King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:29 Mean?

Exodus 28:29 in the King James Version says “And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 28:29 · KJV

Context

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.

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.

29

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.

30

And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.

31

And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue.

Read Exodus 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Summary: Aaron bears Israel's names on the breastplate 'upon his heart...continually.' The heart represents love, affection, will. Israel isn't grudgingly tolerated but lovingly cherished. The Hebrew תָּמִיד (tamid, continually) appears repeatedly—showbread continually, lamp continually, breastplate continually. God's provision never lapses. Christ bears our names on His heart perpetually, loving without interruption, representing without ceasing (Hebrews 7:25).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The high priest wore these garments only during tabernacle service, but while serving, the breastplate never left his chest. This 'continual' bearing applied throughout ministry time, prefiguring Christ's eternal ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing Christ bears your name 'upon his heart' affect your sense of being loved?
  2. What does 'continually' (never stopping) teach about the reliability of Christ's care?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְנָשָׂ֣א1 of 17

“shall bear”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אַֽ֠הֲרֹן2 of 17

“And Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶת3 of 17
H853

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

שְׁמ֨וֹת4 of 17

“the names”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בְּנֵֽי5 of 17

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל6 of 17

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בְּחֹ֧שֶׁן7 of 17

“in 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

הַמִּשְׁפָּ֛ט8 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

עַל9 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לִבּ֖וֹ10 of 17

“upon his heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

בְּבֹא֣וֹ11 of 17

“when he goeth”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל12 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ13 of 17

“in unto the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לְזִכָּרֹ֥ן14 of 17

“place for a memorial”

H2146

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

לִפְנֵֽי15 of 17

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֖ה16 of 17

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

תָּמִֽיד׃17 of 17

“continually”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

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 28:29 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 28:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 28:12Exodus 28:30Isaiah 49:15-16Romans 10:1Jeremiah 30:21Exodus 28:15

Places in This Verse

Holy Place 1Special Place24 verses across 4 books
View all places in Exodus 28 →

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 28 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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