Exodus 28 28

Exodus 28:28 kjv

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.

Exodus 28:28 nkjv

They shall bind the breastplate by means of its rings to the rings of the ephod, using a blue cord, so that it is above the intricately woven band of the ephod, and so that the breastplate does not come loose from the ephod.

Exodus 28:28 niv

The rings of the breastpiece are to be tied to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband, so that the breastpiece will not swing out from the ephod.

Exodus 28:28 esv

And they shall bind the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, so that it may lie on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, so that the breastpiece shall not come loose from the ephod.

Exodus 28:28 nlt

Then attach the bottom rings of the chestpiece to the rings on the ephod with blue cords. This will hold the chestpiece securely to the ephod above the decorative sash.

Exodus 28 verses

Exodus 28 28 Meaning

This verse details the crucial, secure attachment of the breastpiece (or breastplate of judgment) to the ephod worn by the high priest. Using blue cords, the breastpiece, with its twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel, was firmly fastened to the ephod's skillfully woven band. This connection ensured the breastpiece would remain inseparable from the high priest during his sacred duties, signifying that Israel's identity and burdens were perpetually presented before God by their divinely appointed mediator. It highlights the divine order and the priest's solemn responsibility to bear the people before the Lord.

Exodus 28 28 Context

Exodus chapter 28 provides detailed divine instructions for the priestly garments of Aaron and his sons, particularly the elaborate vestments for the high priest. These garments were not merely functional but were designed with specific materials, colors, and arrangements, signifying holiness, glory, and their sacred office. The chapter meticulously specifies the ephod, breastpiece (including the Urim and Thummim), robe, tunic, turban, and sash. This verse, Exodus 28:28, focuses on the critical method of securing the breastpiece to the ephod. This attachment was vital because the breastpiece contained the twelve inscribed stones representing the tribes of Israel, and within it, the Urim and Thummim for divine judgment and counsel. The entire process of crafting these garments and their precise fitting underscores the meticulous attention to detail required in approaching a holy God and the weighty responsibility of the priestly office. Historically, this aligns with ancient Near Eastern practices of ritual purity and elaborate religious attire, yet unique in its monotheistic and covenantal context, emphasizing divine rather than human design and strict adherence to God's pattern.

Exodus 28 28 Word analysis

• And they shall bind (וְיִרְכְּסוּ - ve’yirkesu): From the Hebrew root רכס (rakas), meaning "to tie, bind, fasten securely." This is a divine command, emphasizing the absolute necessity and precision of the action. It implies a firm, unbreakable connection vital for the garments' symbolic and functional integrity.
• the breastpiece (הַחֹשֶׁן - ha'choshen): Refers to the breastplate of judgment. It was a pouch worn over the ephod, designed to hold the twelve inscribed precious stones representing the tribes of Israel and the Urim and Thummim, used for divine revelation. It symbolized the high priest bearing the people and their needs before God.
• by its rings (עַל טַבְּעֹתָיו - al taba’otaiv): These were specific golden rings located at the top corners of the breastpiece (Ex 28:23). They were custom-made to interlock precisely with corresponding rings on the ephod, indicating a divinely designed mechanism for connection.
• to the rings of the ephod (אֶל טַבְּעֹת הָאֵפֹד - el taba’ot ha’ephod): The ephod was a complex, decorated outer garment worn by the high priest. Its rings (Ex 28:27) provided the attachment points, ensuring the breastpiece was aligned perfectly and securely with the ephod's structure.
• with a cord of blue (בִּפְתִיל תְּכֵלֶת - bi'fetiyl tekhelet): "Cord" (petiyl) means a strand or thread. "Blue" (tekhelet) refers to a highly prized dye from Murex snails, often symbolizing heaven, divinity, truth, and revelation. Its consistent use in Tabernacle components signifies its sacred, heavenly connection, elevating the priest's garment beyond mere earthly attire.
• that it may be on the skillfully woven band (וְהָיָה עַל חֵשֶׁב הָאֵפֹד - ve'haya al kheshev ha’ephod): "Skillfully woven band" (kheshev) refers to the intricately designed belt or girdle of the ephod itself. This phrase specifies that the breastpiece should rest directly and securely upon this fundamental part of the ephod, ensuring stability and correct posture for the high priest.
• of the ephod (הָאֵפֹד - ha'ephod): Reemphasizes the specific garment to which the breastpiece must be inextricably linked, reinforcing the single unit they were meant to form.
• and that the breastpiece shall not come loose from the ephod (וְלֹא יִזַּח הַחֹשֶׁן מֵעַל הָאֵפֹד - ve'lo yizzach ha'choshen me’al ha'ephod): "Not come loose" (lo yizzach) from the root זוח (zuakh), meaning "to slip away, remove, displace." This strong negative command highlights the critical, unbreakable nature of the bond. It underscores the permanence required for the high priest's representative role, symbolizing his unwavering bearing of Israel's names before the Lord.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And they shall bind the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue": This phrase details the divine requirement for the unbreakable physical and symbolic unity of the high priest's most significant garments. The "cord of blue" imbues this practical act with spiritual significance, symbolizing heavenly connection and divine authority guiding the high priest's role in bearing God's people.
• "that it may be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod": This section dictates the precise and stable positioning. The breastpiece was not to merely hang but to rest firmly and correctly on the "skillfully woven band." This emphasizes divine order, integrity, and the steadfastness expected of the priestly service as the priest continuously carries the identity of Israel before the holy presence of God.
• "and that the breastpiece shall not come loose from the ephod": This concluding instruction emphatically mandates the indissoluble bond. It signifies the constant and unwavering intercession and representation of Israel by the high priest. This permanence reflects God's steadfast covenant with His people and foreshadows the unchangeable, eternal, and perfectly secured priesthood of Jesus Christ, who perpetually holds and intercedes for His own, ensuring they are never separated from His mediatorial work.

Exodus 28 28 Bonus section

The exact adherence to these construction details, down to the binding methods, highlighted God's sovereignty over every aspect of worship and service. The priest did not approach God on his own terms or by his own design but according to the Lord's specific blueprint, reflecting the profound holiness of God. The "not coming loose" injunction speaks to the immutability of God's covenant and His reliable provision of a mediator. In a spiritual sense, this permanence encourages believers in the New Covenant: just as the tribes were perpetually before God on the high priest's breastpiece, so too are believers always in Christ's heart and perpetually represented by Him before the Father, never "slipping away" from His sight or intercession.

Exodus 28 28 Commentary

Exodus 28:28 is not a mere technical instruction; it's a theological foundation for the priesthood. The absolute requirement that the breastpiece, symbolizing Israel's twelve tribes, must be inextricably bound to the ephod of the high priest underscores the inseparable relationship between the mediator and the people he represents before God. The blue cord signifies that this bond is ordained by heaven and serves a divine purpose. This secure fastening ensured that every step the high priest took, every move he made in the Holy Place, presented the entire nation directly and permanently before the Lord. It painted a powerful picture of enduring intercession. This temporary, yet meticulous, arrangement profoundly pointed to the perfect, unshakeable priesthood of Jesus Christ, who is eternally bound to His church and forever presents His people before the Father, ensuring an unyielding access to grace. Just as the breastpiece could not come loose from the ephod, Christ's work for His people is secure and eternally effective.