TRV
Translation
King James Version
And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold.
American Standard Version
And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains like cords, of wreathen work of pure gold.
World English Bible Messianic
You shall make on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then thou shalt make vpon the breast plate two cheines at the endes of wrethen worke of pure golde.
Young's Literal Translation
`And thou hast made on the breastplate wreathed chains, work of thick bands, of pure gold;
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 2,316 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Exodus 28 verses 15–30
15 ¶ 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.
16 Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.
18 And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.
19 And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.
20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.
21 And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
22 And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold.
23 And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
24 And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate.
25 And the other two ends of the two wreathen chains thou shalt fasten in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod before it.
26 And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.
27 And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
28 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.
29 And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.
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.
The most considerable of the ornaments of the high priest was this breast-plate, a rich piece of cloth, curiously wrought with gold and purple, etc., two spans long and a span broad, so that, being doubled, it was a span square, Exo 28:16. This was fastened to the ephod with wreathen chains of gold (Exo 28:13, Exo 28:14, Exo 28:22, etc.) both at top and bottom, so that the breast-plate might not be loosed from the ephod, Exo 28:28. The ephod was the garment of service; the breast-plate of judgment was an emblem of honour: these two must by no means be separated. If any man will minister unto the Lord, and do his will, he shall know his doctrine. In this breast-plate,
I. The tribes of Israel were recommended to God's favour in twelve precious stones, Exo 28:17-21, Exo 28:19. Some question whether Levi had a precious stone with his name or no. If not, Ephraim and Manasseh were reckoned distinct, as Jacob had said they should be, and the high priest himself, being head of the tribe of Levi, sufficiently represented that tribe. If there was a stone for Levi, as is intimated by this, that they were engraven according to their birth (Exo 28:10), Ephraim and Manasseh were one in Joseph. Aaron was to bear their names for a memorial before the Lord continually, being ordained for men, to represent them in things pertaining to God, herein typifying our great high priest, who always appears in the presence of God for us. 1. Though the people were forbidden to come near, and obliged to keep their distance, yet by the high priest, who had their names on his breast-plate, they entered into the holiest; so believers, even while they are here on this earth, not only enter into the holiest, but by faith are made to sit with Christ in heavenly places, Eph 2:6. 2. The name of each tribe was engraven in a precious stone, to signify how precious, in God's sight, believers are, and how honourable, Isa 43:4. They shall be his in the day he makes up his jewels, Mal 3:17. How small and poor soever the tribe was, it was a precious stone in the breast-plate of the high priest; thus are all the saints dear to Christ, and his delight is in them as the excellent ones of the earth, however men may esteem them as earthen pitchers, Lam 4:2. 3. The high priest had the names of the tribes both on his shoulders and on his breast, intimating both the power and the love with which our Lord Jesus intercedes for those that are his. He not only bears them up upon his heart, as the expression here is (Exo 28:29), carries them in his bosom (Isa 40:11), with the most tender affection. How near should Christ's name be to our hearts, since he is pleased to lay our names so near his! and what a comfort it is to us, in all our addresses to God, that the great high priest of our profession has the names of all his Israel upon his breast before the Lord for a memorial, presenting them to God as the people of his choice, who were to be made accepted in the beloved! Let not any good Christians fear that God has forgotten them, nor question his being mindful of them upon all occasions, when they are not only engraven upon the palms of his hands (Isa 49:16), but engraven upon the heart of the great intercessor. See Sol 8:6.
