King James Version
What Does Exodus 28:16 Mean?
“Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.”
Context
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
18
And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(16) **Foursquare it shall be.**—On the idea of perfection connected with the square, see Note on Exodus 27:1. But for this, twelve gems would probably have been arranged in the shape of an oblong.
**Doubled.**—Symmachus translates *khoshen *by *δόχιον*, “a receptacle” or “bag;” and if the Urim and the Thummim, being material objects, were to be “put in” it (Exodus 28:30), such a construction would seem to have been absolutely necessary. Hence the “doubling,” which would not have been needed merely for strength, since linen corselets, stout enough to resist the blow of a sword, were among the manufactures of Egypt, and could no doubt have been produced by the Hebrews.
**A span.**—The “span” was reckoned at half a cubit, or about nine inches.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 28:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.