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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 28:17 And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald;</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/28-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/02_Exo_28_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 28:17 - The Breastpiece" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald;" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/28-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/28-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/28.htm">Chapter 28</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/28-16.htm" title="Exodus 28:16">◄</a> Exodus 28:17 <a href="/exodus/28-18.htm" title="Exodus 28:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/exodus/28.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/exodus/28.htm">New International Version</a> Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; <a href="/nlt/exodus/28.htm">New Living Translation</a> Mount four rows of gemstones on it. The first row will contain a red carnelian, a pale-green peridot, and an emerald. <a href="/esv/exodus/28.htm">English Standard Version</a> You shall set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row; <a href="/bsb/exodus/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; <a href="/kjv/exodus/28.htm">King James Bible</a> And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/28.htm">New King James Version</a> And you shall put settings of stones in it, four rows of stones: The first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald; this shall be the first row; <a href="/nasb_/exodus/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And you shall mount on it four rows of stones; the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz, and emerald; <a href="/nasb/exodus/28.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220You shall mount on it four rows of stones; the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz and emerald; <a href="/nasb77/exodus/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And you shall mount on it four rows of stones; the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz and emerald; <a href="/lsb/exodus/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> You shall mount on it four rows of stones; the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz, and emerald; <a href="/amp/exodus/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a> You shall mount on it four rows of stones: the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz, and emerald; <a href="/csb/exodus/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Place a setting of gemstones on it, four rows of stones: The first row should be a row of carnelian, topaz, and emerald; <a href="/hcsb/exodus/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Place a setting of gemstones on it, four rows of stones: The first row should be a row of carnelian, topaz, and emerald; <a href="/asv/exodus/28.htm">American Standard Version</a> And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row; <a href="/cev/exodus/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> with four rows of three precious stones: In the first row put a carnelian, a chrysolite, and an emerald; <a href="/erv/exodus/28.htm">English Revised Version</a> And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row; <a href="/gwt/exodus/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Fasten four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row put red quartz, topaz, and emerald. <a href="/gnt/exodus/28.htm">Good News Translation</a> Mount four rows of precious stones on it; in the first row mount a ruby, a topaz, and a garnet; <a href="/isv/exodus/28.htm">International Standard Version</a> You are to mount on it a setting for four rows of stones. The first row is to contain carnelian, topaz, and emerald; <a href="/msb/exodus/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; <a href="/net/exodus/28.htm">NET Bible</a> You are to set in it a setting for stones, four rows of stones, a row with a ruby, a topaz, and a beryl--the first row; <a href="/nheb/exodus/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row; <a href="/wbt/exodus/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. <a href="/web/exodus/28.htm">World English Bible</a> You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And you have set settings of stone in it, four rows of stone: a row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle [is] the first row; <a href="/ylt/exodus/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And thou hast set in it settings of stone, four rows of stone; a row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle is the first row; <a href="/slt/exodus/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And fill in it a filling of stone, four rows of stone: the row, a ruby, topaz, and emerald, the one row.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And thou shalt set in it four rows of stones: in the first row shall be a sardius stone, and a topaz, and an emerald: <a href="/cpdv/exodus/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And you shall set within it four rows of stones. In the first row, there shall be a sardius stone, and a topaz, and an emerald. <a href="/nabre/exodus/28.htm">New American Bible</a> On it you shall mount four rows of precious stones: in the first row, a carnelian, a topaz, and an emerald; <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You shall set in it four rows of stones. A row of carnelian, chrysolite, and emerald shall be the first row;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And you shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones; the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald: <a href="/hpbt/exodus/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And you shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stone: the first row, ruby and topaz and lightning (diamond), row one.