King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:17 Mean?

Exodus 28:17 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. set: Heb. fill in it fillings of stone sardius: or, ruby”

Exodus 28:17 · KJV

Context

15

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.

16

Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.

17

And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. set: Heb. fill in it fillings of stone sardius: or, ruby

18

And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

19

And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.

Read Exodus 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Twelve precious stones in four rows adorn the breastplate, each representing a tribe of Israel. The variety of stones (sardius/ruby, topaz, carbuncle/emerald, etc.) shows God values diversity within unity—each tribe unique yet all part of one people. The Hebrew אֶבֶן (even, stone) connects to Christ the cornerstone (Psalm 118:22, 1 Peter 2:6). These set stones prefigure believers as 'living stones' (1 Peter 2:5). Four rows suggest universal representation; three stones per row points to Trinitarian completeness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These twelve stones were among the ancient world's most precious gems, making the breastplate extraordinarily valuable. The priest literally wore a fortune close to his heart, demonstrating the infinite worth of the people he represented before God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding yourself as a 'precious stone' set in Christ's priestly ministry affect your self-worth?
  2. What does the diversity of stones (different colors, types) teach about unity within Christ's body?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וּמִלֵּאתָ֥1 of 13

“And thou shalt set”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

בוֹ֙2 of 13
H0
מִלֻּ֣אַת3 of 13

“in it settings”

H4396

a filling, i.e., setting (of gems)

אָ֑בֶן4 of 13

“of stones”

H68

a stone

אַרְבָּעָ֖ה5 of 13

“even four”

H702

four

הַטּ֖וּר6 of 13

“row”

H2905

a row; hence, a wall

אָ֑בֶן7 of 13

“of stones”

H68

a stone

הַטּ֖וּר8 of 13

“row”

H2905

a row; hence, a wall

אֹ֤דֶם9 of 13

“shall be a sardius”

H124

redness, i.e., the ruby, garnet, or some other red gem

פִּטְדָה֙10 of 13

“a topaz”

H6357

a gem, probably the topaz

וּבָרֶ֔קֶת11 of 13

“and a carbuncle”

H1304

a gem (as flashing), perhaps the emerald

הַטּ֖וּר12 of 13

“row”

H2905

a row; hence, a wall

הָֽאֶחָֽד׃13 of 13

“this shall be the first”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

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 28:17 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 28:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 28:13Exodus 39:10-21Proverbs 8:11Revelation 21:19-21Proverbs 20:15Proverbs 31:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

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