Exodus 28:21
And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
Original Language Analysis
תִּֽהְיֶ֜יןָ
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֜יןָ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׁמ֔וֹ
according to their names
H8034
שְׁמ֔וֹ
according to their names
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
4 of 19
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 19
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לִשְׁנֵ֥י
shall they be according to the twelve
H8147
לִשְׁנֵ֥י
shall they be according to the twelve
Strong's:
H8147
Word #:
7 of 19
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
8 of 19
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׁמ֔וֹ
according to their names
H8034
שְׁמ֔וֹ
according to their names
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
10 of 19
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
פִּתּוּחֵ֤י
like the engravings
H6603
פִּתּוּחֵ֤י
like the engravings
Strong's:
H6603
Word #:
11 of 19
sculpture (in low or high relief or even intaglio)
אִ֣ישׁ
every one
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
13 of 19
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׁמ֔וֹ
according to their names
H8034
שְׁמ֔וֹ
according to their names
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
15 of 19
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
תִּֽהְיֶ֕יןָ
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֕יןָ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
16 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לִשְׁנֵ֥י
shall they be according to the twelve
H8147
לִשְׁנֵ֥י
shall they be according to the twelve
Strong's:
H8147
Word #:
17 of 19
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
Historical Context
Signet engraving required skilled artisans who could carve names without cracking precious stones. The permanence of engraving (versus ink that fades) demonstrated that tribal identity before God was irrevocable—once named, always named.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's knowing you 'by name' differ from generic or impersonal religion?
- What does the permanence of engraving teach about the security of your identity in Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The stones correspond to Israel's twelve tribes by name, engraved like a signet ring. The phrase 'each according to his name' (אִישׁ עַל־שְׁמוֹ, ish al-sh'mo) emphasizes individual identity. God doesn't blur distinctions but celebrates them while maintaining unity. Signet engraving suggests ownership and authority—these names are officially God's, authenticated by His seal. Christ knows His sheep by name (John 10:3), each permanently engraved on His priestly heart.