Exodus 28:11

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה
With the work
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#2
חָרַשׁ֮
of an engraver
a fabricator or any material
#3
הָֽאֲבָנִ֔ים
H68
in stone
a stone
#4
פִּתּוּחֵ֣י
like the engravings
sculpture (in low or high relief or even intaglio)
#5
חֹתָ֗ם
of a signet
a signature-ring
#6
תְּפַתַּח֙
shalt thou engrave
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
שְׁתֵּ֣י
the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#9
הָֽאֲבָנִ֔ים
H68
in stone
a stone
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
שְׁמֹ֖ת
with the names
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#12
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#13
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#14
מֻֽסַבֹּ֛ת
them to be set
a reversal, i.e., the backside (of a gem), fold (of a double-leaved door), transmutation (of a name)
#15
מִשְׁבְּצ֥וֹת
in ouches
a brocade; by analogy, a (reticulated) setting of a gem
#16
זָהָ֖ב
of gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#17
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
thou shalt make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#18
אֹתָֽם׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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