Exodus 39:6
New International Version
They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings and engraved them like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel.

New Living Translation
They mounted the two onyx stones in settings of gold filigree. The stones were engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, just as a seal is engraved.

English Standard Version
They made the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold filigree, and engraved like the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the sons of Israel.

Berean Standard Bible
They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel.

King James Bible
And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.

New King James Version
And they set onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold; they were engraved, as signets are engraved, with the names of the sons of Israel.

New American Standard Bible
They also made the onyx stones, set in gold filigree settings; they were engraved like the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the sons of Israel.

NASB 1995
They made the onyx stones, set in gold filigree settings; they were engraved like the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the sons of Israel.

NASB 1977
And they made the onyx stones, set in gold filigree settings; they were engraved like the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the sons of Israel.

Legacy Standard Bible
They made the onyx stones, set all around in filigree settings of gold; they were engraved like the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the sons of Israel.

Amplified Bible
They made the onyx stones, set in settings of gold filigree; they were engraved as signets are engraved, with the names of [the twelve tribes of] the sons of Israel.

Christian Standard Bible
Then they mounted the onyx stones surrounded with gold filigree settings, engraved with the names of Israel’s sons as a gem cutter engraves a seal.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then they mounted the onyx stones surrounded with gold filigree settings, engraved with the names of Israel’s sons as a gem cutter engraves a seal.

American Standard Version
And they wrought the onyx stones, inclosed in settings of gold, graven with the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children of Israel.

Contemporary English Version
Onyx stones were placed in gold settings, and each one was engraved with the name of one of Israel's sons.

English Revised Version
And they wrought the onyx stones, enclosed in ouches of gold, graven with the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children of Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They mounted the onyx stones in gold settings, and engraved on them the names of the sons of Israel.

Good News Translation
They prepared the carnelians and mounted them in gold settings; they were skillfully engraved with the names of the twelve sons of Jacob.

International Standard Version
They prepared the onyx stones, engraved with the names of the sons of Israel like the engraving on a signet, and mounted them in settings of gold filigree.

NET Bible
They set the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved as with the engravings of a seal with the names of the sons of Israel.

New Heart English Bible
They worked the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold, engraved with the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the sons of Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel.

World English Bible
They worked the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold, engraved with the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children of Israel.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they prepare the shoham stones, set [with] filigrees of gold, engraved with engravings of a signet—the names of the sons of Israel on [them];

Young's Literal Translation
And they prepare the shoham stones, set, embroidered with gold, opened with openings of a signet, by the names of the sons of Israel;

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will make stones of onyx turned in textures of gold, engraved with engravings of a seal, with the names of the sons of Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He prepared also two onyx stones, fast set and closed in gold, and graven by the art of a lapidary, with the names of the children of Israel:

Catholic Public Domain Version
He also prepared two onyx stones, set and enclosed in gold, and engraved with the skill of a jeweler, with the names of the sons of Israel.

New American Bible
The onyx stones were prepared and mounted in gold filigree work; they were engraved like seal engravings with the names of the sons of Israel.

New Revised Standard Version
The onyx stones were prepared, enclosed in settings of gold filigree and engraved like the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the sons of Israel.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they made the onyx stones inclosed and set in work of gold, engraved, as signets are engraved, with the names of the sons of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they made stones of Beryl fastened and set in gold, engraved engravings of a signet ring with the names of the sons of Israel.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they wrought the onyx stones, inclosed in settings of gold, graven with the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children of Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and they made the two emerald stones clasped together and set in gold, graven and cut after the cutting of a seal with the names of the children of Israel;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Ephod
5And the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod was of one piece with the ephod, of the same workmanship—with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 6They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel. 7Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded Moses.…

Cross References
Exodus 28:9-12
Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: / six of their names on one stone and the remaining six on the other, in the order of their birth. / Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings. ...

Exodus 28:17-20
And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; / in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; / in the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; ...

Exodus 28:36-38
You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. / Fasten to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. / And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD.

Leviticus 8:8
Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece.

Numbers 31:50
So we have brought to the LORD an offering of the gold articles each man acquired—armlets, bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces—to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD.”

1 Kings 7:14
He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Huram had great skill, understanding, and knowledge for every kind of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and carried out all his work.

1 Chronicles 29:2
Now with all my ability I have made provision for the house of my God—gold for the gold articles, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and slabs of marble—all in abundance.

