King James Version
What Does Exodus 39:7 Mean?
“And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.”
Exodus 39:7 · KJV
Context
5
And the curious girdle of his ephod, that was upon it, was of the same, according to the work thereof; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen; as the LORD commanded Moses.
6
And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.
7
And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.
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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryPlacing the engraved stones 'on the shoulders of the ephod' for 'a memorial' (זִכָּרוֹן, zikaron, remembrance) before YHWH teaches that the high priest represented Israel constantly in God's presence. The shoulder signifies strength and support; Aaron bore Israel's names not on weak hands but strong shoulders. This memorial function prefigures Christ's perpetual intercession—He ever lives to make intercession (Hebrews 7:25), bearing His people's names before the Father. The phrase 'as the LORD commanded Moses' (the 2nd of 15 times in chs 39-40) underscores covenant faithfulness.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The 'memorial' concept (zikaron) appears throughout Scripture for practices that bring covenant realities before God and people (Passover, Sabbath, stones at Jordan). Aaron wearing Israel's names symbolized his representative capacity—he stood before God on their behalf.
Reflection Questions
- How does Christ's continual intercession, bearing believers' names before the Father, impact your prayer life?
- What does Aaron's memorial stones teach about God's covenant faithfulness to remember His people?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 14 wordsוַיָּ֣שֶׂם1 of 14
“And he put”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֹתָ֗ם2 of 14
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַ֚ל3 of 14
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כִּתְפֹ֣ת4 of 14
“them on the shoulders”
H3802the 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
הָֽאֵפֹ֔ד5 of 14
“of the ephod”
H646a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
לִבְנֵ֣י8 of 14
“to the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל9 of 14
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר10 of 14
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה12 of 14
“as the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת13 of 14
H853properly, 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 39:7 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 39:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge