King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:7 Mean?

Exodus 28:7 in the King James Version says “It shall have the two shoulderpieces thereof joined at the two edges thereof; and so it shall be joined together. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

It shall have the two shoulderpieces thereof joined at the two edges thereof; and so it shall be joined together.

Exodus 28:7 · KJV


Context

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.

7

It shall have the two shoulderpieces thereof joined at the two edges thereof; and so it shall be joined together.

8

And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen. curious: or, embroidered

9

And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Two shoulder pieces join the ephod's front and back together—connection at the point of strength. Shoulders bear burdens; the tribal names placed here (v.12) show the priest bearing Israel's weight. Christ bears not only our sins but our very persons—He carries us in His priestly ministry. The joining at the shoulders creates structural integrity; Christ's burden-bearing holds God's people together.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These shoulder pieces (כָּתֵף, katef) created permanent attachment points for the onyx stones bearing tribal names. The ephod's two pieces (front/back) joined here, making the shoulders both decorative and structural.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ 'bear' you on His shoulders rather than merely extending help?
  2. What burdens has Christ carried for you that you couldn't bear yourself?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
שְׁנֵ֥י1 of 9

It shall have the two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

כְתֵפֹ֣ת2 of 9

shoulderpieces

H3802

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

וְחֻבָּֽר׃3 of 9

thereof and so it shall be joined together

H2266

to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate

יִֽהְיֶה4 of 9
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לּ֛וֹ5 of 9
H0
אֶל6 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁנֵ֥י7 of 9

It shall have the two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

קְצוֹתָ֖יו8 of 9

edges

H7098

a termination

וְחֻבָּֽר׃9 of 9

thereof and so it shall be joined together

H2266

to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate


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 28:7 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 28:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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