The onyx stones refers to the two stones mentioned in 28.9. (On the problem of whether to use onyx or “carnelians” [Good News Translation], see the comment at 28.20.) Were prepared, literally “they made,” again shifts to the passive voice. Good News Translation has “They prepared.” Enclosed in settings of gold filigree is identical with the expression in 28.11. Engraved like the engravings of a signet is literally “engraved [as] engravings of a seal.” This is also based on 28.11.

According to the names of the sons of Israel is literally “upon the names….” As in 28.9, Good News Translation translates this as “the names of the twelve sons of Jacob.” (See the comment there.)

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .