And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.

EXODUS 28:29KJV
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Exodus 28:29 (KJV)

What does Exodus 28:29 mean?

Exodus 28:29 describes how Aaron, the high priest, was to wear a special breastplate with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel engraved on it whenever he entered the holy place, so that he would always bring the memory of the people before God. This act was meant to serve as a continual reminder before the LORD of the people Aaron represented.

In this verse, God is giving Moses instructions for Aaron’s priestly garments. The breastplate, called the "breastplate of judgment," was worn over Aaron’s heart, symbolizing that he carried the people of Israel with him into God’s presence. The verse highlights the role of the high priest as a representative, always mindful of the people’s relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 28:29

  • "Bear" (נָשָׂא, nāśā’): This word means to carry or lift up. Here, it shows that Aaron’s role was not just physical but also symbolic—he carried the tribes before God in a spiritual sense.
  • "Memorial" (זִכָּרוֹן, zikkārôn): This word means a remembrance or reminder. The breastplate was a physical object meant to keep the people of Israel always in God’s view, emphasizing their ongoing relationship with Him.
  • "Heart" (לֵב, lēv): The instruction to wear the breastplate "upon his heart" highlights the deep, personal responsibility Aaron had for the people, suggesting care, concern, and representation at the most personal level.

Why Exodus 28:29 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the high priest’s role was not just about rituals but about representing all the people before God, showing the importance of community in Israel’s worship.
  • It emphasizes that the relationship between God and Israel was meant to be ongoing and remembered, not a one-time event—Aaron was to do this "continually."
  • The verse connects to the larger passage about priestly garments, showing that every detail had symbolic meaning, not just practical function.

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 28:26 And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.
  • 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.

“memorial” Hebrew H2146 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 12:14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
  • Numbers 5:15 Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.
  • Esther 6:1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

“continually” Hebrew H8548 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 25:30 And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.
  • 2 Samuel 9:7 And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.
  • Psalms 105:4 Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.