Exodus 28:15

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt make {H6213} the breastplate {H2833} of judgment {H4941} with cunning {H2803} work {H4639}; after the work {H4639} of the ephod {H646} thou shalt make {H6213} it; of gold {H2091}, of blue {H8504}, and of purple {H713}, and of scarlet {H8144}{H8438}, and of fine twined {H7806} linen {H8336}, shalt thou make {H6213} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Make a breastplate for judging. Have it crafted by a skilled artisan; make it like the work of the ritual vest - make it of gold; blue, purple and scarlet yarn; and finely woven linen.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skilful workman; like the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 28:15 meticulously details the divine mandate for the creation of the high priest's "breastplate of judgment," a sacred and intricately designed vestment. This verse specifies that its construction must mirror the craftsmanship of the ephod and lists the precise, symbolically rich materials required: gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. More than a mere adornment, this breastplate was a pivotal component of the high priestly attire, symbolizing his unique mediatorial role between God and Israel, bearing the names of the tribes, and serving as a crucial instrument for divine discernment and the administration of justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the extensive instructions God delivers to Moses on Mount Sinai concerning the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings (chapters 25-31). Specifically, [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Instructions for Priestly Garments") is dedicated entirely to the precise specifications for the holy garments of Aaron and his sons, establishing the distinct attire essential for their consecrated priestly service. Verse 15 immediately follows the detailed description of the ephod ([Exodus 28:6-14](/exodus/28-6-14 "Exodus 28:6-14 - Description of the Ephod")), explicitly stating that the breastplate was to be made "after the work of the ephod," thereby underscoring a continuity in craftsmanship, materials, and overall sacred design. The subsequent verses ([Exodus 28:17-21](/exodus/28-17-21 "Exodus 28:17-21 - Setting of the Stones on the Breastplate")) further elaborate on the breastplate's purpose by describing the setting of twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of an Israelite tribe. The very name "breastplate of judgment" also anticipates the later command in [Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim") regarding the placement of the Urim and Thummim within it, instruments vital for seeking and receiving divine guidance and making righteous decisions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the Tabernacle served as the tangible dwelling place of Yahweh among His people, Israel, and the central hub of their worship. The establishment of a dedicated, hereditary priesthood, with Aaron as the inaugural High Priest as commanded in [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"), was foundational for mediating between a holy God and His covenant nation. Consequently, the priestly garments were far more than mere ceremonial vestments; they were profoundly symbolic, signifying the priest's consecrated status, divine authority, and representative function. The specified materials—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen—were highly prized and carried significant symbolic weight across ancient cultures, often associated with royalty, divinity, purity, and sacrificial atonement. The emphasis on "cunning work" (intricate craftsmanship) highlighted the sacredness of these items and the divine demand for unparalleled excellence in all aspects of worship, reflecting the perfect and glorious nature of the God they served. The High Priest's role in "judgment" (or discernment) was paramount for the nation's spiritual and civil well-being, as he was the primary conduit for seeking and conveying God's will to the entire community.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 28:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and beyond. It reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, emphasizing that God's presence demands a set-apart people and a consecrated priesthood, equipped with holy garments that reflect divine purity and glory. The detailed instructions underscore God's **Divine Order and Precision**, revealing His meticulous nature in establishing the covenant relationship and the means by which His people are to approach Him. The breastplate's function as an instrument of "judgment" highlights the theme of **Divine Guidance and Justice**, demonstrating God's desire to lead His people and administer righteousness through His appointed mediators. Furthermore, the use of precious and symbolic materials, particularly the gold, blue, purple, and scarlet, speaks to the **Glory and Majesty of God**, indicating that only the finest and most meaningful elements are suitable for His worship. This verse also subtly introduces the theme of **Representation**, as the High Priest, adorned with this breastplate, would bear the names of the tribes before God, a concept further developed in [Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - Aaron to Bear the Names of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Breastplate (Hebrew, חֹשֶׁן, _chôshen'_):** From an unused root likely meaning "to contain" or "to sparkle," this term (H2833) refers specifically to the gorget or breastpiece worn by the high priest. Its association with containing the Urim and Thummim and bearing precious stones suggests its function as a repository for divine revelation and as a symbol of the high priest's role in carrying the burdens of Israel before God.
* **Judgment (Hebrew, מִשְׁפָּט, _mishpâṭ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to judge," this multifaceted word (H4941) encompasses "verdict," "justice," "discernment," "ordinance," and "right ruling." When applied to the breastplate, it signifies that this garment was not merely decorative but instrumental in the high priest's function of discerning and declaring God's righteous will, judgments, and guidance for the people of Israel. It was the place where divine wisdom was sought and revealed for the nation's benefit.
* **Cunning (Hebrew, חָשַׁב, _châshab'_):** This primitive root (H2803) means "to plait or interpenetrate," "to weave," "to fabricate," or figuratively, "to plot or contrive." In the context of "cunning work" (H2803 + H4639), it denotes highly skilled, intricate, and thoughtfully conceived craftsmanship. The use of this term emphasizes the exceptional artistry and meticulous execution required for the breastplate, reflecting the sacredness and immense value of the item, which was to be a masterpiece worthy of God's glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment":** This opening clause is a direct divine imperative to Moses, underscoring the non-negotiable nature and profound significance of this specific priestly garment. The designation "breastplate of judgment" immediately establishes its functional and symbolic importance as an instrument of divine discernment and justice, rather than merely an item of clothing.
* **"with cunning work":** This phrase emphasizes the extraordinary level of skill, artistic ingenuity, and meticulous attention to detail required for the breastplate's creation. It was not to be a simple or ordinary piece but a complex and intricately designed masterpiece, reflecting the divine standard of excellence and the sacredness of its purpose.
* **"after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it":** This instruction explicitly links the breastplate to the ephod, another primary and highly significant priestly garment. It mandates that the same superior quality of craftsmanship, the same precious materials, and likely similar weaving techniques or design patterns used for the ephod were to be replicated for the breastplate, ensuring a coherent, unified, and supremely sacred ensemble for the high priest.
* **"[of] gold, [of] blue, and [of] purple, and [of] scarlet, and [of] fine twined linen, shalt thou make it":** This detailed enumeration specifies the precise, costly, and symbolically rich materials for the breastplate. These were not arbitrary choices: **gold** represented divinity, purity, and enduring value; **blue**, the heavens, divine truth, and God's heavenly abode; **purple**, royalty, majesty, and authority; **scarlet**, life, blood, and atonement; and **fine twined linen**, purity, righteousness, and holiness. The combination of these vibrant and precious elements underscored the multifaceted nature of the high priest's office and the holy, glorious purpose of the garment.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Exodus 28:15 is **Symbolism**. Each material meticulously listed—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen—is imbued with profound symbolic meaning, collectively representing various attributes of God, the nature of sin, and the path to redemption. The breastplate itself functions as a powerful symbol of **Representation**, as it would bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel into God's presence, signifying the high priest's role as their intercessor. It also symbolizes **Divine Guidance and Discernment**, being the designated receptacle for the Urim and Thummim, instruments for revealing God's will. The detailed and precise instructions for its construction exemplify **Precision** and **Order**, reflecting the divine nature of the designer and the sacredness demanded in all aspects of worship. The repeated phrase "thou shalt make it" or similar commands throughout Exodus 28 serves as a form of **Repetition**, reinforcing the divine mandate and emphasizing the critical importance of adhering to God's exact specifications for the Tabernacle and its service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 28:15 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous attention to detail in establishing a holy priesthood and a system of worship designed to perfectly reflect His character and facilitate communion with His people. The "breastplate of judgment" underscores the high priest's crucial role as a divinely appointed mediator who not only represented the people before God but also sought and conveyed God's righteous judgments and guidance to the nation. This emphasis on divine discernment and the carrying of the people's burdens before the Lord foreshadows a deeper theological truth: the ultimate need for a perfect intercessor who can truly bear the weight of humanity's sin and perfectly reveal God's will. The rich and costly materials specified for the breastplate point to the inherent glory and holiness of God, demanding the highest quality, beauty, and reverence in all aspects of worship and service.

