King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:11 Mean?

Exodus 28:11 in the King James Version says “With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.

Exodus 28:11 · KJV


Context

9

And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:

10

Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth.

11

With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.

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.

13

And thou shalt make ouches of gold;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The engraving must be done 'like the engravings of a signet'—the same method used for official seals that authenticate documents. A signet's impression validates ownership and authority. The tribal names engraved with signet-quality craftsmanship indicates God's authentication—these are officially His people. The enclosing gold settings (ouches) frame and display the names, ensuring they're seen and protected. Christ's representation of us is both official (authenticated by God) and careful (we're displayed and protected).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Signet rings bore owner's seals for impressing into wax or clay, authenticating documents. The same engraving technique used for personal seals was applied to these sacred stones, ensuring permanence and clarity—names that wouldn't fade or wear away.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's 'authentication' of you (signet engraving) mean for your identity?
  2. How does Christ both display and protect you before the Father?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה1 of 18

With the work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

חָרַשׁ֮2 of 18

of an engraver

H2796

a fabricator or any material

הָֽאֲבָנִ֔ים3 of 18

in stone

H68

a stone

פִּתּוּחֵ֣י4 of 18

like the engravings

H6603

sculpture (in low or high relief or even intaglio)

חֹתָ֗ם5 of 18

of a signet

H2368

a signature-ring

תְּפַתַּח֙6 of 18

shalt thou engrave

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

אֶת7 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁתֵּ֣י8 of 18

the two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הָֽאֲבָנִ֔ים9 of 18

in stone

H68

a stone

עַל10 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׁמֹ֖ת11 of 18

with the names

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בְּנֵ֣י12 of 18

of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל13 of 18

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מֻֽסַבֹּ֛ת14 of 18

them to be set

H4142

a reversal, i.e., the backside (of a gem), fold (of a double-leaved door), transmutation (of a name)

מִשְׁבְּצ֥וֹת15 of 18

in ouches

H4865

a brocade; by analogy, a (reticulated) setting of a gem

זָהָ֖ב16 of 18

of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה17 of 18

thou shalt make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֹתָֽם׃18 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 28:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 28:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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