King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span [was] the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, [being] doubled.
Complete Jewish Bible:
When folded double, the breastplate was square -doubled, it was a hand-span by a hand-span.
Berean Standard Bible:
It was square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide.
American Standard Version:
It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being double.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
It was foursquare{H7251}; they made{H6213} the breastplate{H2833} double{H3717}: a span{H2239} was the length{H753} thereof, and a span{H2239} the breadth{H7341} thereof, being doubled{H3717}.
Cross-References (KJV):
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Commentary for Exodus 39:9
1. Themes:
- Craftsmanship and Detail: Exodus 39:9 emphasizes the meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating the breastplate for the high priest, Aaron. The detailed description of the breastplate's dimensions and construction reflects the importance of precision and care in the service of God.
- Holiness and Purpose: The breastplate was not merely an ornament but a functional garment with a holy purpose. It was part of the priestly vestments designed by God and used in the Tabernacle service, symbolizing the priest's role as a mediator between God and the Israelites.
- Divine Instruction: The verse highlights the obedience of the Israelites in following God's instructions given through Moses, showcasing the theme of adherence to divine command.
2. Historical Context:
- The Exodus Era: Exodus 39:9 is set in the context of the Israelites' wanderings in the wilderness after their escape from slavery in Egypt. This period is characterized by the establishment of the Tabernacle, a portable dwelling place for God, and the institution of religious and ritual practices.
- The Tabernacle's Construction: The verse is part of the detailed account of the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the priestly garments. These chapters (Exodus 35-40) describe how the skilled craftsmen Bezalel and Oholiab, along with other artisans, created these sacred items according to God's specifications.
- The Role of the High Priest: The breastplate was a key element of the high priest's attire, and it held the Urim and Thummim, objects used for discerning the will of God. Aaron, as the first high priest, would have worn this breastplate during his priestly duties.
In summary, Exodus 39:9 reflects themes of skilled workmanship, holiness, and obedience to God's commands within the historical context of the Tabernacle's construction and the establishment of the priesthood during the Exodus.
*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: H7251
There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רָבַע
Transliteration: râbaʻ
Pronunciation: raw-bah'
Description: a primitive root (rather identical with רָבַע through the idea of sprawling 'at all fours' (or possibly the reverse is the order of deriv.); compare אַרְבַּע); properly, to be four (sided); used only as denominative of רֶבַע; to be quadrate; (four-) square(-d). - Strong's Number: H6213
There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָשָׂה
Transliteration: ʻâsâh
Pronunciation: aw-saw'
Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. - 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: H3717
There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כָּפַל
Transliteration: kâphal
Pronunciation: kaw-fal'
Description: a primitive root; to fold together; figuratively, to repeat; double. - Strong's Number: H2239
There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זֶרֶת
Transliteration: zereth
Pronunciation: zeh'-reth
Description: from זָרָה; the spread of the fingers, i.e. a span; span. - Strong's Number: H753
There are 149 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֹרֶךְ
Transliteration: ʼôrek
Pronunciation: o'rek'
Description: from אָרַךְ; length; [phrase] forever, length, long. - Strong's Number: H7341
There are 89 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רֹחַב
Transliteration: rôchab
Pronunciation: ro'-khab
Description: from רָחַב; width (literally or figuratively); breadth, broad, largeness, thickness, wideness.