Exodus 28:28

Translation
King James 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 above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
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.
Ask
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.
Ask
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.
Ask
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.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
They shall bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate may not swing out from the ephod.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thus they shall binde the brest plate by his rings vnto the rings of the Ephod, with a lace of blewe silke, that it may be fast vpon the broydred garde of the Ephod, and that the brest plate be not loosed from the Ephod.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
and they bind the breastplate by its rings unto the rings of the ephod with a ribbon of blue, to be above the girdle of the ephod, and the breastplate is not loosed from the ephod.
Ask
See also
Numbers 15:38Exodus 28:37Exodus 28:31Exodus 39:30Exodus 39:31
See on the biblical-era map
The Kingdom of Egypt in the Time of Moses
The Kingdom of Egypt in the Time of Moses View full PDF

Map © Biblica Open Bible Maps · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the KJVVerse 2,322 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 28:28 provides precise divine instructions for securing the High Priest's breastplate to the ephod, detailing the use of rings and a blue lace to ensure these two critical components of the sacred attire remain inseparably joined. This meticulous command underscores the divine demand for order, stability, and integrity in the priestly service, symbolizing the High Priest's steadfast representation of the tribes of Israel before God and the unwavering reliability of divine judgment and guidance.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Exodus 28:28 is situated within a larger block of text, Exodus 28, which meticulously details the design and construction of the holy garments for Aaron, the first High Priest, and his successors. This chapter follows the general instructions for the Tabernacle's construction in Exodus 25, Exodus 26, Exodus 27 and precedes the ordination ceremony for the priests described in Exodus 29. Specifically, verses Exodus 28:15-30 focus on the breastplate of judgment (choshen mishpat), a square, folded pouch adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. This breastplate was designed to hold the Urim and Thummim, instruments used for discerning divine will. The ephod, described in Exodus 28:6-14, was a sleeveless, vest-like garment, intricately woven with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, to which the breastplate was to be attached. The instruction in verse 28, therefore, is a crucial detail ensuring the functional and symbolic unity of these two primary articles of the High Priest's vestments, emphasizing their interconnectedness in his sacred duties and the divine mandate for precision in all aspects of worship.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, the High Priest served as the primary mediator between God and the people, performing sacrificial rites and seeking divine guidance on behalf of the nation. His garments were not merely decorative but were imbued with profound symbolic meaning, reflecting his unique office and the holiness of the God he served. The Tabernacle itself, a portable sanctuary, was the focal point of Israelite worship, representing God's dwelling among His people. The meticulous instructions for the priestly garments, including the breastplate and ephod, underscore the divine demand for precision, purity, and order in worship. The "lace of blue" (Hebrew: tekhelet) mentioned in the verse was a highly prized dye, derived from a specific mollusk, and its use often signified royalty, divinity, and heavenly connection, appearing in other sacred contexts like the Tabernacle curtains (Exodus 26:1) and the fringes on garments (Numbers 15:38). The secure attachment of the breastplate, bearing the names of the tribes, to the ephod, which facilitated the High Priest's direct service before God, symbolized the High Priest's role as the representative of all Israel, carrying their concerns and identity into the very presence of the Lord. The concern that the breastplate "be not loosed" highlights the critical importance of stability and integrity in the High Priest's intercessory and revelatory functions, ensuring that divine judgment and guidance, sought through the Urim and Thummim within the breastplate, would be unwavering and reliable.
  • Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes Divine Order and Holiness, illustrating God's meticulous nature and His demand for absolute precision in all matters pertaining to worship and sacred service. The detailed instructions for the priestly garments, down to the method of attachment, reflect the profound holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of Representation and Mediation, as the High Priest, through his attire, embodies the entire nation of Israel before God. The breastplate, inscribed with the tribal names, symbolizes his burden and intercession for the people, while the ephod signifies his divinely appointed role as mediator. The secure binding ensures this representation is unwavering. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of Stability and Integrity in sacred office. The command that the breastplate "be not loosed" underscores the necessity of steadfastness and reliability in the High Priest's duties, particularly concerning the Urim and Thummim, which provided divine guidance and judgment. This stability was crucial for the spiritual well-being and governance of the Israelite community, ensuring that divine pronouncements were received without compromise.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • bind (Hebrew, râkaç', H7405): This primitive root signifies "to tie" or "to bind." In the context of Exodus 28:28, it denotes the act of securely fastening the breastplate to the ephod. The choice of this verb emphasizes the deliberate and firm attachment required, ensuring stability and preventing separation. It implies a strong, purposeful connection, not a loose or temporary one, which is crucial for the High Priest's movements and the symbolic integrity of the garments as he performed his sacred duties.
  • breastplate (Hebrew, chôshen', H2833): This term refers to the "gorget of the highpriest," specifically the choshen mishpat or "breastplate of judgment." It is described as a pocket, possibly for holding the Urim and Thummim, and is associated with richness due to its embedded gems. This garment was central to the High Priest's attire, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Its secure attachment was paramount, symbolizing the High Priest's role in carrying the identity and concerns of the entire nation into God's presence, and its stability was essential for the reliable function of the Urim and Thummim.
  • loosed (Hebrew, zâchach', H2118): This primitive root means "to shove or displace" and, in this context, "loose." The negative construction, "be not loosed," strongly emphasizes the imperative of maintaining the integrity and unity of the breastplate and ephod. It underscores the divine prohibition against any detachment or instability in the High Priest's sacred attire, which would compromise his ability to represent the tribes and seek divine counsel effectively. The absence of loosening guarantees the continuity and reliability of his mediatorial and revelatory role.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue,": This initial clause specifies the precise method and material for attaching the breastplate to the ephod. Both garments were meticulously designed with rings, indicating a deliberate system for their secure connection. The "lace of blue" (Hebrew: tekhelet), a highly valued and symbolically rich material, was the chosen medium for this bond. This instruction ensures a firm, intentional, and divinely ordained unity between the two primary components of the High Priest's sacred attire, signifying the sacred nature of their connection.
  • "that [it] may be above the curious girdle of the ephod,": This part of the instruction dictates the precise positioning of the breastplate once attached. The "curious girdle" (Hebrew: chêsheb, H2805), also described as a "skillfully woven band," was an integral part of the ephod, designed to hold it securely around the High Priest's waist. By positioning the breastplate "above" this girdle, it would rest prominently on the High Priest's chest, directly over his heart, ensuring its visibility and symbolic placement as he bore the names of the tribes before God. This also contributes to the overall stability and proper fit of the garments, preventing them from shifting during his sacred duties.
  • "and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.": This final clause states the ultimate purpose and desired outcome of the meticulous binding instructions. The primary concern is to prevent any separation or detachment of the breastplate from the ephod. This emphasizes the critical importance of the functional and symbolic unity of these two components. Any loosening would compromise the High Priest's ability to represent the tribes effectively and to carry out his mediatorial duties with the necessary stability and integrity, particularly in light of the Urim and Thummim being housed within the breastplate for divine guidance.

