And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold.

EXODUS 28:22KJV
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Exodus 28:22 (KJV)

What does Exodus 28:22 mean?

Exodus 28:22 gives instructions for making the breastplate for the high priest’s garments, specifically telling that chains made of pure gold, crafted in a twisted or braided style, should be attached to the ends of the breastplate. This detail is part of the careful design for the priestly clothing described in this chapter.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving him specific directions for how the high priest’s breastplate should be constructed. The focus is on craftsmanship and the use of valuable materials, showing the importance and sacredness of the high priest’s role. The chains would help secure the breastplate, which was a central piece of the priestly attire.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 28:22

  • "wreathen" (עֲבוֹת, ʿavoth): This word refers to something twisted or braided, often understood as a decorative and strong style of chain. It emphasizes the care and artistry involved in making the breastplate’s attachments.
  • "pure" (זָהָב, zahav): This word means gold that is unalloyed or refined, highlighting that only the best materials were to be used for the priestly garments.
  • "chains" (שַׁרְשְׁרוֹת, sharsheroth): This word points to actual chains, not just cords or strings, suggesting a sturdy and lasting connection for the breastplate.

Why Exodus 28:22 matters

  • This verse shows the level of detail and craftsmanship required for the high priest’s garments, emphasizing their special status and the seriousness of their duties.
  • The use of pure gold and braided chains highlights the value and sacredness of the items used in worship, setting them apart from ordinary clothing.
  • Understanding these details helps make sense of later verses describing how the breastplate was worn and attached, showing how each part fit together in the larger design.

Where else these words appear

“ends” Hebrew H1383 · used in 2 verses

  • Exodus 39:15 And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends, of wreathen work of pure gold.

“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.

“wreathen” Hebrew H5688 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 28:14 And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches.
  • Judges 15:14 And when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands.
  • Isaiah 5:18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:

“pure” Hebrew H2889 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 7:2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female.
  • Exodus 39:30 And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
  • Deuteronomy 12:15 Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart.