King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:21 Mean?

Exodus 28:21 in the King James Version says “And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve , according to their names, like the engravings... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 28:21 · KJV


Context

19

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

20

And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings. inclosings: Heb. fillings

21

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.

22

And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold.

23

And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The stones correspond to Israel's twelve tribes by name, engraved like a signet ring. The phrase 'each according to his name' (אִישׁ עַל־שְׁמוֹ, ish al-sh'mo) emphasizes individual identity. God doesn't blur distinctions but celebrates them while maintaining unity. Signet engraving suggests ownership and authority—these names are officially God's, authenticated by His seal. Christ knows His sheep by name (John 10:3), each permanently engraved on His priestly heart.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Signet engraving required skilled artisans who could carve names without cracking precious stones. The permanence of engraving (versus ink that fades) demonstrated that tribal identity before God was irrevocable—once named, always named.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's knowing you 'by name' differ from generic or impersonal religion?
  2. What does the permanence of engraving teach about the security of your identity in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְ֠הָֽאֲבָנִים1 of 19

And the stones

H68

a stone

תִּֽהְיֶ֜יןָ2 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עַל3 of 19
H5921

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

שְׁמ֔וֹ4 of 19

according to their names

H8034

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

בְּנֵֽי5 of 19

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל6 of 19

of Israel

H3478

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

לִשְׁנֵ֥י7 of 19

shall they be according to the twelve

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה8 of 19
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

עַל9 of 19
H5921

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

שְׁמ֔וֹ10 of 19

according to their names

H8034

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

פִּתּוּחֵ֤י11 of 19

like the engravings

H6603

sculpture (in low or high relief or even intaglio)

חוֹתָם֙12 of 19

of a signet

H2368

a signature-ring

אִ֣ישׁ13 of 19

every one

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

עַל14 of 19
H5921

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

שְׁמ֔וֹ15 of 19

according to their names

H8034

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

תִּֽהְיֶ֕יןָ16 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִשְׁנֵ֥י17 of 19

shall they be according to the twelve

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עָשָׂ֖ר18 of 19
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שָֽׁבֶט׃19 of 19

tribes

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan


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 28:21 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 28:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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