Keraia
Exodus 28

Exodus 28:15

The Breastpiece · Exodus 28:15–30
Read Exodus 28

Translations

Modern
You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.
Traditional
And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
Literal
And you shall make the breastplate of judgment, the work of a designer. You shall make it according to the workmanship of the ephod; you shall make it of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely woven linen.
Latin
Rationale quoque judicii facies opere polymito juxta texturam superhumeralis, ex auro, hyacintho, et purpura, coccoque bis tincto, et bysso retorta.

Original

Hebrew
English
You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.

Notes

Exodus 28:15–30

The breastpiece receives more attention than any other item. This suggests the breastpiece was very important.

The breastpiece symbolized the priest's representation of Israel (28:17–21, 29). It held the Urim and Thummim, objects through which God revealed his will (28:30).

The high priest had two main tasks. First, he brought the people to God. He represented them before the Lord.

Second, he brought God’s word to the people. He spoke to them on God’s behalf.

The chestpiece stood for both of these duties. It showed that the high priest served as a bridge between God and the people.

Exodus 28:1–43

These holy garments for Aaron were to distinguish him as a priest set apart (Hebrew qadash, “consecrated”) for the Lord's service (28:2, 3). The beauty of these garments matched the beauty of the Tent of Meeting, which was God's portable earthly palace (or tabernacle).

One day, Jesus Christ, the true High Priest, would enter the Most Holy Place once for all. Then the difference between priests and people would disappear (Hebrews 10:11–22). Until then, human mediators represented how Christ would fulfill the types of wonderful things God accomplishes for his people.

Events

Parallels

Exodus 39:8–21

Glossary

Aaron Beauty Biblical Concept of Law Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of High Priest History of Israel Leviticus, Book of Memorial Priests and Levites Snail Tabernacle Temple Weights and Measures

Topics

Breastplate for the High Priest: Materials of Breastplate: for High Priest: Directions for the Making of Colors: These Colors Figured Largely in the Symbolisms of the Tabernacle Furnishing Linen: Vestments of Priests Made of Priest: (The Function he Served Was Superior to That of Other Priests): Vestments of Priest: The Time of Moses: Vestments of Stones: Precious in the Breastplate and Ephod The High Priest: Special Garments of Breastplate