And they set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle was the first row;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes the deliberate, orderly beauty of the sacred garments by explicitly stating that the stones were set in "four rows," and then immediately detailing the "first row." This meticulous structure highlights that nothing was haphazard; every detail of the high priest's attire was intentionally crafted to reflect divine order and glory.
And they set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle was the first row;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The preceding verses detail the meticulous crafting of the high priest's breastplate, specifically the setting of precious stones. This passage continues that description, focusing on the arrangement of these stones into four rows, beginning with the first row's specific gems. The narrative then moves on to describe the remaining rows and the borders of the breastplate, culminating in the completion of this significant piece of sacred attire.
This wasn't just jewelry; it was a divine blueprint. Every detail mattered to God.
The text describes the meticulous creation of the high priest's breastplate, a crucial part of his garments. Exodus 39:10 specifically details the first of four rows of precious stones set into it: sardius, topaz, and carbuncle. The scholars point out that while the exact identification of these stones is uncertain, their presence was significant. These weren't just decorative; they represented the twelve tribes of Israel. The incredible detail and expense involved in creating these garments, from the gold and fine threads to the precious stones, weren't about impressing humans. They were meant to reflect the holiness and glory of God Himself, serving as a constant reminder of His presence and His covenant with His people.
These stones weren't just valuable; they carried the weight of an entire nation's identity.
The precious stones on the breastplate weren't arbitrary choices. Each of the twelve stones corresponded to one of the twelve tribes of Israel. While the precise identification of the stones mentioned in Exodus 39:10 (sardius, topaz, carbuncle) is debated among scholars, their function remained constant: to bear the names of the tribes. This meant that as the high priest entered the Holy of Holies, he carried the identity and spiritual representation of all God's people before the Lord. It was a profound symbol of unity and God's commitment to His covenant people, ensuring they were always remembered in His presence.
Understand the original words
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odem · Hebrew Noun
A stone often identified as a red or brownish-red gem, symbolizing the priestly dignity and the blood-covenant relationship between God and His people.
pitdah · Hebrew Noun
A precious, golden-yellow or translucent gemstone, frequently used in biblical imagery to represent clarity, beauty, and the splendor of God's presence.
bareqet · Hebrew Noun
A gemstone of deep red or brilliant color, signifying intense radiance or the fiery purity of God's judgment and presence.
This verse is part of the original instructions for the high priest's breastpiece, providing the divine blueprint for the very stones mentioned here.
Revelation 21:19This passage in Revelation describes the foundations of the New Jerusalem, listing stones that directly parallel those on the high priest's breastpiece, symbolizing divine glory and permanence.
Ezekiel 28:13This verse describes the king of Tyre's adornment with precious jewels, highlighting their association with royalty, beauty, and even a fall from grace, echoing the symbolic weight of these stones.
Song of Solomon 5:14The bride compares her beloved to a lapis lazuli stone set in settings of gold, showcasing how these precious materials were used poetically to represent beauty and divine value.
cambridgeExodus 39:10: "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."
10–13 . The names of several of the stones are uncertain: see on Exodus 28:17-20 .
clarkeExodus 39:10: "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."
And they set in it four rows of stones - See all these precious stones particularly explained in the notes on Exodus 28:17 (note), etc.
The verse emphasizes the deliberate, orderly beauty of the sacred garments by explicitly stating that the stones were set in "four rows," and then immediately detailing the "first row." This meticulous structure highlights that nothing was haphazard; every detail of the high priest's attire was intentionally crafted to reflect divine order and glory.
The preceding verses detail the meticulous crafting of the high priest's breastplate, specifically the setting of precious stones. This passage continues that description, focusing on the arrangement of these stones into four rows, beginning with the first row's specific gems. The narrative then moves on to describe the remaining rows and the borders of the breastplate, culminating in the completion of this significant piece of sacred attire.
The preceding verses detail the meticulous crafting of the high priest's breastplate, specifically the setting of precious stones. This passage continues that description, focusing on the arrangement of these stones into four rows, beginning with the first row's specific gems. The narrative then moves on to describe the remaining rows and the borders of the breastplate, culminating in the completion of this significant piece of sacred attire.
"And they set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle was the first row;" — The verse emphasizes the deliberate, orderly beauty of the sacred garments by explicitly stating that the stones were set in "four rows," and then immediately detailing the "first row." This meticulo…
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Last reviewed October 2026