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of carnelian, topaz, and smaragd shall be the first row; <a href="/sep/exodus/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And thou shalt interweave with it a texture of four rows of stone; there shall be a row of stones, a sardius, a topaz, and emerald, the first row. <a href="/parallel/exodus/28-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=7090" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/28.htm">The Breastpiece</a> …16It must be square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide. 17<a href="/hebrew/4390.htm" title="4390: ū·mil·lê·ṯā (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To be full, to fill. Or malae; a primitive root, to fill or be full of, in a wide application.">And mount</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">on it</a> <a href="/hebrew/4396.htm" title="4396: mil·lu·’aṯ (N-fsc) -- Setting (of jewels). Feminine of millu'; a filling, i.e. Setting.">a setting</a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: ’e·ḇen (N-fs) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone.">of gemstones,</a> <a href="/hebrew/702.htm" title="702: ’ar·bā·‘āh (Number-ms) -- Four. Masculine oarbaah; from raba'; four.">four</a> <a href="/hebrew/2905.htm" title="2905: ṭū·rîm (N-mp) -- A row. From an unused root meaning to range in a regular manner; a row; hence, a wall.">rows</a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: ’ā·ḇen (N-fs) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone.">of stones:</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: hā·’e·ḥāḏ (Art:: Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">In the first</a> <a href="/hebrew/2905.htm" title="2905: ṭūr (N-msc) -- A row. From an unused root meaning to range in a regular manner; a row; hence, a wall.">row there shall be</a> <a href="/hebrew/2905.htm" title="2905: haṭ·ṭūr (Art:: N-ms) -- A row. From an unused root meaning to range in a regular manner; a row; hence, a wall."></a> <a href="/hebrew/124.htm" title="124: ’ō·ḏem (N-ms) -- A carnelian. From 'adam; redness, i.e. The ruby, garnet, or some other red gem.">a ruby,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6357.htm" title="6357: piṭ·ḏāh (N-fs) -- (a precious stone) perhaps topaz. Of foreign derivation; a gem, probably the topaz.">a topaz,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1304.htm" title="1304: ū·ḇā·re·qeṯ (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- A gem, the emerald. Or barkath; from baraq; a gem, perhaps the emerald.">and an emerald;</a> 18in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond;…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/revelation/21-19.htm">Revelation 21:19-20</a> The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, / the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. <a href="/ezekiel/28-13.htm">Ezekiel 28:13</a> You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation. <a href="/isaiah/54-11.htm">Isaiah 54:11-12</a> “O afflicted city, lashed by storms, without solace, surely I will set your stones in antimony and lay your foundations with sapphires. / I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones. <a href="/1_kings/7-10.htm">1 Kings 7:10</a> The foundations were laid with large, costly stones, some ten cubits long and some eight cubits long. <a href="/1_chronicles/29-2.htm">1 Chronicles 29:2</a> Now with all my ability I have made provision for the house of my God—gold for the gold articles, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and slabs of marble—all in abundance. <a href="/2_chronicles/3-6.htm">2 Chronicles 3:6</a> He adorned the temple with precious stones for beauty, and its gold was from Parvaim. <a href="/songs/5-14.htm">Song of Solomon 5:14</a> His arms are rods of gold set with beryl. His body is polished ivory bedecked with sapphires. <a href="/job/28-16.htm">Job 28:16-19</a> It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. / Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. / Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. ... <a href="/daniel/10-5.htm">Daniel 10:5-6</a> I lifted up my eyes, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. / His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. <a href="/genesis/2-12.htm">Genesis 2:12</a> And the gold of that land is pure, and bdellium and onyx are found there. <a href="/numbers/11-7.htm">Numbers 11:7</a> Now the manna resembled coriander seed, and its appearance was like that of gum resin. <a href="/1_kings/10-2.htm">1 Kings 10:2</a> She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind. <a href="/2_chronicles/9-10.htm">2 Chronicles 9:10</a> (The servants of Hiram and of Solomon who brought gold from Ophir also brought algum wood and precious stones. <a href="/matthew/13-45.htm">Matthew 13:45-46</a> Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. / When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it. <a href="/luke/16-19.htm">Luke 16:19</a> Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And you shall set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.thou shalt<a href="/exodus/28-9.htm">Exodus 28:9,11</a> And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel: … <a href="/exodus/39-10.htm">Exodus 39:10</a> And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row.