Exodus 28:29

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנָשָׂ֣א
shall bear
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
אַֽ֠הֲרֹן
And Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
שְׁמ֨וֹת
the names
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#5
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
בְּחֹ֧שֶׁן
in the breastplate
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
#8
הַמִּשְׁפָּ֛ט
of judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
לִבּ֖וֹ
upon his heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#11
בְּבֹא֣וֹ
when he goeth
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ
in unto the holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#14
לְזִכָּרֹ֥ן
place for a memorial
a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)
#15
לִפְנֵֽי
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#16
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
תָּמִֽיד׃
continually
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

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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