Exodus 28:28

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיִרְכְּס֣וּ
And they shall bind
to tie
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַחֹ֔שֶׁן
and that the breastplate
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
#4
טַבְּעֹ֤ת
by the rings
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
טַבְּעֹ֤ת
by the rings
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
#7
הָֽאֵפֽוֹד׃
from the ephod
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
#8
בִּפְתִ֣יל
with a lace
twine
#9
תְּכֵ֔לֶת
of blue
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
#10
לִֽהְי֖וֹת
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
חֵ֣שֶׁב
that it may be above the curious girdle
a belt or strap (as being interlaced)
#13
הָֽאֵפֽוֹד׃
from the ephod
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
#14
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
יִזַּ֣ח
be not loosed
to shove or displace
#16
הַחֹ֔שֶׁן
and that the breastplate
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
#17
מֵעַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
הָֽאֵפֽוֹד׃
from the ephod
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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