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.

EXODUS 28:15KJV
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Exodus 28:15 (KJV)

What does Exodus 28:15 mean?

Exodus 28:15 describes God’s instructions to Moses for making the "breastplate of judgment," a special piece of clothing for the high priest, crafted with skill and using precious materials like gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. The breastplate was to be made with the same careful workmanship as the ephod, another priestly garment.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving detailed directions for the garments that Aaron, the high priest, will wear when serving in the tabernacle. The "breastplate of judgment" was an important item, symbolizing the priest’s role in seeking God’s guidance and making decisions for the people. The focus on skilled work and valuable materials highlights the importance and sacredness of the priest’s service.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 28:15

  • "Breastplate" (חֹשֶׁן, ḥoshen): This word refers to a specific, square pouch worn over the high priest’s chest. It was not just decorative but carried twelve stones representing Israel’s tribes, connecting the priest’s role to all the people.
  • "Judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This term often means legal decision or justice. Here, it points to the breastplate’s function in helping the priest discern God’s will in matters of judgment for Israel.
  • "Cunning work" (חָשַׁב, ḥashav): This phrase means skillful or thoughtful craftsmanship. The breastplate was to be made with great care and artistry, not just thrown together.
  • "Ephod" (אֵפוֹד, ephod): The ephod was another sacred garment, and the breastplate was to match its style and quality, showing unity in the priest’s attire.

Why Exodus 28:15 matters

  • Exodus 28:15 makes clear that the high priest’s clothing was not ordinary but was to be made with the highest skill and from the finest materials, emphasizing the seriousness of approaching God’s presence.
  • The verse highlights the connection between the priest’s clothing and his role in representing the people before God, especially in matters of judgment and guidance.
  • Understanding the specific instructions and materials helps clarify the sacredness and symbolism of Israel’s worship practices, showing that every detail had meaning and purpose.

Where else these words appear

“breastplate” Hebrew H2833 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 25:7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
  • Exodus 28:28 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.
  • Exodus 39:9 It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.

“twined” Hebrew H7806 · used in 21 verses

  • 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.
  • Exodus 38:18 And the hanging for the gate of the court was needlework, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, answerable to the hangings of the court.

“linen” Hebrew H8336 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
  • Exodus 35:6 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,
  • Exodus 39:3 And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, with cunning work.

“purple” Hebrew H713 · used in 38 verses

  • Exodus 25:4 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,
  • Exodus 35:35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
  • Exodus 39:29 And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.