Old Testament
Exodus 28:11
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, God instructs Moses on how to create a special piece of jewelry for the high priest.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Have a gem cutter engrave the 2 stones with the names of Israel's sons, the way a seal is engraved. Then mount the stones in gold settings.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God instructs Moses on how to create a special piece of jewelry for the high priest. The two stones will be engraved with the names of the twelve sons of Israel, symbolizing their importance and connection to God. The engraving is to be done like a seal, which signifies authenticity and authority. These stones will be set in gold, representing value and honor. This act serves as a reminder of the tribes' identity and their relationship with God. The high priest will wear this as a part of his garments, showing that he carries the people before God. This design emphasizes the significance of each tribe and their role in the community of Israel. It highlights the importance of remembering our roots and the people who came before us, as well as the value of our identity in a larger story. The craftsmanship involved also reflects the care and dedication required in serving God and others, making it a personal and meaningful act of devotion and representation.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Exodus 28:11 to your life
Consider how you represent your own community and heritage. Just as the high priest wore the names of the tribes, think about how you can honor your roots in your daily life. This could be through storytelling, traditions, or simply acknowledging those who have shaped you. Remember, your identity is part of a larger narrative that matters greatly to others around you. Embrace it with pride and purpose, just as the high priest did.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 28:11 mean?
Exodus 28:11 describes God's instructions to Moses for creating a special piece of jewelry for the high priest, featuring two stones engraved with the names of the twelve sons of Israel. This symbolizes the tribes' importance and their connection to God.
What is the significance of the stones in Exodus 28:11?
The stones in Exodus 28:11 represent the twelve tribes of Israel, emphasizing their identity and relationship with God. The high priest wears these stones to carry the names of the tribes before God, highlighting their collective importance.
What does engraving like a seal mean in Exodus 28:11?
Engraving like a seal in Exodus 28:11 indicates that the names on the stones should be crafted with precision and care, signifying authenticity and authority. This method reflects the importance of the names and their representation of the tribes.
Why are the stones set in gold in Exodus 28:11?
The stones are set in gold in Exodus 28:11 to symbolize value and honor. Gold represents the significance of the high priest's role and the importance of the tribes he represents.
The Book of Exodus
Exodus 1: Israel's Oppression in Egypt
The sons of Israel settle in Egypt, and their families grow rapidly until the land is filled with them. A new Pharaoh arises who does not know Joseph and fears that the Israelites will join Egypt's enemies if war comes, so he places them under harsh labor and forces them to build the store cities Pithom and Raamses. The more they are oppressed, the more they multiply, which increases Egyptian fear. Pharaoh commands the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill every male child at birth, but they fear God and let the boys live. When Pharaoh confronts them, they say the Hebrew women deliver before the midwives arrive, and God blesses the midwives with households. Pharaoh then commands all his people to cast every Hebrew son into the river while allowing the daughters to live.
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