Exodus 28:12
And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.
Original Language Analysis
וְשַׂמְתָּ֞
And thou shalt put
H7760
וְשַׂמְתָּ֞
And thou shalt put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
1 of 21
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַ֚ל
H5921
עַ֚ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כְתֵפָ֖יו
shoulders
H3802
כְתֵפָ֖יו
shoulders
Strong's:
H3802
Word #:
6 of 21
the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi
הָֽאֵפֹ֔ד
of the ephod
H646
הָֽאֵפֹ֔ד
of the ephod
Strong's:
H646
Word #:
7 of 21
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
לְזִכָּרֹֽן׃
for a memorial
H2146
לְזִכָּרֹֽן׃
for a memorial
Strong's:
H2146
Word #:
9 of 21
a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)
לִבְנֵ֣י
unto the children
H1121
לִבְנֵ֣י
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 21
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 #:
11 of 21
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְנָשָׂא֩
shall bear
H5375
וְנָשָׂא֩
shall bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
12 of 21
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁמוֹתָ֜ם
their names
H8034
שְׁמוֹתָ֜ם
their names
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
15 of 21
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
לִפְנֵ֧י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֧י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
16 of 21
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
17 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
18 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Exodus 28:29And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.Joshua 4:7Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.Leviticus 24:7And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.Numbers 16:40To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.Numbers 31:54And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the tabernacle of the congregation, for a memorial for the children of Israel before the LORD.
Historical Context
The shoulder placement meant these memorial stones were visible when the high priest stood before the veil or entered the Most Holy Place. Every priestly act occurred with Israel's names literally on the priest's shoulders.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's intercession serve as both reminder to God and assurance to you?
- What does it mean that your name is 'always before the Lord' in Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The stones are placed on the ephod's shoulders as 'stones of memorial unto the children of Israel.' Memorial suggests both remembrance and testimony—God remembers His people, and the stones testify to that remembrance. Aaron bears the names 'before the Lord'—in God's presence, constantly visible. This memorial is God-ward (reminding Him) and man-ward (testifying to Israel). Christ's continual intercession serves both purposes—He reminds the Father of His promises, and we're assured of His advocacy.