2 Chronicles 3:6
He adorned the temple with precious stones for beauty, and its gold was from Parvaim.

2 Chronicles 9:10-11
(The servants of Hiram and of Solomon who brought gold from Ophir also brought algum wood and precious stones. / The king made the algum wood into steps for the house of the LORD and for the king’s palace, and into lyres and harps for the singers. Never before had anything like them been seen in the land of Judah.)

Job 28:16-19
It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. / Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. / Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. ...

Ezekiel 28:13
You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation.

Revelation 21:19-20
The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, / the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.

Matthew 17:2
There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

Mark 9:3
His clothes became radiantly white, brighter than any launderer on earth could bleach them.

Luke 9:29
And as He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white.


Treasury of Scripture

And they worked onyx stones enclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.

onyx stones.

Exodus 25:7
Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.

Exodus 28:9
And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:

Exodus 35:9
And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.

ouches.

Jump to Previous
Beryl Children Cut Cutting Embroidered Enclosed Enclosures Engraved Engravings Filigree Fixed Frames Gold Graven Inclosed Israel Mounted Names Onyx Opened Ouches Prepare Prepared Seal Settings Shoham Signet Signets Stamp Stones Twisted Worked Wrought
Jump to Next
Beryl Children Cut Cutting Embroidered Enclosed Enclosures Engraved Engravings Filigree Fixed Frames Gold Graven Inclosed Israel Mounted Names Onyx Opened Ouches Prepare Prepared Seal Settings Shoham Signet Signets Stamp Stones Twisted Worked Wrought
Exodus 39
1. The cloths of service and holy garments.
2. The ephod
8. The breast-plate
22. The robe of the ephod
27. The coats, mitre, and girdle of fine linen
30. The plate of the holy crown
32. All is finished, reviewed, and approved by Moses














They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings
The onyx stones were significant in the priestly garments, specifically on the ephod worn by the High Priest. Onyx is a precious stone, often associated with strength and beauty, and its use here signifies the importance of the priestly role. Gold filigree settings highlight the craftsmanship and value, reflecting the divine nature of the priestly duties. Gold, a symbol of purity and divinity, was used extensively in the tabernacle and its furnishings, indicating the sacredness of the objects and the presence of God. The use of gold and precious stones in the priestly garments underscores the connection between the earthly priesthood and the heavenly realities.

engraved like a seal
Engraving the stones like a seal suggests permanence and authority. Seals in ancient times were used to authenticate documents and signify ownership or identity. This imagery conveys the idea that the High Priest, bearing these stones, represents the people of Israel before God. The engraving process itself required skill and precision, indicating the care and dedication involved in creating items for worship. This also points to the enduring covenant between God and Israel, as the names were permanently inscribed, symbolizing God's unchanging promises.

with the names of the sons of Israel
The names of the sons of Israel refer to the twelve tribes, each represented by a name on the stones. This inclusion signifies the collective identity and unity of the nation before God. The High Priest, by wearing these stones, carried the tribes into the presence of God, interceding on their behalf. This act foreshadows the mediatory role of Jesus Christ, who intercedes for believers before God. The representation of the tribes on the High Priest's garments emphasizes the importance of community and the shared heritage of the people of Israel. It also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the continuity of His covenant with their descendants.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Onyx Stones
Precious stones used in the priestly garments, specifically for the ephod, representing the tribes of Israel.

2. Gold Filigree Settings
Intricate gold work used to mount the onyx stones, signifying the value and importance of the stones.

3. Sons of Israel
Refers to the twelve tribes of Israel, each represented by a name engraved on the stones.

4. Gem Cutter
The artisan responsible for engraving the names on the stones, highlighting the skill and precision required.

5. Ephod
A sacred vestment worn by the high priest, symbolizing his role as a mediator between God and the people.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of the Onyx Stones
The onyx stones symbolize the importance of each tribe in God's plan. Just as each stone was precious and carefully set, every believer is valued and has a unique place in God's kingdom.

Role of the High Priest
The high priest bore the names of the tribes on his shoulders, signifying his role as an intercessor. This foreshadows Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who intercedes for us before God.

Craftsmanship and Dedication
The detailed work of the gem cutter reflects the dedication and skill required in serving God. Believers are called to use their talents and gifts with excellence for God's glory.

Identity and Belonging
The engraving of the names signifies identity and belonging. In Christ, believers have a new identity and are part of God's family, engraved on His heart.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Exodus 39:6?