<a href="/malachi/3-17.htm">Malachi 3:17</a> And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.set in it settings of stones.<a href="/ezekiel/28-13.htm">Ezekiel 28:13</a> Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.<a href="/revelation/21-19.htm">Revelation 21:19-21</a> And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; … a sardius or ruby.<a href="/job/28-18.htm">Job 28:18</a> No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.<a href="/proverbs/3-15.htm">Proverbs 3:15</a> She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.<a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Proverbs 8:11</a> For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.a topaz.<a href="/job/28-19.htm">Job 28:19</a> The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.<a href="/revelation/21-20.htm">Revelation 21:20</a> The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.a carbuncle.<a href="/isaiah/54-11.htm">Isaiah 54:11,12</a> O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/28-9.htm">Beryl</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-13.htm">Carbuncle</a> <a href="/revelation/21-20.htm">Carnelian</a> <a href="/revelation/21-20.htm">Chrysolite</a> <a href="/revelation/21-19.htm">Emerald</a> <a href="/exodus/26-24.htm">First</a> <a href="/exodus/27-16.htm">Four</a> <a href="/exodus/12-35.htm">Jewels</a> <a href="/genesis/14-8.htm">Lines</a> <a href="/exodus/28-11.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/genesis/30-20.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/jonah/1-13.htm">Row</a> <a href="/mark/6-40.htm">Rows</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-13.htm">Ruby</a> <a href="/revelation/21-20.htm">Sardius</a> <a href="/exodus/28-14.htm">Settings</a> <a href="/exodus/39-10.htm">Smaragd</a> <a href="/exodus/28-12.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/revelation/21-20.htm">Topaz</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/28-20.htm">Beryl</a> <a href="/exodus/28-18.htm">Carbuncle</a> <a href="/exodus/39-10.htm">Carnelian</a> <a href="/exodus/28-20.htm">Chrysolite</a> <a href="/exodus/28-18.htm">Emerald</a> <a href="/exodus/29-38.htm">First</a> <a href="/exodus/36-9.htm">Four</a> <a href="/exodus/28-21.htm">Jewels</a> <a href="/exodus/39-10.htm">Lines</a> <a href="/exodus/28-20.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/exodus/39-10.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/exodus/28-18.htm">Row</a> <a href="/exodus/39-10.htm">Rows</a> <a href="/exodus/28-18.htm">Ruby</a> <a href="/exodus/39-10.htm">Sardius</a> <a href="/exodus/28-20.htm">Settings</a> <a href="/exodus/39-10.htm">Smaragd</a> <a href="/exodus/28-21.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/exodus/28-20.htm">Topaz</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 28</div>1. <a href="/exodus/28-1.htm">Aaron and his sons are set apart for the priest's office</a> 2. <a href="/exodus/28-2.htm">Holy garments are appointed</a> 6. <a href="/exodus/28-6.htm">The ephod and girdle</a> 15. <a href="/exodus/28-15.htm">The breast-plate with twelve precious stones</a> 30. <a href="/exodus/28-30.htm">The Urim and Thummim</a> 31. <a href="/exodus/28-31.htm">The robe of the ephod, with pomegranates and bells</a> 36. <a href="/exodus/28-36.htm">The plate of the mitre</a> 39. <a href="/exodus/28-39.htm">The embroidered coat</a> 40. <a href="/exodus/28-40.htm">The garments for Aaron's sons</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/28.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/28.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And mount on it a setting of gemstones, This phrase refers to the breastpiece of judgment worn by the High Priest, a sacred garment described in detail in <a href="/exodus/28.htm">Exodus 28</a>. The gemstones were set in gold filigree, symbolizing the divine nature and the glory of God. The use of gemstones in ancient times often signified wealth, beauty, and divine favor. The breastpiece served as a tangible representation of the High Priest's role as a mediator between God and the Israelites, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel before the Lord.four rows of stones: The arrangement of the stones in four rows signifies order and completeness, reflecting the structured nature of God's covenant with Israel. Each stone represented one of the twelve tribes, emphasizing unity and the collective identity of the people of God. The number four often symbolizes universality and the earth in biblical numerology, suggesting the encompassing nature of God's covenant.In the first row there shall be a ruby, The ruby, or sardius, is traditionally associated with the tribe of Reuben, Jacob's firstborn. Rubies are known for their deep red color, symbolizing blood, sacrifice, and redemption. This aligns with the sacrificial system established in the Old Testament, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood would redeem humanity.a topaz, Topaz is linked to the tribe of Simeon. In ancient times, topaz was valued for its beauty and rarity. Its golden hue can symbolize divine wisdom and the glory of God. The presence of topaz in the breastpiece highlights the preciousness of each tribe in God's sight and the wisdom required to lead His people.and an emerald; Emerald, associated with the tribe of Levi, is known for its vibrant green color, symbolizing life, renewal, and fertility. The Levites were set apart for priestly duties, and the emerald's symbolism of life and renewal can be seen as a foreshadowing of the new life brought through Christ's priesthood. The emerald also represents the eternal nature of God's promises, as green is often associated with everlasting life.