Literary Devices

Exodus 28:28 employs several literary devices to convey its message of divine precision and order. The most prominent is Precision, evident in the hyper-detailed instructions for the construction and assembly of the priestly garments. Every component, its material, and its method of attachment are specified, reflecting God's absolute demand for exactness in worship and service. This precision serves not only a practical function (ensuring the garments fit and function correctly) but also a theological one, underscoring the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him. Symbolism is also central, with the "lace of blue" symbolizing heavenly connection, purity, and divine authority, and the secure attachment of the breastplate to the ephod symbolizing the inseparable link between the High Priest's representation of the tribes and his direct ministry before God. The breastplate, bearing the names of the tribes, resting over the heart of the High Priest, symbolizes his burden and intercession for the entire nation. Furthermore, the Emphasis on the breastplate "be[ing] not loosed" functions as a form of divine imperative, highlighting the critical importance of stability and integrity in the High Priest's role and the reliability of the divine guidance sought through the Urim and Thummim.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Exodus 28:28, with its emphasis on the secure binding of the breastplate to the ephod, powerfully underscores the divine attributes of order, holiness, and steadfastness. God's meticulous instructions reveal His nature as a God who demands precision and reverence in all matters of worship and service. The inseparability of the breastplate (representing the tribes and divine judgment) and the ephod (representing the High Priest's mediatorial role) symbolizes the unbreakable covenant between God and His people, and the High Priest's unwavering commitment to carrying the burden of Israel before the Lord. This stability foreshadows the perfect and unchangeable priesthood of Christ, who perfectly represents His people and secures their standing before God.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The detailed command in Exodus 28:28, ensuring the breastplate is securely fastened to the ephod, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our service to God, like the High Priest's, must be characterized by integrity, stability, and a deep sense of purpose. Just as the breastplate, bearing the names of the tribes, was never to be separated from the ephod, so too our identity as God's people and our calling to represent Him in the world are inextricably linked. We are called to live lives that reflect the secure foundation we have in Christ, ensuring that our faith is not "loosed" from our daily walk, our actions, or our witness. This verse challenges us to consider the meticulousness with which God approaches His relationship with us and to respond with equal care and devotion in our spiritual lives, recognizing that every aspect of our being is to be firmly bound to our High Priest, Jesus Christ. This binding signifies not only our personal commitment but also our corporate identity as the body of Christ, where each member is securely joined to the Head, ensuring the stability and effectiveness of our collective witness and ministry in the world.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what areas of my life do I need to ensure greater "binding" or stability, preventing my faith from being "loosed" from my daily actions and commitments?
  • How does the divine emphasis on precision and order in Exodus 28:28 inform my approach to worship, service, and spiritual disciplines today, encouraging a more intentional and reverent posture?
  • Considering the High Priest bore the names of the tribes on his breastplate, how can I more intentionally bear the burdens and represent the needs of others in my prayers and service, embodying a Christ-like intercessory heart?

FAQ

Why was it so important for the breastplate not to be loosed from the ephod?

Answer: The breastplate, known as the "breastplate of judgment" (choshen mishpat), was crucial because it contained the Urim and Thummim, instruments used for discerning God's will and judgment for the nation of Israel. It also bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on its precious stones, symbolizing the High Priest's role in carrying the people's concerns and identity before God. The ephod was the primary garment of the High Priest, signifying his mediatorial office. Therefore, the secure attachment, as commanded in Exodus 28:28, ensured the functional and symbolic unity of these two critical components. Any loosening would compromise the High Priest's ability to represent the tribes reliably and to seek divine guidance with stability and integrity, potentially undermining the sacred nature of his duties and the reliability of the divine pronouncements. The integrity of the High Priest's office and the efficacy of his mediation depended on this unwavering connection.

What is the significance of the "lace of blue" used for binding?

Answer: The "lace of blue" (Hebrew: tekhelet) was a highly prized and costly dye in ancient Israel, often associated with royalty, divinity, and the heavens. Its use in the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:1) and priestly garments (Exodus 28:6) signified the sacredness and heavenly origin of the objects and the office. By specifying a blue lace for binding the breastplate to the ephod, the instruction emphasizes that this connection is not merely practical but also spiritually significant, linking the earthly service of the High Priest to heavenly realities and underscoring the divine authority and purity of his role. It elevates the act of binding to a sacred act, reflecting God's holy presence and the divine mandate behind the High Priest's mediatorial function.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Exodus 28:28, with its meticulous instructions for the secure attachment of the breastplate to the ephod, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. The High Priest of Israel, bearing the names of the tribes on his breastplate, represented the people before God, but his ministry was limited by his own sinfulness and mortality (Hebrews 7:23). Jesus, however, is the perfect and eternal High Priest, who "holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever" (Hebrews 7:24). Just as the breastplate was never to be loosed from the ephod, symbolizing an unbreakable connection, so too our standing before God is eternally secured in Christ. He perfectly represents us, bearing our names not on stones, but on His very heart, having offered a single, perfect sacrifice for sins forever (Hebrews 10:12). His intercession for us is constant and unwavering (Romans 8:34), ensuring that we are never "loosed" or separated from God's presence or His love. The security and stability demanded in the Old Testament priestly garments foreshadow the absolute security and steadfastness of our salvation and access to God through Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6), and in whom we are "bound" to God for eternity.

Copy as

Commentary on Exodus 28 verses 15–30

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 28:28 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.