Exodus 28:28
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.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַחֹ֔שֶׁן
and that the breastplate
H2833
הַחֹ֔שֶׁן
and that the breastplate
Strong's:
H2833
Word #:
3 of 18
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
טַבְּעֹ֤ת
by the rings
H2885
טַבְּעֹ֤ת
by the rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
טַבְּעֹ֤ת
by the rings
H2885
טַבְּעֹ֤ת
by the rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
הָֽאֵפֽוֹד׃
from the ephod
H646
הָֽאֵפֽוֹד׃
from the ephod
Strong's:
H646
Word #:
7 of 18
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
תְּכֵ֔לֶת
of blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֔לֶת
of blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
9 of 18
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
לִֽהְי֖וֹת
H1961
לִֽהְי֖וֹת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
חֵ֣שֶׁב
that it may be above the curious girdle
H2805
חֵ֣שֶׁב
that it may be above the curious girdle
Strong's:
H2805
Word #:
12 of 18
a belt or strap (as being interlaced)
הָֽאֵפֽוֹד׃
from the ephod
H646
הָֽאֵפֽוֹד׃
from the ephod
Strong's:
H646
Word #:
13 of 18
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הַחֹ֔שֶׁן
and that the breastplate
H2833
הַחֹ֔שֶׁן
and that the breastplate
Strong's:
H2833
Word #:
16 of 18
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
Historical Context
Blue cord (פְּתִיל תְּכֵלֶת, pethil tekhelet) from marine mollusks was expensive, making even this binding cord precious. God spared no expense in securing priestly representation—every thread was valuable.
Questions for Reflection
- What does blue cord (heavenly binding) teach about the divine origin of your security?
- How does 'not be loosed' language speak to the permanence of Christ's hold on you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A blue lace (cord) binds the breastplate's lower rings to the ephod's rings above the girdle. Blue represents heaven/divine origin. The binding is heavenly, not earthly—God Himself secures our connection to Christ's priestly ministry. The instruction that the breastplate 'not be loosed from the ephod' emphasizes permanent union. Christ and His people cannot be separated; we are bound together by heaven's own cord (Romans 8:35-39).