So Aaron shall bear is literally “and Aaron will carry [or, lift].” The names of the sons of Israel is exactly what the Hebrew says. This refers to the names to be inscribed on the twelve stones mounted on the breastpiece of judgment. (See the comment at verse 15.) Verse 21 allows for either the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob) or the names of the “tribes” (Good News Translation), which were not necessarily the same. (See the comment there.) Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version interpret this as “the names of the tribes of Israel,” and American Standard Version as “the children of Israel.”

A symbolic meaning is intended here, for these names will actually be worn upon his heart, that is, over the heart of Aaron, who is to represent “the tribes of Israel” as high priest in Yahweh’s presence. This phrase is repeated two more times in verse 30 in reference to the Urim and the Thummim, but Good News Translation unfortunately omits it entirely, evidently interpreting the heart as referring only to the mind, for remembering. Translators are urged to keep this symbolic meaning here. In a number of languages it will be necessary to have two sentences: “So whenever Aaron enters the holy place, he will wear the breastpiece on which they have engraved the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. It will be over his heart.”

When he goes into the holy place is literally “in his entering unto the holy [place].” The participle “in his entering” suggests repeated action, so “Whenever Aaron enters” is better. It does not suggest, however, that the breastpiece is to be worn only when he enters “the Holy Place” (Good News Translation). (For keeping the identity of the holy place clear, see the comment at 26.33.) To bring them to continual remembrance before the LORD is literally “for a reminder to the face of Yahweh continually.” Since Yahweh is speaking, Good News Translation has “so that I, the LORD, will always remember my people,” or “and I will never forget my people” (Contemporary English Version). (See the comment at verse 12.)

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 .