King James Version

What Does Exodus 39:10 Mean?

Exodus 39:10 in the King James Version says “And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row. s... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row. sardius: or, ruby

Exodus 39:10 · KJV


Context

8

And he made the breastplate of cunning work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen.

9

It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.

10

And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row. sardius: or, ruby

11

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

12

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The first row—sardius (אֹדֶם, odem, red stone), topaz (פִּטְדָה, pitdah, yellow-green), and carbuncle (בָּרֶקֶת, bareqet, emerald)—begins the twelve stones representing Israel's tribes. Each stone's unique color and character symbolizes tribal distinctiveness within covenant unity. The sardius/ruby's blood-red hue may represent Reuben (firstborn); topaz's golden glow suggests divine light; carbuncle's green brilliance evokes life. Together, these precious stones teach that God's people, though diverse, form a unified, costly treasure. Revelation 21:19-20 echoes this imagery in the New Jerusalem's foundations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Identifying ancient gemstones with modern equivalents is challenging, but the Hebrew terms indicate precious, colorful stones. The stones' arrangement in four rows of three may correspond to the camp arrangement in Numbers 2, with three tribes per side of the tabernacle.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do twelve distinct stones in one breastplate illustrate unity in diversity within the church?
  2. What does God's people being represented by precious, not common, stones reveal about believers' value to Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיְמַלְאוּ1 of 11

And they set

H4390

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

ב֔וֹ2 of 11
H0
אַרְבָּעָ֖ה3 of 11

in it four

H702

four

הַטּ֖וּר4 of 11

row

H2905

a row; hence, a wall

אָ֑בֶן5 of 11

of stones

H68

a stone

הַטּ֖וּר6 of 11

row

H2905

a row; hence, a wall

אֹ֤דֶם7 of 11

was a sardius

H124

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

פִּטְדָה֙8 of 11

a topaz

H6357

a gem, probably the topaz

וּבָרֶ֔קֶת9 of 11

and a carbuncle

H1304

a gem (as flashing), perhaps the emerald

הַטּ֖וּר10 of 11

row

H2905

a row; hence, a wall

הָֽאֶחָֽד׃11 of 11

this was 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 39:10 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 39:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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