II. The urim and thummim, by which the will of God was made known in doubtful cases, were put in this breast-plate, which is therefore called the breast-plate of judgment, Exo 28:30. Urim and thummim signify light and integrity; many conjectures there are among the learned what they were; we have no reason to think they were any thing that Moses was to make more than what was before ordered, so that either God made them himself, and gave them to Moses, for him to put into the breast-plate, when other things were prepared (Lev 8:8), or no more is meant than a declaration of the further use of what was already ordered to be made. I think the words may be read thus, And thou shalt give, or add, or deliver, to the breast-plate of judgment, the illuminations and perfections, and they shall be upon the heart of Aaron; that is, "He shall be endued with a power of knowing and making known the mind of God in all difficult doubtful cases, relating either to the civil or ecclesiastical state of the nation." Their government was a theocracy: God was their King, the high priest was, under God, their ruler, the urim and thummim were his cabinet-council; probably Moses wrote upon the breast-plate, or wove into it, these words, Urim and Thummim, to signify that the high priest, having on him this breast-plate, and asking counsel of God in any emergency relating to the public, should be directed to take those measures, and give that advice, which God would own. If he was standing before the ark (but without the veil) probably he received instructions from off the mercy-seat, as Moses did (Exo 25:22); thus, it should seem, Phinehas did, Jdg 20:27, Jdg 20:28. If he was at a distance from the ark, as Abiathar was when he enquired of the Lord for David (Sa1 23:6, etc.), then the answer was given either by a voice from heaven or rather by an impulse upon the mind of the high priest, which last is perhaps intimated in that expression, He shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart. This oracle was of great use to Israel; Joshua consulted it (Num 27:21), and, it is likely, the judges after him. It was lost in the captivity, and never regained after, though, it should seem, it was expected, Ezr 2:63. But it was a shadow of good things to come, and the substance is Christ. He is our oracle; by him God in these last days makes known himself and his mind to us, Heb 1:2; Joh 1:18. Divine revelation centres in him, and comes to us through him; he is the light, the true light, the faithful witness, the truth itself, and from him we receive the Spirit of truth, who leads into all truth. The joining of the breast-plate to the ephod denotes that his prophetical office was founded in his priesthood; and it was by the merit of his death that he purchased this honour for himself and this favour for us. It was the Lamb that had been slain that was worthy to take the book and to open the seals, Rev 5:9.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–30. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Exodus 28:22 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Exodus 28:22 details the precise divine instructions for crafting the High Priest's breastplate, specifically mandating the attachment of "wreathen work" chains fashioned from "pure gold" to its upper ends. These chains were not merely ornamental but functionally essential, designed to securely fasten the breastplate—which bore the engraved names of the twelve tribes of Israel—to the ephod. This meticulous attention to material, design, and attachment underscores the profound sanctity of the priestly office, the divine demand for excellence in all aspects of worship, and the enduring significance of the High Priest's role as mediator for God's people.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 28:22 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning and significance. Most prominently, Symbolism pervades the verse, where the physical elements are imbued with deeper theological truths. The "pure gold" consistently symbolizes divinity, purity, and enduring value, reflecting the holiness and incorruptibility of God and the sacredness of the High Priest's office. The "wreathen work" itself symbolizes intricate divine design, the strength derived from unity, and the beauty inherent in God's perfect plans. The chains, while functional, also serve as a powerful symbol of Connection and Security, ensuring that the breastplate (and thus the representation of the twelve tribes of Israel) is firmly and perpetually bound to the ephod, which itself represents the High Priest's authority and service before God. Furthermore, the passage exemplifies Divine Instruction, a pervasive literary motif throughout the book of Exodus, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and His meticulous attention to every minute detail of worship, leaving no room for human improvisation or compromise in matters of sacred service.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 28:22, though focusing on a seemingly minor detail of the High Priest's garments, profoundly illustrates several core theological themes. It speaks to God's unwavering demand for holiness, perfection, and excellence in all that pertains to His worship and presence. The meticulous instructions for "pure gold" and "wreathen work" highlight that God is not satisfied with mere functionality; He requires the highest quality, beauty, and integrity in service rendered to Him. This divine precision underscores the immense sanctity of the High Priest's role as mediator, bearing the names of Israel before the Lord, and subtly foreshadows the perfect and complete mediatorial work of Christ. The secure attachment of the breastplate signifies the unbreakable bond between God and His people, as represented by the High Priest, ensuring their perpetual presence before the divine.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intricate details of Exodus 28:22, focusing on the chains of pure, wreathen gold for the breastplate, might initially appear overly specific or archaic, yet they offer profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of order, beauty, and absolute perfection, who values excellence, integrity, and intentionality in all things, especially in our service and devotion to Him. Just as the High Priest's garments were meticulously crafted with the utmost care and from the finest, purest materials, so too should our spiritual lives and acts of worship be characterized by intentionality, purity of heart, and unwavering dedication. This passage challenges us to move beyond superficial or half-hearted offerings, prompting us to consider the "quality" of our devotion, not merely its quantity. It encourages us to reflect on whether we are truly offering God our "pure gold"—our very best, unalloyed by compromise, distraction, or self-interest—in our prayers, our service to others, our relationships, and our daily walk with Him. Furthermore, the secure fastening of the breastplate speaks to the vital importance of being firmly connected to Christ, our ultimate High Priest, ensuring that our identity as His redeemed people is securely borne before the Father, guaranteeing our standing and acceptance.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were chains specifically mentioned for the breastplate?
