Exodus 28:15
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.
Original Language Analysis
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
חֹ֤שֶׁן
the breastplate
H2833
חֹ֤שֶׁן
the breastplate
Strong's:
H2833
Word #:
2 of 17
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
מִשְׁפָּט֙
of judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפָּט֙
of judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה
after the work
H4639
כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה
after the work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
4 of 17
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
חֹשֵׁ֔ב
with cunning
H2803
חֹשֵׁ֔ב
with cunning
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה
after the work
H4639
כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה
after the work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
6 of 17
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
אֵפֹ֖ד
of the ephod
H646
אֵפֹ֖ד
of the ephod
Strong's:
H646
Word #:
7 of 17
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
זָ֠הָב
it of gold
H2091
זָ֠הָב
it of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
9 of 17
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
תְּכֵ֨לֶת
of blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֨לֶת
of blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
10 of 17
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְתוֹלַ֧עַת
H8438
וְתוֹלַ֧עַת
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
12 of 17
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
שָׁנִ֛י
and of scarlet
H8144
שָׁנִ֛י
and of scarlet
Strong's:
H8144
Word #:
13 of 17
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
וְשֵׁ֥שׁ
linen
H8336
וְשֵׁ֥שׁ
linen
Strong's:
H8336
Word #:
14 of 17
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do Christ's decisions for you flow from both righteous judgment and loving care?
- What does having your name 'on His heart' mean for His guidance in your life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.