Exodus 39:14

Authorized King James Version

And the stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, every one with his name, according to the twelve tribes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְ֠הָֽאֲבָנִים
H68
And the stones
a stone
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
שְׁמ֔וֹ
according to their names
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#4
בְּנֵֽי
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
#5
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
הֵ֛נָּה
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)
#7
לִשְׁנֵ֥ים
according to the twelve
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#8
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
שְׁמ֔וֹ
according to their names
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#11
פִּתּוּחֵ֤י
like the engravings
sculpture (in low or high relief or even intaglio)
#12
חֹתָם֙
of a signet
a signature-ring
#13
אִ֣ישׁ
every one
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)
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
שְׁמ֔וֹ
according to their names
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#16
לִשְׁנֵ֥ים
according to the twelve
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#17
עָשָׂ֖ר
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#18
שָֽׁבֶט׃
tribes
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

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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