Exodus 39:14
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.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 18
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 #:
3 of 18
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 #:
4 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
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 18
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הֵ֛נָּה
H2007
הֵ֛נָּה
Strong's:
H2007
Word #:
6 of 18
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
8 of 18
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 18
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 18
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 18
sculpture (in low or high relief or even intaglio)
אִ֣ישׁ
every one
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
13 of 18
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 18
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 18
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Historical Context
Birth order determined the tribal names' sequence on the stones, maintaining the patriarchal structure given through Jacob's twelve sons. The engraving's permanence contrasted with written scrolls that could fade or be destroyed, emphasizing God's unalterable covenant promises.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your name being 'engraved' before God, not merely written, guarantee salvation's security?
- What does the twelve tribes' representation teach about God's faithfulness to His corporate covenant people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The stones bearing Israel's tribal names 'according to their names, like the engravings of a signet' (כַּפִּתּוּחֵי חוֹתָם, ke-pituche chotam) emphasizes permanence and ownership. Signet engravings denote authority and covenant commitment. Each tribe—not a collective 'Israel' but individual names—appears on a stone, teaching that God's covenant encompasses both corporate (twelve tribes) and individual (each name) identity. This dual reality prefigures both the church's corporate identity and believers' individual assurance. The twelve tribes represent the fullness of God's covenant people, fulfilled in the church as the twelve apostles' foundation (Ephesians 2:20; Revelation 21:14).