TRV
Translation
King James Version
And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
Complete Jewish Bible
Also for the breastplate, make two gold rings; and put the gold rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
Berean Standard Bible
You are also to make two gold rings and fasten them to the two corners of the breastpiece.
American Standard Version
And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
World English Bible Messianic
You shall make on the breastplate two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou shalt make also vpon the brest plate two rings of golde, and put the two rings on the two endes of the brest plate.
Young's Literal Translation
and thou hast made on the breastplate two rings of gold, and hast put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate;
See also
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 2,317 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 28:23 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 28:23 provides a precise divine instruction for the construction of the High Priest's breastplate, detailing the creation and placement of two gold rings. These rings, though seemingly minor components, were critical for securely attaching the breastplate to the ephod, ensuring the High Priest's garments were perfectly aligned for his sacred mediatorial service before the Lord. This meticulous detail underscores God's demand for perfection, order, and the profound significance of every element in the worship of a holy God and the preparation of His appointed servant.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage, though technical in nature, employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and underscore its theological significance. Precision and Detailing are paramount, as the entire chapter functions as an exhaustive divine blueprint. Every measurement, material, and placement is meticulously specified, demonstrating God's absolute demand for order and perfection in worship. This leaves no room for human improvisation, emphasizing the sanctity of approaching a holy God. The Repetition of "two rings" reinforces the specific instruction and its importance, ensuring clarity and emphasizing the symmetrical design. Furthermore, while the rings are functional, they participate in the broader Symbolism of the priestly garments. They represent the secure and divinely ordained connection between the High Priest (and thus Israel) and God, ensuring that the representation of the tribes was always "upon his heart" as he interceded. This seemingly minor detail thus contributes to the overarching themes of God's holiness, the High Priest's mediatorial role, and the integrity of Israel's worship.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous instructions for the High Priest's garments, exemplified by the detail of the gold rings in Exodus 28:23, reveal profound theological truths about God's character and the nature of worship. God is a God of order, precision, and absolute holiness, who demands that all approaches to Him be conducted with utmost reverence and according to His prescribed ways. The security and interconnectedness of the breastplate to the ephod, facilitated by these rings, symbolize the unbreakable bond between God and His people, mediated through the High Priest. This divine attention to every minute detail underscores the gravity and sanctity of sacred service, highlighting that even the smallest components contribute to the integrity and effectiveness of God's design for redemption and communion. This principle extends beyond the Tabernacle, teaching us that true worship involves wholehearted obedience to God's revealed will, recognizing that even seemingly insignificant acts of faithfulness contribute to His glory.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions for the High Priest's garments, down to the placement of two gold rings, serve as a powerful reminder that God values precision and intentionality in all aspects of our lives, especially our worship and service. While we no longer construct a physical Tabernacle or wear specific priestly vestments, the underlying principle remains: God cares about the "small" things, the unseen details of our obedience, devotion, and character. Just as the rings ensured the breastplate was securely fastened, our spiritual lives require careful attention to the foundational elements of faith—prayer, scripture, community, and integrity—to remain steadfast and effective in our walk with God. This passage challenges us to consider whether our service to God, in whatever sphere we operate, is marked by the same level of care and excellence that He demonstrated in His divine blueprints. It also reminds us of the interconnectedness within the body of Christ; like the various parts of the High Priest's garments, each believer plays a vital, interconnected role, contributing to the overall strength, beauty, and effectiveness of the whole, reflecting God's perfect design.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were these rings specifically made of gold?
Answer: The use of gold for these rings, as for many other elements of the Tabernacle and priestly garments, was highly significant. Gold is consistently associated with purity, divinity, and preciousness in biblical contexts. Its enduring nature and resistance to tarnish also symbolized permanence and immutability. For the High Priest's garments, gold signified the sacredness of his office and the holiness of the God he served. Practically, gold is a strong and durable metal, ensuring that these crucial attachment points would securely hold the breastplate, which bore the weight of twelve precious stones and the Urim and Thummim, throughout the High Priest's service. This choice of material underscored the divine perfection required for all elements involved in approaching God's holy presence.
What was the primary purpose of these rings on the breastplate?
Answer: The primary purpose of the two gold rings on the breastplate was functional: to serve as secure attachment points. These rings were designed to receive gold chains or cords that would then connect the breastplate to the ephod, the primary garment worn by the High Priest. This connection ensured that the breastplate, with its twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel, remained firmly in place "upon his heart" (Exodus 28:29) as he ministered before the Lord. The security of this attachment was vital, as the breastplate also contained the Urim and Thummim, used for divine revelation, signifying the High Priest's role as mediator and representative of the entire nation before God. The precision of their placement ensured the proper alignment and integrity of the High Priest's sacred attire.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous detail concerning the gold rings on the High Priest's breastplate, while seemingly minor, points powerfully to the perfect and complete work of Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest. The rings ensured the breastplate, bearing the names of Israel, was securely and perfectly connected to the ephod, symbolizing the High Priest's flawless representation of God's people before Him. This foreshadows Christ's own perfect mediation. Unlike the Aaronic priests who wore garments made by human hands and served in an earthly sanctuary, Jesus entered the true Tabernacle in heaven, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:11-12). His high priestly ministry is not subject to the imperfections of human design or the need for physical attachments to ensure security; rather, His sacrifice and ongoing intercession are eternally secure and flawlessly executed. Just as the breastplate was always "upon the heart" of the High Priest, Christ perpetually bears His people before the Father, interceding for us with a perfect, unbreakable bond (Hebrews 7:25). The divine precision in Exodus 28:23 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the absolute perfection of Christ's priestly office, where every aspect of our salvation is divinely ordained, perfectly executed, and eternally secured by His finished work on the cross and His continual advocacy for us at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34).