New International Version“Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen.
New Living Translation“Then, with great skill and care, make a chestpiece to be worn for seeking a decision from God. Make it to match the ephod, using finely woven linen embroidered with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread.
English Standard Version“You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, in skilled work. In the style of the ephod you shall make it—of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen shall you make it.
Berean Standard BibleYou are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James Version“You shall make the breastplate of judgment. Artistically woven according to the workmanship of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, you shall make it.
New American Standard Bible“You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skilled embroiderer; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of violet, purple, and scarlet material, and fine twisted linen you shall make it.
NASB 1995“You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen you shall make it.
NASB 1977“And you shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen you shall make it.
Legacy Standard Bible“You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skillful designer; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen you shall make it.
Amplified Bible“You are to make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skilled and talented craftsman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet fabric and of fine twisted linen.
Christian Standard Bible“You are to make an embroidered breastpiece for making decisions. Make it with the same workmanship as the ephod; make it of gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and of finely spun linen.
Holman Christian Standard BibleYou are to make an embroidered breastpiece for making decisions. Make it with the same workmanship as the ephod; make it of gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and of finely spun linen.
American Standard VersionAnd thou shalt make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skilful workman; like the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
Contemporary English VersionFrom the same costly material make a breastpiece for the high priest to use in finding out what I want my people to do.
English Revised VersionAnd thou shalt make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the cunning workman; like the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
GOD'S WORD® Translation"Make the breastplate for decision-making as creatively as you make the ephod. Make it out of gold, violet, purple, and bright red yarn and out of fine linen yarn.
Good News Translation"Make a breastpiece for the High Priest to use in determining God's will. It is to be made of the same materials as the ephod and with similar embroidery.
International Standard Version"You are to make a breast piece to be worn by the high priest when he makes legal decisions. It is to be skillfully worked, made like the work of the ephod from gold, blue, purple, and scarlet material, and from fine woven linen.
NET Bible"You are to make a breastpiece for use in making decisions, the work of an artistic designer; you are to make it in the same fashion as the ephod; you are to make it of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twisted linen.
New Heart English Bible"You shall make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, you shall make it.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd thou shalt make the breast-plate of judgment with curious 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYou are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.
World English Bible“You shall make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, you shall make it. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd you have made a breastplate of judgment, the work of a designer; you make it according to the work of the ephod; you make it of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen;
Young's Literal Translation 'And thou hast made a breastplate of judgment, work of a designer; according to the work of the ephod thou dost make it; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen thou dost make it;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd make the ornament of judgment a work of the artificer; according to the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; gold, cerulean purple, red purple, and double scarlet, and byssus, thou shalt make it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd thou shalt make the rational of judgment with embroidered work of divers colours, according to the workmanship of the ephod, of gold, violet, and purple, and scarlet twice dyed, and fine twisted linen.
Catholic Public Domain VersionLikewise, you shall make the breastplate of judgment, wrought with diverse colors according to weaving of the ephod: of gold, hyacinth and purple, and twice-dyed scarlet, and fine twisted linen.
New American BibleThe breastpiece of decision you shall also have made, embroidered like the ephod with gold thread and violet, purple, and scarlet yarn on cloth of fine linen twined.
New Revised Standard VersionYou shall make a breastpiece of judgment, in skilled work; you shall make it in the style of the ephod; of gold, of blue and purple and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen you shall make it. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd you shall make the breastplate of judgment with the work of a craftsman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue and of purple and of scarlet material and fine twined linen.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd make the breastplate of judgment the work of a craftsman, as the work of the ephod; make it gold and blue fringes and purple and dye of scarlet and make it fine woven white linen. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And thou shalt make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skilful workman; like the work of the ephod thou shalt make it: of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd thou shalt make the oracle of judgment, the work of the embroiderer: in keeping with the ephod, thou shalt make it of gold, and blue and purple, and spun scarlet, and fine linen spun.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Breastpiece15You are also to makea breastpieceof judgmentwith the same workmanshipas the ephod.Constructitwith gold,with blue,purple,and scarlet yarn,and with finely spunlinen.16It must be square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide.…
Cross References Leviticus 8:7-9He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. / Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. / Moses also put the turban on Aaron’s head and set the gold plate, the holy diadem, on the front of the turban, as the LORD had commanded him.
Exodus 39:8-14He made the breastpiece with the same workmanship as the ephod, with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. / It was square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide. / And they mounted on it four rows of gemstones: The first row had a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; ...
Numbers 27:21He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.”
1 Samuel 28:6He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.
1 Chronicles 15:27Now David was dressed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, as well as the singers and Chenaniah, the director of music for the singers. David also wore a linen ephod.
2 Chronicles 26:16-21But when Uzziah became powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. / Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him. / They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.” ...
Isaiah 61:10I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Ezekiel 28:13You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation.
Zechariah 3:4-5So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.” / Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the LORD stood by.
Hebrews 5:1-4Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. / He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness. / That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. ...