Answer: The chains were absolutely essential for securing the breastplate, which was a heavy and profoundly symbolic garment, to the ephod. This meticulous attachment ensured that the breastplate, bearing the engraved names of the twelve tribes of Israel, remained securely positioned over the High Priest's heart as he ministered before the Lord. The specific mention of "chains at the ends" in Exodus 28:22 indicates a precise and divinely ordained method of attachment, likely connecting to rings on the breastplate and then to the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as further detailed in Exodus 28:23-28. This meticulous detail prevented the breastplate from shifting, becoming dislodged, or falling, thereby maintaining its symbolic integrity and the High Priest's ability to perpetually carry the representation of the people into God's holy presence.
What is the significance of "wreathen work" and "pure gold" in this context?
Answer: "Wreathen work" (Hebrew: ʻăbôth, H5688) refers to an intricate, twisted, or braided design, signifying a high level of craftsmanship, durability, and aesthetic beauty. It indicates that the chains were not simple, crude links but exquisitely and strongly interwoven. "Pure gold" (Hebrew: ṭâhôwr zâhâb, H2889 and H2091) emphasizes the unalloyed, highest quality of the material, free from impurities. Both terms collectively underscore the divine demand for excellence, sanctity, and enduring value in everything dedicated to God's service. Gold consistently symbolizes divinity, purity, glory, and incorruptibility throughout the Tabernacle's construction (e.g., the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:11). Their specific use here highlights the profound sacredness of the High Priest's office and the holy nature of his duties, reflecting God's own perfect character and the unblemished worship He requires.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 28:22, with its focus on the pure gold, wreathen chains securing the breastplate, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The High Priest's breastplate, bearing the names of Israel, powerfully symbolized his role in carrying the people into God's presence, serving as a tangible representation of their identity before the Lord. The secure, divinely prescribed attachment of these chains points to the unwavering, eternal, and unbreakable connection between Christ and His redeemed people. As our great High Priest, Jesus does not merely carry our names on a breastplate; He bears us in His very heart, having perfectly fulfilled the Law and offered Himself as the ultimate, pure, and spotless sacrifice, "not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood" (Hebrews 9:12). The "pure gold" of the chains speaks profoundly to Christ's divine nature and His absolute perfection, which alone qualifies Him to serve as our mediator and intercessor. His high priestly ministry is not temporary, flawed, or subject to human limitations like Aaron's; it is eternal, complete, and perpetually effective, for "He always lives to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25). Just as the wreathen chains ensured the breastplate's secure and proper position, Christ's perfect work ensures our eternal security and our perpetual standing before God, for we are forever "accepted in the Beloved" (Ephesians 1:6). He is the true and living way (John 14:6), the perfect mediator who perfectly connects us to the Father, forever bearing us in His divine and holy presence.