Exodus 28:16 (KJV)

What does Exodus 28:16 mean?

Exodus 28:16 describes the size and shape of a special piece of clothing for Israel’s high priest, saying it should be square when folded double, measuring a span in both length and width. This instruction is about how to make the breastplate that the high priest would wear as part of his sacred garments.

God is speaking to Moses, giving him detailed directions for making the high priest’s breastplate, which would later hold the Urim and Thummim and twelve stones representing Israel’s tribes. The verse focuses on the breastplate’s exact measurements and shape, showing the careful attention to detail in the priestly garments.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 28:16

• The word "foursquare" (רָבוּעַ, rabu'a) means "square-shaped," emphasizing that the breastplate should have equal sides, not rectangular or another shape.
• "Doubled" (כָּפַל, kaphal) means "folded over" or "doubled," indicating the breastplate was made by folding a piece of fabric, making it thicker and possibly forming a pouch.
• "Span" (זֶרֶת, zeret) is a unit of measurement, roughly the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is stretched out, usually about 9 inches (23 cm).
• "Length" (אֹרֶךְ, orekh) and "breadth" (רֹחַב, rokhav) simply mean the two dimensions of the square, both set at a span, reinforcing the shape and size.

Why Exodus 28:16 matters

• This verse clears up that the breastplate was not just a decorative piece but had a specific, practical design, likely to hold objects securely.
• The careful measurements show the importance of precision and order in Israel’s worship practices, reflecting the seriousness of the priest’s role.
• Understanding the shape and size helps readers picture the high priest’s appearance and the physical reality of the rituals described in Exodus.