* [Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim for Judgment")
* [Leviticus 8:8](/leviticus/8-8 "Leviticus 8:8 - Aaron's Consecration with Urim and Thummim")
* [Isaiah 59:17](/isaiah/59-17 "Isaiah 59:17 - God's Garments of Righteousness and Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine precision and intricate detail evident in the instructions for the breastplate of judgment challenge us to consider the quality, intentionality, and reverence of our own approach to God. While the Old Testament high priestly system has been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of holiness, representation, and seeking divine discernment remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage encourages us to live lives marked by purity and righteousness, recognizing that through Christ, we are called to be a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood and Holy Nation")) with direct access to God. It reminds us of the paramount importance of seeking God's wisdom and guidance in all our decisions, trusting that He desires to reveal His will to His people for their good and His glory. Furthermore, the high priest's act of bearing the names of the tribes before God should inspire us to faithfully carry the burdens and needs of others in prayer and intercession, reflecting the compassionate heart of our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Our worship, our service, and our daily lives should strive for an excellence that honors the God who is perfect in all His ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle and priestly garments challenge our understanding of worship and service in the new covenant?**
* **In what practical ways do we, as believers, participate in the "royal priesthood" and what does "bearing the names" of others before God look like in our intercessory prayers?**
* **How can we more intentionally seek and apply God's "judgment" or discernment, not just for major decisions but in the everyday choices of our lives?**

