These verses are nearly identical with 28.17-20. Only the verbs are changed from showing incomplete action (future tense) to showing completed action (past tense). Revised Standard Version again translates the different kinds of stones in the same way, but there is considerable uncertainty as to the meaning of the Hebrew terms. This is discussed at 28.17-20.

In verse 13 they were enclosed in settings of gold filigree is literally “encircled [in] settings of gold in their settings.” Two different words are used for “settings”: The first one is identical with 28.11 and suggests the idea of filigree. (See the comment there.) The second one is identical with 28.20 and comes from the word that means “to fill.” Good News Translation‘s “mounted in gold settings” (similarly Contemporary English Version) does not bring out the idea of filigree, but this is a matter of interpretation. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “frames of gold,” and Revised English Bible has “gold rosettes.”

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 .