Exodus 28 29

Exodus 28:29 kjv

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.

Exodus 28:29 nkjv

"So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the LORD continually.

Exodus 28:29 niv

"Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD.

Exodus 28:29 esv

So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the LORD.

Exodus 28:29 nlt

"In this way, Aaron will carry the names of the tribes of Israel on the sacred chestpiece over his heart when he goes into the Holy Place. This will be a continual reminder that he represents the people when he comes before the LORD.

Exodus 28 verses

Exodus 28 29 Meaning

Exodus 28:29 describes the sacred responsibility of Aaron, the High Priest, to bear the names of the twelve sons of Israel on the breastpiece, specifically over his heart, when he entered the holy place. This act symbolized a continual remembrance and representation of the entire nation before the Lord, ensuring that Israel was perpetually presented and honored in God's presence through their divinely appointed mediator.

Exodus 28 29 Context

Exodus chapter 28 details God's precise instructions to Moses for the construction of the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons, to set them apart for holy service. This verse is specifically within the description of the High Priest's breastpiece (חֹשֶׁן, choshen), often called the breastpiece of judgment. This garment was central to Aaron's priestly attire, adorned with twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. Historically, the priesthood acted as mediators between God and the nation. The High Priest's entry into the holy place symbolized the entire nation entering God's presence through their chosen representative, emphasizing the communal aspect of Israel's relationship with Yahweh and God's desire for His people to be continually remembered and represented before Him.

Exodus 28 29 Word analysis

• And Aaron (וְאַהֲרֹן - v’aharōn): Signifies the specific person entrusted with this high priestly responsibility. Aaron was consecrated and divinely chosen to stand as mediator for all Israel.
• shall bear (נָשָׂא - nasa): To carry, lift, endure, or take up. This implies a physical act of wearing, but more profoundly, a burden or responsibility borne for others. It speaks to the weight and significance of the task.
• the names (שְׁמוֹת - shemôt): Referring to the inscribed names of the twelve tribes on the precious stones of the breastpiece. Names in the Bible often represent the identity, character, and existence of the person or group. Bearing their names meant bearing their identity and representing them.
• of the sons (בְּנֵי - bᵊnê) of Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל - yisrā’ēl): Refers to the collective twelve tribes descending from Jacob (Israel). This emphasizes that the representation was for the entire unified nation, not just individuals.
• on the breastpiece of judgment (עַל חֹשֶׁן הַמִּשְׁפָּט - ʿal ḥōshen hammišpāṭ):
  • Breastpiece (חֹשֶׁן - choshen): A key priestly garment, often understood to contain the Urim and Thummim, used for seeking divine guidance and rendering judgment. Its prominent position over the heart signifies its vital function in the High Priest's role of discernment and intercession.
  • of judgment (הַמִּשְׁפָּט - hammišpāṭ): Points to the role of the breastpiece in revealing God's will and administering justice. It wasn't just decorative but functional for divine communication and declaration.
• over his heart (עַל־לִבּוֹ - ʿal-libbō): This phrase indicates the location – centrally, close to life, feeling, and deep affection. It implies that Aaron's carrying of Israel's names was not just physical but symbolic of an internal bearing, concern, and identification with the people he represented before God. It emphasizes a personal, devoted act of representation.
• when he goes (בְּבֹאוֹ - bᵊḇōʾô) into the holy place (אֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ - ʾel haqqōḏeš):
  • Holy place (הַקֹּדֶשׁ - haqqōḏeš): Refers to the Tabernacle, the consecrated area where God's presence dwelt, specifically the inner sanctuary before the Holy of Holies. Only priests, and the High Priest specifically, were permitted entry under strict conditions. This act occurs within God's immediate presence.
• as a memorial (לְזִכָּרוֹן - ləzikārôn):
  • Memorial (זִכָּרוֹן - zikaron): More than merely remembering in the human sense, this term signifies bringing something to God's active attention, prompting divine action or sustained remembrance. It ensures God is continuously mindful of His covenant people. It is a state of perpetual presence and intercession.
• before the Lord (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה - lip̄nê Yahweh): Explicitly states that this act of bearing Israel's names is directed toward God Himself. The High Priest acts as an intermediary, bringing the nation into the divine presence.
• continually (תָּמִיד - tāmiḏ): Emphasizes the unbroken, constant nature of this remembrance and representation. It was not a sporadic act but an enduring, continuous state before God.

Exodus 28 29 Bonus section

The symbolism of "over his heart" goes beyond mere physical placement. In ancient Near Eastern thought and Hebrew Scripture, the "heart" (לֵב - lev) is the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and character, encompassing the entire inner person. Therefore, bearing the names on the heart signifies not only an emotional connection but a profound identification with the nation, implying deep care, concern, and the High Priest's moral and spiritual dedication to represent them justly and wholly. This is why the breastpiece is also called "of judgment," linking the inner commitment with the function of seeking and revealing God's discernment for the people. The continuous nature of this representation (תָּמִיד - tamid) speaks to God's unceasing covenant faithfulness to Israel, even when they faltered, maintaining a constant presence through their appointed mediator.

Exodus 28 29 Commentary

Exodus 28:29 unveils the profound representational and intercessory role of the High Priest. Aaron, by bearing the engraved names of all Israel on his breastpiece, directly over his heart, signified an intimate, unwavering commitment to present the entire nation before God. This was not a passive act, but a constant, living memorial, actively bringing the people to God's remembrance within the sanctity of His presence. It ensured that whenever the High Priest served in the Tabernacle, Israel was perpetually presented, seen, and remembered by God through their chosen mediator. This established a critical precedent for ongoing divine-human interaction, anticipating the perfect and perpetual intercession of Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, who constantly bears us, His Church, on His heart before God in the heavenly sanctuary, making it possible for us to draw near with confidence.