Exodus 28:9
Context28:9 “You are to take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel, 1
Exodus 28:11
Context28:11 You are to engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel with the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a seal; 2 you are to have them set 3 in gold filigree 4 settings.
Exodus 28:21
Context28:21 The stones are to be for the names of the sons of Israel, twelve, according to the number of 5 their names. Each name according to the twelve tribes is to be like 6 the engravings of a seal.
1 tn Although this is normally translated “Israelites,” here a more literal translation is clearer because it refers to the names of the twelve tribes – the actual sons of Israel.
2 sn Expert stone or gem engravers were used to engrave designs and names in identification seals of various sizes. It was work that skilled artisans did.
3 tn Or “you will mount them” (NRSV similar).
4 tn Or “rosettes,” shield-like frames for the stones. The Hebrew word means “to plait, checker.”
5 tn For clarity the words “the number of” have been supplied.
6 tn The phrase translated “the engravings of a seal” is an adverbial accusative of manner here.