The Breastpiece of Judgment
Exodus 28:15-30
Exo.28.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- חשן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חשב: ADJ,m,sg
- כמעשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תעשנו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תכלת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וארגמן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותולעת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- ושש: CONJ+NUM,card,m,sg
- משזר: VERB,piel,ptcp,ms,sg
- תעשה: VERB,qal,imf,2,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
Parallels
- Exod.39:8-14 (quotation): Repeats the instructions for making the breastplate (materials, workmanship, design) almost verbatim in the craftsmen's account.
- Exod.28:30 (structural): Directly connected description of the breastplate's function — the Urim and Thummim are placed 'in the breastplate of judgment,' linking form to cultic purpose.
- Lev.8:8 (structural): Narrative of Aaron's consecration where Moses places the breastplate on Aaron, showing the garment's ritual use in priestly ordination.
- Isa.59:17 (thematic): Image of God putting on 'righteousness as a breastplate' parallels the breastplate as a symbol of justice/righteous protection.
- Eph.6:14 (thematic): Paul's 'breastplate of righteousness' in the Christian 'armor of God' echoes the symbolic protective/judicial role of the priestly breastplate.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make the breastpiece of judgment—skillfully worked—like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen you shall make it.
- And you shall make the breastpiece of judgment—skillfully worked—like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen you shall make it.
Exo.28.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- רבוע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כפול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- זרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ארכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- וזרת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רחבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.28.15 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same unit: verse 15 introduces the making of the breastpiece ('And thou shalt make the breastplate...') to which v.16's dimensions belong.
- Exod.28.30 (thematic): Same object (the breastpiece of judgment) described functionally — this verse describes its use (bearing the Urim and Thummim) linking form (v.16's dimensions) to function.
- Exod.39:8-10 (verbal): Narrative repetition of the priestly garment-making: these verses recount the actual crafting of the breastpiece, repeating details and echoing the instructions (including its form and setting of stones).
- Lev.8:8 (structural): Priestly installation narrative: Moses places the breastpiece on Aaron and puts the Urim and Thummim into it, connecting the prescribed dimensions to the garment's ceremonial use.
Alternative generated candidates
- It shall be square and folded double; a span its length and a span its width.
- It shall be square, doubled; a span its length and a span its width.
Exo.28.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומלאת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מלאת: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- אבן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ארבעה: NUM,card,m,sg
- טורים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אבן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- טור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פטדה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וברקת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הטור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- האחד: PRON,indef,sg,m
Parallels
- Exodus 28:15-21 (structural): Immediate context: the full description of the priestly breastplate (hoshen), its dimensions, settings and the four rows of stones of which 28:17 is a part.
- Exodus 39:10-14 (verbal): Repetition in the construction narrative: a near‑verbatim list of the four rows of stones on the breastplate when the artisans actually make it.
- Leviticus 8:8 (structural): Liturgical/ritual parallel: when Aaron is consecrated the breastplate (with its stones/Urim and Thummim) is put on him, linking the object described in Exod 28:17 to its cultic function.
- Revelation 21:19-20 (thematic): Shared gemstone imagery: the list of foundation stones for the New Jerusalem includes many of the same precious stones (e.g., sardius, topaz, chrysolite), echoing the symbolic vocabulary of divine presence and glory.
- Ephesians 6:14 (thematic): Metaphorical reuse of priestly/armour imagery: Paul’s 'breastplate of righteousness' alludes to the protective, identity‑bearing function of the priestly breastplate described in Exodus.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall set in it a setting of stones—four rows of stones: a row of carnelian, topaz, and emerald—the first row.
- And you shall set in it a full array of stones—four rows of stones: carnelian, topaz, and emerald—the first row.
Exo.28.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והטור: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- נפך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ספיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהלם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.28.17 (verbal): The immediately preceding verse lists the first row of stones on the priestly breastpiece (the row structure and gemstone motif are continuous with 28:18).
- Exod.28.19 (verbal): The following verse lists the third row of stones on the same breastpiece; together 28:17–20 form the full three-row catalogue framing 28:18.
- Exod.39:10-13 (quotation): A later, almost verbatim recital of the breastpiece’s four rows of stones in the account of the finished priestly garments, repeating the same gems named in Exod 28:17–20 (including the second row).
- Rev.21:19-20 (thematic): The foundation stones of the New Jerusalem include many of the same precious stones (sapphire, emerald, jacinth/jacinthine), showing a symbolic reuse of gemstone imagery for sacred/communal identity and foundation motifs.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the second row: turquoise, sapphire, and diamond.
- And the second row, turquoise, sapphire, and diamond.
Exo.28.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והטור: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- השלישי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- לשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- ואחלמה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.28:17-20 (structural): Immediate context: the four contiguous verses list the four rows of gemstones on the priestly breastplate; v.19 is the third row in that schema.
- Exod.39:10-13 (verbal): Repeat of the breastplate’s gemstone list in the account of the completed priestly garments — repeats the names/arrangement of the stones corresponding to the third row.
- Rev.21:19-20 (thematic): The twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem echo the biblical trope of precious stones as markers of sacred space and divine presence, paralleling the breastplate’s use of stones to represent the tribes and holiness.
- Ezek.28:13 (allusion): Describes precious stones in the context of Eden/royal adornment; shares the motif of precious stones as symbols of status, sanctity, and divine association similar to priestly ornamentation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the third row: jacinth, agate, and amethyst.
- And the third row, jacinth, agate, and amethyst.