Hebrews 7:26-28Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. / Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself. / For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
Hebrews 8:1-5The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, / and who ministers in the sanctuary and true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man. / And since every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, it was necessary for this One also to have something to offer. ...
Hebrews 9:11-12But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation. / He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.
Hebrews 9:24For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.
Revelation 1:13and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest.
Treasury of Scripture And you shall make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shall you make it. the breastplate Exodus 28:4,30 And theseare the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office… Exodus 39:8 And he made the breastplateof cunning work, like the work of the ephod;of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. Leviticus 8:8 And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim. after Exodus 28:6 And they shall make the ephodof gold,of blue, andof purple,of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work. Exodus 26:1 Moreover thou shalt make the tabernaclewith ten curtainsof fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet:with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them. Jump to Previous BagBlueBreastpieceBreastplateBreast-PlateCunningCuriousDecisionsDesignedEphodFashionFineGoldJudgmentLinenMakingMaterialPriest'sPurpleScarletSkilfulSkilledSkillfulStuffTwinedTwistedWorkWorkmanJump to Next BagBlueBreastpieceBreastplateBreast-PlateCunningCuriousDecisionsDesignedEphodFashionFineGoldJudgmentLinenMakingMaterialPriest'sPurpleScarletSkilfulSkilledSkillfulStuffTwinedTwistedWorkWorkmanExodus 28 1.Aaron and his sons are set apart for the priest's office2.Holy garments are appointed6.The ephod and girdle15.The breast-plate with twelve precious stones30.The Urim and Thummim31.The robe of the ephod, with pomegranates and bells36.The plate of the mitre39.The embroidered coat40.The garments for Aaron's sonsYou are also to make a breastpiece of judgmentThe breastpiece of judgment was an essential part of the high priest's garments, symbolizing his role in seeking God's guidance for the Israelites. The term "judgment" indicates its use in decision-making, particularly through the Urim and Thummim, which were placed inside the breastpiece ( Exodus 28:30). This highlights the priest's mediatory role between God and the people, emphasizing the importance of divine guidance in leadership. with the same workmanship as the ephod
The ephod was another priestly garment, intricately designed and crafted. The breastpiece's construction mirrored the ephod's, indicating a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. This parallel in workmanship underscores the unity and coherence of the high priest's attire, reflecting the order and precision required in worship and service to God. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen
These materials were not only valuable but also symbolically significant. Gold represents divinity and purity, while blue often symbolizes heaven or the divine presence. Purple, a color associated with royalty, signifies the priest's role in serving the King of Kings. Scarlet can represent sacrifice and atonement, pointing to the priest's role in offering sacrifices for the people's sins. Finely spun linen denotes purity and righteousness. Together, these materials reflect the holiness and sacred duty of the high priest, foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who embodies these qualities perfectly. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and the priestly garments from God. 2. AaronThe brother of Moses, who was appointed as the first high priest of Israel. The breastpiece was part of his priestly garments. 3. Skilled CraftsmanArtisans endowed with wisdom and skill by God to create the intricate designs of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the priestly garments. 4. BreastpieceA sacred garment worn by the high priest, used for making decisions, particularly through the Urim and Thummim. 5. EphodA part of the high priest's attire, to which the breastpiece was attached, symbolizing the priest's role in representing the people before God. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceThe detailed instructions for the breastpiece highlight the importance of following God's commands precisely. As believers, we are called to obey God's Word in every aspect of our lives. Symbolism of the BreastpieceThe materials and colors used in the breastpiece symbolize the beauty and holiness required in approaching God. Our lives should reflect God's holiness and beauty in our conduct and character. Role of the High PriestThe breastpiece signifies the high priest's role in interceding for the people. This foreshadows Christ's intercession for us, reminding us of the importance of prayer and seeking God's guidance. God's Provision of SkillsThe involvement of skilled craftsmen shows that God equips His people with the necessary skills to fulfill His purposes. We should seek to use our talents and abilities for God's glory. Decision-Making and God's GuidanceThe breastpiece was used for making decisions, emphasizing the need to seek God's guidance in our lives. We should prioritize prayer and Scripture in our decision-making processes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Exodus 28:15?
2.What is the significance of the "breastpiece of judgment" in Exodus 28:15?
3.How does Exodus 28:15 reflect God's attention to detail in worship?
4.In what ways does Exodus 28:15 connect to New Testament priesthood teachings?
5.How can we apply the concept of "skilled work" in our spiritual service?
6.What does the "design of a skilled craftsman" teach about serving God excellently?
7.What is the significance of the breastpiece of judgment in Exodus 28:15?
8.How does Exodus 28:15 reflect God's instructions for priestly garments?
9.Why is craftsmanship emphasized in the making of the breastpiece in Exodus 28:15?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 28?
11.What are the Urim and Thummim?
12.What does "ephod" mean?
13.Exodus 28:15-21: Could the precise identification and sourcing of twelve specific gemstones align historically with the Israelites' environment and trading networks?
