Exodus 28:15

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
חֹ֤שֶׁן
the breastplate
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
#3
מִשְׁפָּט֙
of judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#4
כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה
after the work
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#5
חֹשֵׁ֔ב
with cunning
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#6
כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה
after the work
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#7
אֵפֹ֖ד
of the ephod
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
#8
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
זָ֠הָב
it of gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#10
תְּכֵ֨לֶת
of blue
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
#11
וְאַרְגָּמָ֜ן
and of purple
purple (the color or the dyed stuff)
#12
וְתוֹלַ֧עַת
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
#13
שָׁנִ֛י
and of scarlet
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
#14
וְשֵׁ֥שׁ
linen
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
#15
מָשְׁזָ֖ר
and of fine twined
to twist (a thread of straw)
#16
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#17
אֹתֽוֹ׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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