Exodus 28:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה
With the work
H4639
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה
With the work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
1 of 18
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
פִּתּוּחֵ֣י
like the engravings
H6603
פִּתּוּחֵ֣י
like the engravings
Strong's:
H6603
Word #:
4 of 18
sculpture (in low or high relief or even intaglio)
תְּפַתַּח֙
shalt thou engrave
H6605
תְּפַתַּח֙
shalt thou engrave
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
6 of 18
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׁמֹ֖ת
with the names
H8034
שְׁמֹ֖ת
with the names
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
11 of 18
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
13 of 18
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מֻֽסַבֹּ֛ת
them to be set
H4142
מֻֽסַבֹּ֛ת
them to be set
Strong's:
H4142
Word #:
14 of 18
a reversal, i.e., the backside (of a gem), fold (of a double-leaved door), transmutation (of a name)
מִשְׁבְּצ֥וֹת
in ouches
H4865
מִשְׁבְּצ֥וֹת
in ouches
Strong's:
H4865
Word #:
15 of 18
a brocade; by analogy, a (reticulated) setting of a gem
זָהָ֖ב
of gold
H2091
זָהָ֖ב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
16 of 18
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
Historical Context
Signet rings bore owner's seals for impressing into wax or clay, authenticating documents. The same engraving technique used for personal seals was applied to these sacred stones, ensuring permanence and clarity—names that wouldn't fade or wear away.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's 'authentication' of you (signet engraving) mean for your identity?
- How does Christ both display and protect you before the Father?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The engraving must be done 'like the engravings of a signet'—the same method used for official seals that authenticate documents. A signet's impression validates ownership and authority. The tribal names engraved with signet-quality craftsmanship indicates God's authentication—these are officially His people. The enclosing gold settings (ouches) frame and display the names, ensuring they're seen and protected. Christ's representation of us is both official (authenticated by God) and careful (we're displayed and protected).