three gates: the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah, and the gate of Levi. / On the east side, which will be 4,500 cubits long, there will be three gates: the gate of Joseph, the gate of Benjamin, and the gate of Dan. ...

Deuteronomy 27:12-13
“When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. / And these tribes shall stand on Mount Ebal to deliver the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.

1 Chronicles 27:16-22
These officers were in charge of the tribes of Israel: Over the Reubenites was Eliezer son of Zichri; over the Simeonites was Shephatiah son of Maacah; / over Levi was Hashabiah son of Kemuel; over Aaron was Zadok; / over Judah was Elihu, one of David’s brothers; over Issachar was Omri son of Michael; ...

Revelation 7:4-8
And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel: / From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, / from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, ...

Revelation 4:4
Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and on these thrones sat twenty-four elders dressed in white, with golden crowns on their heads.

Matthew 19:28
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Luke 22:30
so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Acts 26:7
the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews.


Treasury of Scripture

And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.

twelve

Exodus 28:9-11
And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel: …

according to the twelve

1 Kings 18:31
And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:

Luke 22:30
That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

Jump to Previous
Children Cut Engraved Engravings Israel Jewel Jewels Names Seal Signet Signets Stamp Stones Tribes Twelve
Jump to Next
Children Cut Engraved Engravings Israel Jewel Jewels Names Seal Signet Signets Stamp Stones Tribes Twelve
Exodus 28
1. Aaron and his sons are set apart for the priest's office
2. Holy garments are appointed
6. The ephod and girdle
15. The breast-plate with twelve precious stones
30. The Urim and Thummim
31. The robe of the ephod, with pomegranates and bells
36. The plate of the mitre
39. The embroidered coat
40. The garments for Aaron's sons














The stones are to be twelve in number
The number twelve holds significant symbolism throughout the Bible, often representing completeness or divine authority. In the context of the high priest's breastplate, the twelve stones symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel, each tribe being an integral part of God's chosen people. The use of twelve stones underscores the unity and completeness of the nation of Israel, as each tribe is represented equally before God. This reflects the divine order and structure that God established for His people, emphasizing that each tribe, regardless of size or strength, holds an essential place in His covenant community.

according to the names of the sons of Israel
The phrase "according to the names of the sons of Israel" highlights the personal and covenantal relationship between God and the descendants of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. Each stone bearing the name of a son of Israel signifies God's intimate knowledge and remembrance of His people. This personal connection is a reminder of the promises made to the patriarchs and the enduring faithfulness of God to His covenant. The names serve as a perpetual memorial before the Lord, ensuring that the tribes are always represented in the priestly ministry.

each engraved like a seal
The engraving "like a seal" suggests permanence and authority. In ancient times, seals were used to authenticate documents and signify ownership or authority. The engraving of each tribe's name on the stones signifies that they are permanently inscribed in God's plan and purpose. This imagery conveys the idea that the tribes are not only remembered but are also under God's sovereign authority and protection. The permanence of the engraving assures the Israelites of their enduring place in God's covenant, much like a seal that cannot be easily altered or removed.

with the name of one of the twelve tribes
The specific mention of "the name of one of the twelve tribes" emphasizes the individuality and distinct identity of each tribe within the collective nation of Israel. Each tribe had its unique role, characteristics, and inheritance, yet all were part of the larger community of God's people. This diversity within unity reflects the multifaceted nature of God's kingdom, where each member has a distinct purpose and contribution. The inclusion of each tribe's name on the breastplate serves as a reminder of their individual and collective responsibilities to uphold the covenant and live according to God's laws.

(21) The stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel.--Rather, the stones shall be according to the names, &c.--twelve, neither more nor fewer.

Every one with his name . . . --Rather, each stone, according to its name (i.e., the name engraved upon it), shall be (or, stand) for one of the twelve tribes.

Verse 21. - The stones shall be with the names. Rather, "according to the names;" the number of the stones shall agree with that of the names, viz., twelve. Everyone with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes. Rather, "every one according to its name, they shall be for the twelve tribes," i.e., each, according to the name that is on it, shall stand for one of the twelve tribes.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The twelve
שְׁתֵּ֥ים (šə·têm)
Number - fd
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

stones
וְ֠הָאֲבָנִים (wə·hā·’ă·ḇā·nîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 68: A stone

are
תִּֽהְיֶ֜יןָ (tih·ye·nā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

to
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

correspond to the names
שְׁמֹ֧ת (šə·mōṯ)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8034: A name

of the sons
בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

each
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

engraved
פִּתּוּחֵ֤י (pit·tū·ḥê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6603: An engraving

like a seal
חוֹתָם֙ (ḥō·w·ṯām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2368: A seal, signet ring

with
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the name
שְׁמֹתָ֑ם (šə·mō·ṯām)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8034: A name

of one of the twelve
לִשְׁנֵ֥י (liš·nê)
Preposition-l | Number - mdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

tribes.
שָֽׁבֶט׃ (šā·ḇeṭ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe


Links
Exodus 28:21 NIV
Exodus 28:21 NLT
Exodus 28:21 ESV
Exodus 28:21 NASB
Exodus 28:21 KJV

Exodus 28:21 BibleApps.com
Exodus 28:21 Biblia Paralela
Exodus 28:21 Chinese Bible
Exodus 28:21 French Bible
Exodus 28:21 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Exodus 28:21 The stones shall be according to (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 28:20
Top of Page
Top of Page