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Exodus 39:14 - Tribal names on sacred stones?

Exodus 39:14 - שמות 39:14

Hebrew Text

וְהָאֲבָנִים עַל־שְׁמֹת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל הֵנָּה שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה עַל־שְׁמֹתָם פִּתּוּחֵי חֹתָם אִישׁ עַל־שְׁמוֹ לִשְׁנֵים עָשָׂר שָׁבֶט׃

English Translation

And the stones were according to the names of the children of Yisra᾽el, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, everyone with its name, according to the twelve tribes.

Transliteration

Veha'avanim al-shemot bnei-Yisrael hena shtayim esre al-shemotam pituchei chotam ish al-shemo lishneim asar shevet.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְ֠הָאֲבָנִ֠ים עַל־שְׁמֹ֨ת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל הֵ֛נָּה שְׁתֵּ֥ים עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה עַל־שְׁמֹתָ֑ם פִּתּוּחֵ֤י חֹתָם֙ אִ֣ישׁ עַל־שְׁמ֔וֹ לִשְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָׂ֖ר שָֽׁבֶט׃
וְ֠הָאֲבָנִ֠ים עַל־שְׁמֹ֨ת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל הֵ֛נָּה שְׁתֵּ֥ים עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה עַל־שְׁמֹתָ֑ם פִּתּוּחֵ֤י חֹתָם֙ אִ֣ישׁ עַל־שְׁמ֔וֹ לִשְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָׂ֖ר שָֽׁבֶט׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of the Twelve Stones

The verse describes the twelve stones on the choshen (breastplate) of the kohen gadol (high priest), each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. According to Rashi (Shemot 28:21), these stones served as a constant reminder before Hashem of the righteousness of the tribes, symbolizing their unity and collective mission.

Engraved Like a Signet

The phrase "פִּתּוּחֵי חֹתָם" (engravings of a signet) indicates that the names were not merely written but deeply carved into the stones. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) explains that this method ensured permanence, reflecting the eternal covenant between Hashem and the tribes of Israel. The Talmud (Sotah 36a) further notes that the engravings were miraculous, as the letters could not be erased—a sign of divine craftsmanship.

Representation of the Tribes

Each stone corresponded to a specific tribe, as derived from Shemot 28:17-20. Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 12) elaborates that the stones also reflected the unique qualities of each tribe:

  • Reuven’s stone (odem, ruby) symbolized repentance.
  • Yehudah’s stone (nofech, emerald) represented kingship.
  • Yissachar’s stone (sapir, sapphire) alluded to Torah wisdom.

Unity in Diversity

The choshen unified the twelve tribes into a single sacred entity. The Zohar (Terumah 152a) teaches that the stones' arrangement mirrored the celestial order, demonstrating how each tribe’s distinct role contributed to the collective sanctity of Israel. This aligns with the principle of כל ישראל ערבים זה לזה (all Jews are responsible for one another, Shevuos 39a).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 73b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the stones of the High Priest's breastplate and their significance in representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
📖 Sotah 36a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the names of the tribes and their representation on the stones of the breastplate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do the 12 stones on the High Priest's breastplate represent?
A: The 12 stones on the Kohen Gadol's (High Priest's) breastplate (Choshen) each represented one of the 12 tribes of Israel. According to Rashi (Exodus 28:21), each stone was engraved with the name of a tribe, showing that the Kohen Gadol carried all of Israel close to his heart when serving in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Q: Why were the stones engraved like a signet ring?
A: The Torah specifies the stones were engraved 'like the engravings of a signet' (Exodus 39:14) to emphasize the permanence and importance of each tribe's identity. Just as a signet ring leaves a clear, lasting impression, each tribe's unique role in the Jewish people is eternal and significant (based on Ramban's commentary).
Q: What can we learn from the 12 stones on the breastplate?
A: The 12 stones teach us that while the Jewish people are one nation, each tribe (and by extension, each individual) has a unique role to play. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) explains that just as no two stones were identical, each tribe had its own special path in serving Hashem while being united in the breastplate.
Q: Are the 12 stones still important today without the Temple?
A: Yes, the concept remains important. The Talmud (Sotah 36a) discusses how the stones would light up to answer questions, showing Divine guidance. Today, we learn that every Jew's name and identity matters to Hashem, and we each have a unique role in the Jewish people, even without the physical breastplate (based on teachings of the Chofetz Chaim).
Q: What were the actual stones used on the breastplate?
A: The exact identity of the stones is debated among commentators. Rashi (Exodus 28:17-20) lists them based on tradition, including stones like odem (ruby), pitdah (topaz), and bareket (emerald). The Targum Onkelos and other sources give slightly different interpretations, but all agree each stone was precious and distinct.