And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate.

EXODUS 28:24KJV
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Exodus 28:24 (KJV)

What does Exodus 28:24 mean?

Exodus 28:24 describes how two twisted chains made of gold were to be attached to the two rings at the ends of the priest’s breastplate. This instruction is part of the detailed directions God gave for making the high priest’s special garments.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving him specific instructions about the construction of the high priest Aaron’s breastplate, a sacred piece of clothing used in Israel’s worship. The focus here is on the craftsmanship: the gold chains are to be “wreathen” or braided, and they are to connect to rings at the corners of the breastplate, ensuring it is securely fastened as part of the priestly attire.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 28:24

  • “wreathen” (עֲבוֹת, ʿavot): This word means braided or twisted, emphasizing that the gold chains were not simple links but carefully crafted, decorative cords. This detail highlights the skill and care required for the priestly garments.
  • “breastplate” (חֹשֶׁן, ḥoshen): This term refers to a specific, sacred item worn by the high priest, often called the “breastpiece of judgment.” Its construction and attachment were important for both function and symbolism in Israel’s worship.
  • “ends” (קָצֶה, qāṭseh): This word points to the outermost parts or corners of the breastplate, clarifying exactly where the rings—and thus the chains—were to be attached.

Why Exodus 28:24 matters

  • Exodus 28:24 shows the level of detail and care involved in making the high priest’s garments, underlining their sacred purpose and the importance of obedience in worship.
  • This verse connects to the broader instructions in Exodus 28, where every part of the priestly attire has meaning and function, reflecting Israel’s relationship with God.
  • The focus on precise construction helps clear up any idea that the priestly garments were ordinary clothing; instead, they were made with intention, artistry, and reverence.

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.

“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:

“ends” Hebrew H7098 · used in 30 verses

  • Exodus 25:18 And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
  • Exodus 37:7 And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat;
  • 1 Kings 13:33 After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places.

“rings” Hebrew H2885 · used in 38 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 28:27 And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
  • Exodus 38:7 And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.