Exodus 39:13

Authorized King James Version

And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַטּוּר֙
row
a row; hence, a wall
#2
הָֽרְבִיעִ֔י
And the fourth
fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth
#3
תַּרְשִׁ֥ישׁ
a beryl
a gem, perhaps the topaz
#4
שֹׁ֖הַם
an onyx
a gem, probably the beryl (from its pale green color)
#5
וְיָֽשְׁפֵ֑ה
and a jasper
a gem supposed to be jasper (from the resemblance in name)
#6
מֽוּסַבֹּ֛ת
they were inclosed
a reversal, i.e., the backside (of a gem), fold (of a double-leaved door), transmutation (of a name)
#7
מִשְׁבְּצֹ֥ת
in ouches
a brocade; by analogy, a (reticulated) setting of a gem
#8
זָהָ֖ב
of gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#9
בְּמִלֻּֽאֹתָֽם׃
in their inclosings
a filling, i.e., setting (of gems)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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