Exodus 28:29
And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָשָׂ֣א
shall bear
H5375
וְנָשָׂ֣א
shall bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 17
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁמ֨וֹת
the names
H8034
שְׁמ֨וֹת
the names
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
4 of 17
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בְּחֹ֧שֶׁן
in the breastplate
H2833
בְּחֹ֧שֶׁן
in the breastplate
Strong's:
H2833
Word #:
7 of 17
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
הַמִּשְׁפָּ֛ט
of judgment
H4941
הַמִּשְׁפָּ֛ט
of judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לִבּ֖וֹ
upon his heart
H3820
לִבּ֖וֹ
upon his heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
10 of 17
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
בְּבֹא֣וֹ
when he goeth
H935
בְּבֹא֣וֹ
when he goeth
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
11 of 17
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ
in unto the holy
H6944
הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ
in unto the holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
13 of 17
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
לְזִכָּרֹ֥ן
place for a memorial
H2146
לְזִכָּרֹ֥ן
place for a memorial
Strong's:
H2146
Word #:
14 of 17
a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)
לִפְנֵֽי
before
H6440
לִפְנֵֽי
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
15 of 17
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Exodus 28:12And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.Exodus 28:30And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.Jeremiah 30:21And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD.Romans 10:1Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.Exodus 28:15And 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.Song of Solomon 8:6Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.
Historical Context
The high priest wore these garments only during tabernacle service, but while serving, the breastplate never left his chest. This 'continual' bearing applied throughout ministry time, prefiguring Christ's eternal ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing Christ bears your name 'upon his heart' affect your sense of being loved?
- What does 'continually' (never stopping) teach about the reliability of Christ's care?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Summary: Aaron bears Israel's names on the breastplate 'upon his heart...continually.' The heart represents love, affection, will. Israel isn't grudgingly tolerated but lovingly cherished. The Hebrew תָּמִיד (tamid, continually) appears repeatedly—showbread continually, lamp continually, breastplate continually. God's provision never lapses. Christ bears our names on His heart perpetually, loving without interruption, representing without ceasing (Hebrews 7:25).