King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that [it] may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Then bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the vest with a blue cord, so that it can be on the vest's decorated belt, and so that the breastplate won't swing loose from the vest.
Berean Standard Bible:
The rings of the breastpiece shall be tied to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece is above the waistband of the ephod and does not swing out from the ephod.
American Standard Version:
And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be upon the skilfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And they shall bind{H7405} the breastplate{H2833} by the rings{H2885} thereof unto the rings{H2885} of the ephod{H646} with a lace{H6616} of blue{H8504}, that it may be above the curious girdle{H2805} of the ephod{H646}, and that the breastplate{H2833} be not loosed{H2118} from the ephod{H646}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Numbers 15:38
- Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:
Exodus 28:37
- And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be.
Exodus 28:31
- ¶ And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all [of] blue.
Exodus 39:30
- And they made the plate of the holy crown [of] pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, [like to] the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
Exodus 39:31
- And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten [it] on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Exodus 28:28
Exodus 28:28 is a verse from the Old Testament that describes specific instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the high priest's garments. These garments were to be worn by Aaron, the brother of Moses, and subsequent high priests during their priestly duties in the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place of God among the Israelites.
The verse is part of a larger section detailing the making of the ephod, a sacred apron-like garment, and the breastplate, which was attached to the ephod. The breastplate was a square-shaped piece of fabric adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. The verse specifies that the breastplate was to be securely fastened to the ephod with blue lace, ensuring that it would not become detached during the priest's movements. This connection was symbolically important, as the breastplate was used to carry the Urim and Thummim, objects believed to be used for divination and to determine God's will.
The color blue is significant in Hebrew culture, often associated with the divine, the heavens, and purity. The "curious girdle" mentioned in the verse refers to a beautifully embroidered belt or sash that was part of the ephod ensemble. The careful attention to the attachment of the breastplate to the ephod above this girdle emphasizes the meticulous nature of the priestly vestments, which were designed not only for beauty and splendor but also for practicality and symbolic representation.
In its historical context, this verse reflects the detailed prescriptions for worship in ancient Israel. It underscores the importance of the priesthood and the sanctity of their role as intermediaries between God and the people. The precise instructions for the high priest's attire also served to distinguish the priestly class and to reinforce the solemnity and specificity of their duties within the Israelite religious system.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H7405
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רָכַס
Transliteration: râkaç
Pronunciation: raw-kas'
Description: a primitive root; to tie; bind. - Strong's Number: H2833
There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חֹשֶׁן
Transliteration: chôshen
Pronunciation: kho'-shen
Description: from an unused root probably meaning to contain or sparkle; perhaps a pocket (as holding the Urim and Thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest; breastplate. - Strong's Number: H2885
There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: טַבַּעַת
Transliteration: ṭabbaʻath
Pronunciation: tab-bah'-ath
Description: from טָבַע; properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e. signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind; ring. - Strong's Number: H646
There are 158 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֵפוֹד
Transliteration: ʼêphôwd
Pronunciation: ay-fode'
Description: rarely אֵפֹד; probably of foreign derivation; a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image; ephod. - Strong's Number: H6616
There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פָּתִיל
Transliteration: pâthîyl
Pronunciation: paw-theel'
Description: from פָּתַל; twine; bound, bracelet, lace, line, ribband, thread, wire. - Strong's Number: H8504
There are 49 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תְּכֵלֶת
Transliteration: tᵉkêleth
Pronunciation: tek-ay'-leth
Description: probably for שְׁחֶלֶת; the cerulean mussel, i.e. the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith; blue. - Strong's Number: H2805
There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חֵשֶׁב
Transliteration: chêsheb
Pronunciation: khay'-sheb
Description: from חָשַׁב; a belt or strap (as being interlaced); curious girdle. - Strong's Number: H2118
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זָחַח
Transliteration: zâchach
Pronunciation: zaw-khakh'
Description: a primitive root; to shove or displace; loose.