2. How does Exodus 39:6 demonstrate the importance of skilled craftsmanship in worship?

3. What does the use of "gold filigree" signify about God's standards for holiness?

4. How can we apply the dedication seen in Exodus 39:6 to our lives?

5. In what ways does Exodus 39:6 connect to the broader theme of obedience?

6. How does the detailed work in Exodus 39:6 reflect God's attention to detail?

7. What is the significance of the onyx stones in Exodus 39:6 for the Israelites?

8. How does Exodus 39:6 reflect the importance of priestly garments in ancient Israelite worship?

9. Why were the names of the sons of Israel engraved on the onyx stones?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 39?

11. What are the components of Priestly Garments?

12. Exodus 28:6-14: How plausible is it that detailed and specialized craftsmanship for the ephod existed among a recently freed slave population?

13. Exodus 39:8-21: How did they manage the sophisticated techniques required to craft and engrave the breastpiece with gemstone settings in a wilderness setting?

14. (Exodus 4:22-23) In what way does God's threat to kill Egypt's firstborn reconcile with a just and merciful deity, furthermore aligning with the broader biblical narrative?
What Does Exodus 39:6 Mean
They mounted

- Skilled artisans obediently followed the divine blueprints given to Moses (Exodus 31:1-6; 35:30-35).

- Their careful mounting shows that every detail of worship had to be executed exactly as God directed, echoing Noah’s precise construction of the ark (Genesis 6:22).

- “Obedience is better than sacrifice” rings true here (1 Samuel 15:22).


the onyx stones

- Onyx had appeared early in Scripture as a precious stone in Eden (Genesis 2:12), underscoring its value and beauty.

- God chose onyx specifically for the high priest’s shoulder pieces (Exodus 28:9-12), revealing that true worth in worship comes from what God designates, not from human taste.

- Like the living stones in 1 Peter 2:5, these gems symbolize people precious to God.


in gold filigree settings

- Gold represents purity and divine glory (Revelation 21:18). Setting the stones in gold tells us that God surrounds His people with His own splendor (Psalm 84:11).

- Filigree work—a delicate lattice—illustrates both strength and beauty united, much like the combination of justice and mercy in God’s character (Psalm 85:10).

- Other articles in the tabernacle also used gold filigree (Exodus 25:11-12), tying the entire structure together into a unified testimony of holiness.


engraved like a seal

- Seals in Scripture authenticate ownership and protect what is sealed (Esther 8:8; 2 Timothy 2:19).

- The engraving meant the names could never be erased, hinting at the permanence of God’s covenant love (Isaiah 49:16).

- This picture anticipates the sealing of believers by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14).


with the names

- Names matter to God; He calls the stars by name (Psalm 147:4) and writes believers’ names in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 20:15).

- Listing each tribe individually (Exodus 28:10) affirms that no member of God’s family is generic or forgotten (Luke 12:7).

- The personal nature of these names highlights intercession: the priest carried them before the Lord, foreshadowing Christ, our High Priest, who “always lives to intercede” for us (Hebrews 7:25).


of the sons of Israel

- The phrase roots the entire act in covenant history stretching back to Jacob’s twelve sons (Genesis 35:22-26).

- It reminds worshipers that their identity is covenantal, not merely ethnic or cultural (Deuteronomy 7:6-8).

- Ultimately the twelve names anticipate the twelve gates of the New Jerusalem, each bearing a tribe’s name (Revelation 21:12), showing God’s faithfulness from Exodus to eternity.


summary

- God ordered precious onyx stones to be securely mounted, visibly displaying His people in the place of privilege.

- Gold filigree proclaims His glory enveloping them, while permanent engraving assures them of unbreakable covenant love.

- Each individual name carried by the high priest prefigures Jesus carrying every believer before the Father.

- Exodus 39:6 teaches that God’s people are precious, protected, and permanently inscribed on His heart—then, now, and forever.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
They mounted
וַֽיַּעֲשׂוּ֙ (way·ya·‘ă·śū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

the onyx
הַשֹּׁ֔הַם (haš·šō·ham)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7718: (a gem) perhaps an onyx

stones
אַבְנֵ֣י (’aḇ·nê)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 68: A stone

in gold
זָהָ֑ב (zā·hāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

filigree settings,
מִשְׁבְּצֹ֣ת (miš·bə·ṣōṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4865: A brocade, a, setting of a, gem

engraved
מְפֻתָּחֹת֙ (mə·p̄ut·tā·ḥōṯ)
Verb - Pual - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 6605: To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

like a seal
חוֹתָ֔ם (ḥō·w·ṯām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2368: A seal, signet ring

with
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the names
שְׁמ֖וֹת (šə·mō·wṯ)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8034: A name

of the sons
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


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OT Law: Exodus 39:6 They worked the onyx stones enclosed (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 39:5
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