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/h/high_priest.htm">High Priest</a> The instructions in <a href="/bsb/exodus/28.htm">Exodus 28</a> are given for the garments of the High Priest, who served as the spiritual leader and mediator between God and the Israelites. 2. <a href="/topical/b/breastpiece_of_judgment.htm">Breastpiece of Judgment</a> This is the specific garment being described in <a href="/exodus/28-17.htm">Exodus 28:17</a>. It was worn by the High Priest and was a symbol of his role in seeking God's will and making decisions for the people. 3. <a href="/topical/t/tabernacle.htm">Tabernacle</a> The context of this passage is the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites. 4. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The leader of the Israelites who received these instructions from God on Mount Sinai. 5. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, for whom these priestly garments were being made to facilitate worship and atonement.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_stones.htm">Symbolism of Stones</a> The precious stones on the breastpiece symbolize the value and beauty of God's people. Each stone represents a tribe of Israel, showing that every individual is precious in God's sight. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_the_high_priest.htm">Role of the High Priest</a> The High Priest's garments, including the breastpiece, remind us of the importance of holiness and dedication in our service to God. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect our priestly calling. <a href="/topical/g/god's_attention_to_detail.htm">God's Attention to Detail</a> The specific instructions for the priestly garments demonstrate God's concern for order and beauty in worship. This encourages us to approach our worship with reverence and intentionality. <a href="/topical/i/intercession_and_mediation.htm">Intercession and Mediation</a> The High Priest's role as a mediator points to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest. We are reminded of the privilege and responsibility to intercede for others in prayer. <a href="/topical/u/unity_and_diversity.htm">Unity and Diversity</a> The different stones represent the diversity within the unity of God's people. This calls us to appreciate and celebrate the unique gifts and roles within the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 28</a> <a href="/q/what_do_birthstones_mean_in_the_bible.htm">What do birthstones symbolize in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_sacred_stones_in_the_bible.htm">What does the Bible say about sacred stones?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_israelites_get_materials_for_garments.htm">Exodus 28:2–5: Where did nomadic Israelites supposedly in the desert acquire the costly fabrics, precious stones, and gold for such elaborate garments? </a> <a href="/q/can_exodus_28_gems_match_israel's_trade.htm">Exodus 28:15-21: Could the precise identification and sourcing of twelve specific gemstones align historically with the Israelites' environment and trading networks?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/28.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17-19) Set in it settings of stones . . . There is always considerable difficulty in identifying ancient with modern gems, the etymologies of the words being frequently uncertain, the names (where they have survived) having sometimes changed their meaning, and the opinions of early commentators, who might seem to speak with some authority, being discrepant. In the present case, scarcely one of the twelve stones can be said to be determined with certainty. 1. The odem, identified by the LXX. and the Vulg. With the "sard," has been regarded as the ruby, the carbuncle, and the carnelian. Etymologically the word means "red," or "the red stone." The ruby is certainly wrong, since ancient engravers could not cut it. Either "sard" or "carnelian" is probably intended, both being common in Egypt. 2. The pitdah is certainly not the topaz, which could no more be cut than the ruby. If the word is derived, as supposed, from a root meaning "pale," the chrysolite, which resembles a pale topaz, but is far softer, may be meant. 3. The bar?keth is rendered smaragdus, "emerald," by the LXX. and Vulg.; but neither could the emerald be cut by the ancient engravers. The word means "brightly flashing," which tells us next to nothing. "Beryl" and "a kind of corundum" have been suggested; but neither is particularly sparkling. 4. The nophek, translated ?????? by the LXX. and Josehus, may well be the "carbuncle," as is now generally supposed. It cannot, any more than the odem, be the ruby. 5. The sappir one might have supposed by its name to be certainly the "sapphire;" but this, again, is a gem which ancient engravers could not cut. It would seem that here we have one of the cases where the name has been transferred from one stone to another, the modern "lapis lazuli" being the gem which was called "sapphire" by the ancients. 6. The yah?lom is certainly not the "diamond," which is the hardest of all gems. The LXX. and Vulg. translate by "jasper" (??????, jaspis); but this seems really to have been the twelfth stone. Other renderings are mere conjectures, and the yah?lom must be regarded as unknown. 