14.In 1 Chronicles 15:27, David wears an ephod traditionally reserved for priests--how do we explain this apparent merging of royal and priestly roles without violating Mosaic Law?What Does Exodus 28:15 Mean You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment- The breastpiece is called “of judgment” because the high priest would bear the tribes of Israel on his heart when he went before the LORD, seeking righteous decisions (Exodus 28:29–30;Numbers 27:21). - It signified that God’s people are ever before Him; He judges, guides, and protects them (Psalm 96:13;Isaiah 11:3–4). - The placement—over the heart—highlights compassion joined with justice, a theme fulfilled ultimately in Christ our High Priest (Hebrews 4:15–16).
with the same workmanship as the ephod- The ephod was an ornate, shoulder-piece garment for the high priest (Exodus 28:6–8). Making the breastpiece “with the same workmanship” ensured unity and coherence in the priestly attire. - This unity points to the consistency of God’s character: His judgments align perfectly with His righteousness (Deuteronomy 32:4;Revelation 15:3). - It also underscores that every act of service in God’s presence must meet His holy standard (Leviticus 8:7–9).
Construct it with gold- Gold in Scripture represents purity, value, and divine glory (Exodus 25:11;Revelation 21:18). - By overlaying the fabric with fine gold threads or settings, the breastpiece reflected God’s splendor and the priceless worth of His guidance. - Gold’s incorruptibility reminds us that God’s judgments are flawless and enduring (Psalm 19:9;1 Peter 1:7).
with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn- Blue often evokes heaven and divine revelation (Numbers 15:38–39;Ezekiel 1:26). - Purple, a royal dye, points to kingship and majesty (Judges 8:26;John 19:2–3). - Scarlet recalls sacrifice and redemption (Joshua 2:18–21;Hebrews 9:19–22). - Together these colors weave a picture of the heavenly, kingly, and saving character of the LORD, fully displayed in Christ (Revelation 1:5–6).
and with finely spun linen- Linen symbolizes righteousness and purity of service (Leviticus 6:10;Revelation 19:8). - The meticulous spinning underscores diligence and excellence in approaching God (Colossians 3:23–24). - By combining linen with gold and rich colors, the breastpiece portrayed holiness joined with beauty (Psalm 96:9), reminding worshipers that truth and grace are never separated in God’s presence (John 1:14).
summaryExodus 28:15 commands the crafting of a breastpiece that embodies God’s righteous judgment, flawless workmanship, divine glory, royal authority, redemptive sacrifice, and pure service. Each material and color reinforces that the LORD’s decisions are pure, majestic, and compassionate, faithfully carried on the high priest’s heart—a foreshadowing of the perfect mediation of Jesus Christ, who carries His people before the Father with unerring justice and unfailing love. (15) The breastplate of judgment.--The word khoshendoes not really signify "breastplate," but "ornament." It was the main ornament of the priestly attire. It was called "the ornament of judgment" on account of its containing the Urim and Thummim, whereby God's "judgments" were made known to His people. (See Note on Exodus 28:30.) With cunning work.--Rather,of the work of the weaver.(Comp.Exodus 26:1;Exodus 26:31;Exodus 28:6.) Verse 15. - The breast-plate. As the khoshen was to be worn upon the breast (ver. 29), this name is appropriate; but it is not a translation of khoshen. Of judgment. See the introductory paragraph to this section. Kalisch translates "the breast-plate of decision." It was to be made, so far as its main fabric was concerned, of exactly the same materials as the ephod. See ver. 6.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew You are also to makeוְעָשִׂ֜יתָ(wə·‘ā·śî·ṯā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makea breastpieceחֹ֤שֶׁן(ḥō·šen)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2833:A pocket, rich, the gorget of the highpriestof judgmentמִשְׁפָּט֙(miš·pāṭ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941:A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, stylewith the same workmanshipמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה(ma·‘ă·śêh)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4639:An action, a transaction, activity, a product, propertyas the ephod.אֵפֹ֖ד(’ê·p̄ōḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 646:A girdle, the ephod, highpriest's shoulder-piece, an imageConstructתַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה(ta·‘ă·śeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makeitאֹתֽוֹ׃(’ō·ṯōw)Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative casewith gold,זָ֠הָב(zā·hāḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear skywith blue,תְּכֵ֨לֶת(tə·ḵê·leṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8504:The cerulean mussel, the color, obtained therefrom, stuff dyed therewithpurple,וְאַרְגָּמָ֜ן(wə·’ar·gā·mān)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 713:Purple, red-purpleand scarlet yarn,וְתוֹלַ֧עַת(wə·ṯō·w·la·‘aṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8438:The crimson-grub, of the color, from it, cloths dyed therewithand finely spunמָשְׁזָ֖ר(mā·šə·zār)Verb - Hofal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7806:To be twistedlinen.וְשֵׁ֥שׁ(wə·šêš)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8336:Bleached stuff, white linen, marble
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OT Law: Exodus 28:15 You shall make a breastplate of judgment (Exo. Ex) |
