Exodus 28:4
And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וְעָשׂ֨וּ
and they shall make
H6213
וְעָשׂ֨וּ
and they shall make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
חֹ֤שֶׁן
a breastplate
H2833
חֹ֤שֶׁן
a breastplate
Strong's:
H2833
Word #:
5 of 19
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
וְאֵפוֹד֙
and an ephod
H646
וְאֵפוֹד֙
and an ephod
Strong's:
H646
Word #:
6 of 19
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
מִצְנֶ֣פֶת
a mitre
H4701
מִצְנֶ֣פֶת
a mitre
Strong's:
H4701
Word #:
10 of 19
a tiara, i.e., official turban (of a king or high priest)
וְעָשׂ֨וּ
and they shall make
H6213
וְעָשׂ֨וּ
and they shall make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אָחִ֛יךָ
thy brother
H251
אָחִ֛יךָ
thy brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
16 of 19
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וּלְבָנָ֖יו
and his sons
H1121
וּלְבָנָ֖יו
and his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
17 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Revelation 9:17And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.Ephesians 6:14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;Isaiah 59:17For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.1 Thessalonians 5:8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
Historical Context
These six garment pieces (plus others specified for common priests) comprised the high priest's sacred wardrobe. Only fully vested could he enter God's presence to minister, teaching that approach to God requires complete spiritual preparation.
Questions for Reflection
- Which aspect of Christ's priestly qualification (love, strength, purity, etc.) most encourages you today?
- How does 'complete preparation' for approaching God differ from casual spirituality?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The garment inventory: breastplate, ephod, robe, embroidered coat, mitre (turban), and girdle (sash). Each piece carries symbolic weight. The breastplate holds the tribes close to the priest's heart; the ephod bears them on his shoulders (strength); the robe displays his approach to God; the coat provides foundational righteousness; the mitre designates holiness; the girdle binds all together. Christ's priestly qualifications include bearing us in love, carrying us in strength, approaching in purity, standing in righteousness, manifesting holiness, holding all together.