Old Testament
Exodus 28:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Take 2 onyx stones and engrave on them the names of Israel's sons.
Compare translations
And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:
What Exodus 28:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God instructs Moses to create two onyx stones, each engraved with the names of the sons of Israel. This act symbolizes the importance of remembering and honoring the tribes of Israel. The stones are to be worn on the high priest's shoulders, representing the priest's role in carrying the people before God. Each name engraved signifies a connection to the community and their shared identity. This physical reminder serves to unite the people and highlight their collective journey. By wearing these stones, the high priest acknowledges the weight of responsibility he carries for the nation. It’s a powerful image of leadership and representation, showing that every individual matters in the eyes of God. This engraving is not just a task; it’s a profound reminder of heritage and belonging, emphasizing that we are all part of something greater than ourselves. The act of engraving names also invites us to reflect on our own connections and responsibilities within our communities.
How to apply Exodus 28:9 to your life
Consider how you can honor the people in your life. Reflect on your connections and the roles you play in your community. Just as the high priest carried the names of Israel, think about how you can support and uplift those around you. Every person matters, and your actions can make a difference. Embrace your role in fostering unity and belonging among your peers.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Exodus 28:9
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Exodus 28:9
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 28:9 mean?
Exodus 28:9 describes God's instruction to Moses to create two onyx stones engraved with the names of Israel's sons. This symbolizes the high priest's role in representing the tribes of Israel before God.
What is the significance of the onyx stones in Exodus 28:9?
The onyx stones in Exodus 28:9 serve as a physical reminder of the tribes of Israel, highlighting their collective identity and the high priest's responsibility to carry their names before God.
How does Exodus 28:9 relate to community and identity?
Exodus 28:9 illustrates the connection between individual names and the larger community of Israel, reminding us that each person contributes to the shared identity and heritage of the group.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.