Keraia
Exodus 28

Exodus 28:11

The Ephod · Exodus 28:6–14
Read Exodus 28

Translations

Modern
Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings.
Traditional
With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.
Literal
…the work of an engraver of stone, engravings of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel; turned in settings of gold you shall make them.
Latin
Opere sculptoris et cælatura gemmarii, sculpes eos nominibus filiorum Israël, inclusos auro atque circumdatos:

Original

Hebrew
English
Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings.

Notes

Exodus 28:6–14

the ephod: The ephod was a kind of apron consisting of front and back pieces joined by shoulder straps and secured with a decorative sash (28:7, 8, 27–28). Moses probably mentions it first because it was a unique garment of the high priest.

Gideon later made a gold ephod. This suggests that people believed the garment had special powers (Judges 8:27).

Exodus 28:1–43

These holy garments for Aaron were to distinguish him as a priest set apart (Hebrew qadash, “consecrated”) for the Lord's service (28:2, 3). The beauty of these garments matched the beauty of the Tent of Meeting, which was God's portable earthly palace (or tabernacle).

One day, Jesus Christ, the true High Priest, would enter the Most Holy Place once for all. Then the difference between priests and people would disappear (Hebrews 10:11–22). Until then, human mediators represented how Christ would fulfill the types of wonderful things God accomplishes for his people.

Events

Parallels

Exodus 39:1–7

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Aaron Beauty Biblical Concept of Law Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Leviticus, Book of Snail Stonecutter Tabernacle Temple

Topics

Arts of The: Engraver Engraving: On the Stones Set in the Priest's Breastplate Ephod: A Sacred Vestment Worn by the High Priest: Described Gold used in the Arts: Into Ornaments Onyx used in the Breastplate Ouches: Sockets Precious Stones: Art of Engraving Upon, Early Known to the Jews Priest: (The Function he Served Was Superior to That of Other Priests): Vestments of Priest: The Time of Moses: Vestments of Seal: A Stamp Used for Signifying Documents: Engraved Seals: Precious Stones Set in Gold Used As Stones: Precious in the Breastplate and Ephod