King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:4 Mean?

Exodus 28:4 in the King James Version says “And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And these are 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 28:4 · KJV

Context

2

And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.

3

And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

4

And these are 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.

5

And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine linen.

6

And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet , and fine twined linen, with cunning work.

Read Exodus 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The garment inventory: breastplate, ephod, robe, embroidered coat, mitre (turban), and girdle (sash). Each piece carries symbolic weight. The breastplate holds the tribes close to the priest's heart; the ephod bears them on his shoulders (strength); the robe displays his approach to God; the coat provides foundational righteousness; the mitre designates holiness; the girdle binds all together. Christ's priestly qualifications include bearing us in love, carrying us in strength, approaching in purity, standing in righteousness, manifesting holiness, holding all together.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These six garment pieces (plus others specified for common priests) comprised the high priest's sacred wardrobe. Only fully vested could he enter God's presence to minister, teaching that approach to God requires complete spiritual preparation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which aspect of Christ's priestly qualification (love, strength, purity, etc.) most encourages you today?
  2. How does 'complete preparation' for approaching God differ from casual spirituality?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְאֵ֨לֶּה1 of 19
H428

these or those

בִגְדֵי2 of 19

“And these are the garments”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

וְעָשׂ֨וּ4 of 19

“and they shall make”

H6213

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

חֹ֤שֶׁן5 of 19

“a breastplate”

H2833

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

וְאֵפוֹד֙6 of 19

“and an ephod”

H646

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

וּמְעִ֔יל7 of 19

“and a robe”

H4598

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

וּכְתֹ֥נֶת8 of 19

“coat”

H3801

a shirt

תַּשְׁבֵּ֖ץ9 of 19

“and a broidered”

H8665

checkered stuff (as reticulated)

מִצְנֶ֣פֶת10 of 19

“a mitre”

H4701

a tiara, i.e., official turban (of a king or high priest)

וְאַבְנֵ֑ט11 of 19

“and a girdle”

H73

a belt

וְעָשׂ֨וּ12 of 19

“and they shall make”

H6213

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

בִגְדֵי13 of 19

“And these are the garments”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

קֹ֜דֶשׁ14 of 19

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לְאַֽהֲרֹ֥ן15 of 19

“for Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אָחִ֛יךָ16 of 19

“thy brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וּלְבָנָ֖יו17 of 19

“and his sons”

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

לְכַֽהֲנוֹ18 of 19

“that he may minister unto me in the priest's office”

H3547

to officiate as a priest; figuratively, to put on regalia

לִֽי׃19 of 19
H0

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 28:4 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 28:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 9:17Ephesians 6:14Isaiah 59:17Exodus 28:39-401 Thessalonians 5:8Exodus 39:25-26

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