King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:15 Mean?

Exodus 28:15 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of go... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And 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.

Exodus 28:15 · KJV


Context

13

And thou shalt make ouches of gold;

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.

15

And 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.

16

Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.

17

And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. set: Heb. fill in it fillings of stone sardius: or, ruby


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The breastplate of judgment (חֹשֶׁן מִשְׁפָּט, khoshen mishpat)—the priest's most sacred garment piece—is made like the ephod (matching materials and workmanship). Called the 'breastplate of judgment' because it contains the Urim and Thummim (v.30) for discerning God's will. Worn over the heart, it shows that priestly judgment must flow from love. Christ's judgments are righteous because they're motivated by love; His decisions for us arise from having our names on His heart.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This breastplate was approximately 9 inches square when folded (a span in length and breadth), forming a pouch to hold the Urim and Thummim. It was the most elaborate piece of the high priestly wardrobe, containing twelve precious stones.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do Christ's decisions for you flow from both righteous judgment and loving care?
  2. What does having your name 'on His heart' mean for His guidance in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה1 of 17

And thou shalt make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

חֹ֤שֶׁן2 of 17

the breastplate

H2833

perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest

מִשְׁפָּט֙3 of 17

of judgment

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה4 of 17

after the work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

חֹשֵׁ֔ב5 of 17

with cunning

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה6 of 17

after the work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

אֵפֹ֖ד7 of 17

of the ephod

H646

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה8 of 17

And thou shalt make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

זָ֠הָב9 of 17

it of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

תְּכֵ֨לֶת10 of 17

of blue

H8504

the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith

וְאַרְגָּמָ֜ן11 of 17

and of purple

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

וְתוֹלַ֧עַת12 of 17
H8438

a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl

שָׁנִ֛י13 of 17

and of scarlet

H8144

crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it

וְשֵׁ֥שׁ14 of 17

linen

H8336

bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble

מָשְׁזָ֖ר15 of 17

and of fine twined

H7806

to twist (a thread of straw)

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה16 of 17

And thou shalt make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֹתֽוֹ׃17 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 28:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 28:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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