King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:12 Mean?

Exodus 28:12 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: an...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 28:12 · KJV

Context

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;

14

And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches.

Read Exodus 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The stones are placed on the ephod's shoulders as 'stones of memorial unto the children of Israel.' Memorial suggests both remembrance and testimony—God remembers His people, and the stones testify to that remembrance. Aaron bears the names 'before the Lord'—in God's presence, constantly visible. This memorial is God-ward (reminding Him) and man-ward (testifying to Israel). Christ's continual intercession serves both purposes—He reminds the Father of His promises, and we're assured of His advocacy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The shoulder placement meant these memorial stones were visible when the high priest stood before the veil or entered the Most Holy Place. Every priestly act occurred with Israel's names literally on the priest's shoulders.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's intercession serve as both reminder to God and assurance to you?
  2. What does it mean that your name is 'always before the Lord' in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְשַׂמְתָּ֞1 of 21

“And thou shalt put”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֶת2 of 21
H853

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

שְׁתֵּ֥י3 of 21

“the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אַבְנֵ֥י4 of 21

“for stones”

H68

a stone

עַ֚ל5 of 21
H5921

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

כְתֵפָ֖יו6 of 21

“shoulders”

H3802

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

הָֽאֵפֹ֔ד7 of 21

“of the ephod”

H646

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

אַבְנֵ֥י8 of 21

“for stones”

H68

a stone

לְזִכָּרֹֽן׃9 of 21

“for a memorial”

H2146

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

לִבְנֵ֣י10 of 21

“unto 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל11 of 21

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וְנָשָׂא֩12 of 21

“shall bear”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אַֽהֲרֹ֨ן13 of 21

“and Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶת14 of 21
H853

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

שְׁמוֹתָ֜ם15 of 21

“their names”

H8034

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

לִפְנֵ֧י16 of 21

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֛ה17 of 21

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עַל18 of 21
H5921

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

שְׁתֵּ֥י19 of 21

“the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

כְתֵפָ֖יו20 of 21

“shoulders”

H3802

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

לְזִכָּרֹֽן׃21 of 21

“for a memorial”

H2146

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

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 28:12 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 28:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 28:29Joshua 4:7Exodus 39:6-7Numbers 16:40Numbers 31:54Leviticus 24:7

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 28 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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