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.
Transliteration:chôshen
Pronunciation:kho'-shen
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חֹשֶׁן (chôshen, `{{H2833}}`) refers exclusively to the "breastplate" worn by the High Priest of Israel. Its etymology is traced to an unused root, likely conveying the ideas of "containing" or "sparkling." This dual sense is directly reflected in its design and function: it was a pouch or pocket (containing the Urim and Thummim) and was adorned with twelve precious stones (sparkling gems). While Strong's suggests "gorget," the more common and accurate English translation is "breastplate of judgment," a designation that highlights its critical role. The chôshen was not merely an ornamental piece but a functional component of the priestly vestments, intrinsically linked to divine communication and the High Priest's mediatorial office.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חֹשֶׁן (chôshen, `{{H2833}}`) appears consistently in the Pentateuch, primarily within the books of Exodus and Leviticus, and a single instance in Numbers. Its first mention is in [[Exodus 25:7]] as part of the materials for the Tabernacle, specifically for the ephod and the breastplate. Detailed instructions for its construction are given in [[Exodus 28:15-30]], where it is described as a "breastplate of judgment" (חֹשֶׁן מִשְׁפָּט). It was to be made of the same rich materials as the ephod (gold, blue, purple, scarlet yarn, and fine twined linen) and folded into a square, a span in length and a span in width.
The most significant feature of the chôshen was the setting of twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel, arranged in four rows of three. This detail underscores the High Priest's role in bearing the names of the sons of Israel before the Lord continually ([[Exodus 28:29]]). Crucially, the chôshen also served as the receptacle for the Urim and Thummim, instruments used for discerning God's will ([[Exodus 28:30]]). This is reiterated in [[Leviticus 8:8]], where Moses places the Urim and Thummim into the breastplate of Aaron during his consecration. The breastplate was fastened to the ephod, ensuring it remained over the High Priest's heart, symbolizing his intimate connection to the people he represented before God. Its construction and placement were meticulous, reflecting its profound sacredness and functional importance within the Tabernacle worship system.
### Related Words & Concepts
The חֹשֶׁן (chôshen, `{{H2833}}`) is inextricably linked to several key biblical concepts and other terms:
* **אֵפוֹד (ephod, `{{H646}}`):** The chôshen was attached to the ephod, forming a single, integrated garment. The ephod itself was a complex priestly garment, and the breastplate was its most prominent and significant accessory.
* **אוּרִים וְתֻמִּים (Urim and Thummim):** These mysterious objects, literally "lights and perfections" or "curses and perfections," were placed inside the chôshen. They were instruments of divine revelation, used by the High Priest to inquire of the Lord and ascertain His will, particularly in matters of national importance. Their presence within the breastplate highlights its function as a conduit for divine judgment and guidance.
* **אֲבָנִים טוֹבוֹת (precious stones):** The twelve engraved gemstones on the chôshen were not merely decorative but deeply symbolic, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. This connects the breastplate to the theme of Israel's identity and their covenant relationship with God.
* **כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל (High Priest):** The chôshen was an exclusive garment of the High Priest, emblematic of his unique role as mediator between God and Israel, bearing the people's names and seeking divine counsel on their behalf.
* **מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, `{{H4941}}`):** The breastplate is often called the "breastplate of judgment" (חֹשֶׁן מִשְׁפָּט) because it contained the Urim and Thummim, which were used for making judgments or discerning God's will.
### Theological Significance
The חֹשֶׁן (chôshen, `{{H2833}}`) carries profound theological weight, primarily revolving around the themes of representation, divine revelation, and the nature of the priesthood.
1. **Representation and Intercession:** The twelve stones, each bearing the name of an Israelite tribe, signify that the High Priest carried the entire nation "over his heart" when he entered the holy presence of God ([[Exodus 28:29]]). This symbolizes God's covenant remembrance of His people and the High Priest's role as their divinely appointed representative and intercessor. He bore their identity, their burdens, and their needs before the Lord.
2. **Divine Revelation and Guidance:** The inclusion of the Urim and Thummim within the chôshen transformed it into an instrument of divine communication. Through this breastplate, God directly conveyed His will and judgments to His people, establishing a channel of authoritative guidance for the nation. This underscores God's desire to lead and direct His people and His provision for discerning His perfect will.
3. **Holiness and Consecration:** As an integral part of the High Priest's sacred vestments, the chôshen emphasized the holiness required for approaching God. Its precious materials and intricate design reflected the glory and majesty of the God whom the High Priest served, setting apart the High Priest for his unique, consecrated role.
4. **Typological Significance:** The High Priest's role, particularly in carrying the names of the people before God and serving as a conduit for divine revelation, serves as a powerful type pointing to Jesus Christ. Our Great High Priest, Jesus, perfectly represents His people before God, bearing their names in His heart, and is the ultimate source of divine truth and guidance, fulfilling the symbolic functions of the chôshen in a superior and eternal way ([[Hebrews 4:14-16]], [[Hebrews 7:23-28]]).
### Summary
The חֹשֶׁן (chôshen, `{{H2833}}`) is the sacred "breastplate" worn by the High Priest of Israel, a garment unique in its design and profound in its significance. Its etymological roots suggest both "containing" and "sparkling," directly reflecting its function as a pouch for the Urim and Thummim and its adornment with twelve precious stones, each representing a tribe of Israel. Biblically, it appears exclusively in contexts describing the High Priest's vestments and his consecration, primarily in Exodus and Leviticus. Theologically, the chôshen powerfully symbolizes the High Priest's role in representing the entire nation before God, bearing their names over his heart, and serving as a vital instrument for divine revelation through the Urim and Thummim. It underscores God's covenant faithfulness, His provision for guidance, and ultimately foreshadows the perfect mediatorial and revelatory work of Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest.
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