### FAQ
**What was the "breastplate of judgment" used for?**

Answer: The "breastplate of judgment" (Hebrew: _choshen mishpat_) was a sacred and highly significant garment worn by the Israelite High Priest. Its primary uses were twofold: First, it served as a means for the High Priest to bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel—engraved on precious stones—upon his heart before God. This symbolized his role as the representative of the entire nation in God's holy presence, carrying their identity and needs. Second, and perhaps most crucially, it was the designated receptacle for the [Urim and Thummim](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim"), mysterious objects used to discern God's will and provide divine guidance on matters of national importance. Thus, it was central to the High Priest's function of mediating divine justice and providing direction to the people.

**Why were these specific colors and materials—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen—chosen for the breastplate?**

Answer: These materials were not arbitrarily chosen but carried rich symbolic meaning within ancient Israelite theology and the broader ancient Near East, reflecting profound spiritual truths. **Gold** symbolized divinity, purity, and enduring value, reflecting God's holy and glorious presence. **Blue** was often associated with the heavens, representing the divine, truth, and God's heavenly abode, signifying divine revelation and faithfulness. **Purple** signified royalty, majesty, and authority, fitting for the King of Kings whom the High Priest served. **Scarlet** pointed to life, blood, and atonement, foreshadowing the sacrificial system necessary for dealing with sin and the shedding of blood for redemption. **Fine twined linen** represented purity, righteousness, and holiness, essential qualities for those ministering before a holy God. Together, these materials conveyed the glory of God, the sacredness of the High Priest's office, and the profound spiritual realities of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The breastplate of judgment, with its intricate design, precious materials, and profound symbolic functions, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest. Just as the earthly high priest bore the names of the twelve tribes upon his heart before God, Jesus, in His eternal intercession, perfectly represents His people before the Father, not merely on a garment, but in His very being and unwavering love ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). The "judgment" or discernment function of the breastplate, facilitated by the Urim and Thummim, points directly to Christ as the very embodiment of divine wisdom and truth, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). The precious materials used in the breastplate also find their ultimate reality and perfect expression in Him: the **gold** of His divine nature and glory ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), the **blue** of His heavenly origin and the truth He perfectly reveals ([John 3:13](/john/3-13 "John 3:13 - No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven")), the **purple** of His eternal kingship and supreme authority ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), the **scarlet** of His atoning blood shed on the cross for the forgiveness of sins ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Blood and Eternal Redemption")), and the **fine twined linen** of His perfect righteousness, sinlessness, and purity ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")). Jesus is the one who perfectly fulfills the High Priest's role, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice once for all and continually interceding for us, thereby making direct and confident access to God possible for all believers ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 28:30

And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.

Exodus 28:4

And these [are] the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

Exodus 39:8

And he made the breastplate [of] cunning work, like the work of the ephod; [of] gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Exodus 39:21

And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Leviticus 8:8

And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.

Exodus 26:1

¶ Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle [with] ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.

Exodus 28:6

¶ And they shall make the ephod [of] gold, [of] blue, and [of] purple, [of] scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.