7. The leshem, rendered "ligure" by the LXX., the Vulgate, Josephus, and our translators, is probably the stone known to the ancients as lapis ligurius, but what that stone was is a matter of great uncertainty. It has been regarded as amber, as jacinth, and as tourmaline; but amber does not admit of engraving, while jacinth and tourmaline are pure conjectures. This stone, then, must also be regarded as unknown. 8. The shevo, rendered achates, "agate," by the LXX. and the Vulg., is generally allowed to have been that stone, which was well known to the ancients, and widely used for engraving. 9. The akhlamah was regarded as the amethyst by the LXX., the Vulgate, and Josephus; but it has been suggested that it may have been "malachite" (Knobel); and there is no disproving the suggestion. Still the amethyst, which is easily engraved, and was well known in Egypt, should find a place in the present list, and may well have been intended by the akhlamah. 10. The tarshish, by its name, should be a stone brought from Tarshish, which is either Tarsus or Tartessus. Some suppose it to have been the beryl, some the chrysolite, others the turquoise. There are really no sufficient grounds for identifying it with any known gem. 11. The shoham has been already discussed (see Note on <a href="/exodus/28-9.htm" title="And you shall take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:">Exodus 28:9</a>), and identified with the onyx, or the sardonyx. 12. The yash'peh should, by its name, be the "jasper," which was one of the stones most used in Egypt, and which could scarcely have been absent from the present list. The LXX., however, translate "onyx," Josephus and the Vulgate "beryl;" so that here again there is uncertainty. The views of the present writer may be best presented to the reader by means of a table:--1st Row of Gems . . .2nd Row . . .3rd Row . . .4th Row . . .Odern(the Sard)Nophck(the Carbuncle)Leshem . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - Settings of stones. These were similar to those of the two shoulder stones - i.e. of filagree or cloisonne work - as appears from <a href="/exodus/39-13.htm">Exodus 39:13</a>. The first row of the stones is said to have been composed of a sardius, or sard, a topaz, and a carbuncle. Of these names the first only would seem to be tolerably certain. The second cannot be right, since the topaz was too hard a stone to be engraved by the ancient engravers. We may conjecture that the chrysolite, a pale stone not unlike the topaz, but far less hard, was the Genesis intended. The "carbuncle" is also thought to be wrong; and the "beryl" is suggested by some; by others "a sort of precious corundum." Emerald, to which the "smaragdus" of the LXX. and Josephus would seem to point, cannot be right, since that stone is fully as hard as the topaz. <a href="/commentaries/exodus/28-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And mount וּמִלֵּאתָ֥ (ū·mil·lê·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4390.htm">Strong's 4390: </a> To fill, be full of on it בוֹ֙ (ḇōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> a setting מִלֻּ֣אַת (mil·lu·’aṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4396.htm">Strong's 4396: </a> Setting (of jewels) of gemstones, אֶ֔בֶן (’e·ḇen) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> A stone four אַרְבָּעָ֖ה (’ar·bā·‘āh) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_702.htm">Strong's 702: </a> Four rows טוּרִ֣ים (ṭū·rîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2905.htm">Strong's 2905: </a> A row, a wall of stones: אָ֑בֶן (’ā·ḇen) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> A stone In the first הָאֶחָֽד׃ (hā·’e·ḥāḏ) Article | Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first row there shall be ט֗וּר (ṭūr) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2905.htm">Strong's 2905: </a> A row, a wall a ruby, אֹ֤דֶם (’ō·ḏem) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_124.htm">Strong's 124: </a> Redness, the ruby, garnet, some other red gem a topaz, פִּטְדָה֙ (piṭ·ḏāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6357.htm">Strong's 6357: </a> (a precious stone) perhaps topaz and an emerald; וּבָרֶ֔קֶת (ū·ḇā·re·qeṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1304.htm">Strong's 1304: </a> A gem, the emerald <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/28-17.htm">Exodus 28:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/28-17.htm">Exodus 28:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/28-17.htm">Exodus 28:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/28-17.htm">Exodus 28:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/28-17.htm">Exodus 28:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/28-17.htm">Exodus 28:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/28-17.htm">Exodus 28:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/28-17.htm">Exodus 28:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/28-17.htm">Exodus 28:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/28-17.htm">Exodus 28:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/28-17.htm">OT Law: Exodus 28:17 You shall set in it settings (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/28-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 28:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 28:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/28-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 28:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 28:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>