Exo.28.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והטור: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרביעי: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- תרשיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושהם: CONJ+PRON,3,m,pl
- וישפה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משבצים: VERB,piel,impf,3,m,pl
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- במלואתם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exod.28:17-21 (structural): Immediate context: the full four-row list of precious stones on the ephod/breastplate; v.20 is one item in this contiguous catalogue.
- Exod.39:10-14 (verbal): Craftsmen's repetition of the breastplate's stones when making Aaron's garments; largely reproduces the same list of gems and setting in gold.
- Rev.21:19-20 (thematic): The foundations of the New Jerusalem are described with many of the same precious stones (sardius, topaz, emerald, etc.), echoing the priestly/temple gem imagery.
- Ezek.28:13 (allusion): A liturgical/poetic catalogue of precious stones (in the portrayal of the king/cherished figure in Eden) that parallels the biblical motif of precious stones as glory/ornamentation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the fourth row: beryl, onyx, and jasper; they shall be set in gold in their settings.
- And the fourth row, beryl, onyx, and jasper; they shall be set in gold in their settings.
Exo.28.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והאבנים: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,def
- תהיין: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- על: PREP
- שמת: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שתים: NUM,card,f,sg
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- על: PREP
- שמתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,m,pl
- פתוחי: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- חותם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- תהיין: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- לשני: PREP+NUM,card,dual,m
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- שבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.28:17-20 (verbal): Immediate context: describes the four rows of precious stones set in the breastpiece (the names and arrangement), closely paralleling v.21’s statement about the twelve stones representing the tribes.
- Exod.39:8-14 (structural): Narrative parallel in the construction account: the artisans actually set the twelve stones in the breastpiece and engraved the names of the tribes, reiterating the function and workmanship of v.21.
- Rev.21:12-14 (allusion): John’s New Jerusalem imagery cites twelve gates/tribes and twelve foundations, echoing the symbolic use of twelve stones/names to represent God’s people — an NT allusion to Israel’s tribal symbolism.
- Rev.21:19-20 (verbal): The list of twelve precious stones comprising the city’s foundations echoes the motif of twelve gems as symbolic markers (paralleling the breastpiece’s twelve stones and their gem-listing).
- Gen.49:28 (thematic): Jacob’s blessing names the twelve sons as the twelve tribes of Israel; thematically connected by the practice of representing the whole people by twelve names (as inscribed on the breastpiece stones).
Alternative generated candidates
- And the stones shall be according to the names of the sons of Israel—twelve, according to their names; engraved like a signet, each according to its name, for the twelve tribes.
- And the stones shall be according to the names of the sons of Israel—twelve, according to their names; engraved like signet seals, each with its name, for the twelve tribes.
Exo.28.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- החשן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שרשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גבלת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מעשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבת: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 39:8 (verbal): Direct repetition in the construction narrative: the craftsmen 'made upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold'—same instruction/formulation as 28:22.
- Exodus 28:28 (structural): Describes the function of the breastplate on Aaron ('to bear the names of the children of Israel... upon his heart'), explaining why the breastplate must be fastened (by the gold chains) to the ephod.
- Leviticus 8:8 (thematic): In the consecration of Aaron Moses 'put the breastplate upon him' (with the Urim and Thummim); relates to the role and ritual use of the breastplate and its fittings in priestly service.
- Exodus 25:11 (verbal): Shares the specification of material—'pure gold'—used for sacred fittings, paralleling the instruction that the breastplate chains be made of pure gold (זהב טהור).
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make on the breastpiece chains, braided like cords, of pure gold.
- And you shall make on the breastpiece chains of braided work, like cords, of pure gold.
Exo.28.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- החשן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- טבעות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונתת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- הטבעות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- על: PREP
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- קצות: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- החשן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 28:24 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same instruction — the rings receive gold studs and two gold chains that link the breastplate to the ephod.
- Exodus 28:28 (thematic): Describes the function and placement of the breastplate on Aaron's heart (with the Urim and Thummim), providing the theological purpose for the attachment furnished by the rings.
- Exodus 39:10-14 (verbal): Chapter 39 recounts the actual making of the breastplate and its stones, repeating the detailed craft instructions from Exodus 28 (verbal parallel/reiteration).
- Exodus 39:21-26 (structural): Narrative account of the rings, chains, and attachment of the breastplate to the ephod, mirroring the structural elements and placement described in Exodus 28:23–25.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make on the breastpiece two rings of gold, and you shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastpiece.
- And you shall make on the breastpiece two rings of gold, and you shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastpiece.
Exo.28.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונתתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- עבתת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הזהב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- הטבעת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- קצות: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- החשן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exod.39.8 (verbal): The construction narrative in Exodus 39 repeats the technical instruction to put the two gold chains on the two rings at the ends of the breastpiece — a near-verbatim restatement of 28:24.
- Exod.28.12 (structural): Earlier in the same priestly-garment instructions the text directs placement of the breastpiece’s rings relative to the ephod’s shoulder pieces — showing how the breastpiece was to be fastened (closely connected structural instruction).
- Lev.8:7–8 (thematic): At Aaron’s consecration Moses clothes him with the priestly garments, places the breastpiece on him and binds it — a ritual enactment of the functional role of the breastpiece and its attachments described in 28:24.
- Ezek.44:17–19 (thematic): Later priestly legislation emphasizes appropriate priestly garments and how they are to be worn, relating thematically to the special fittings (rings, chains, breastpiece) that identify and regulate priestly dress in Exodus.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall put the two braided chains of gold on the two rings at the ends of the breastpiece.
- And you shall put the two braided chains of gold on the two rings at the ends of the breastpiece.
Exo.28.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- קצות: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- העבתת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- תתן: VERB,qal,imprf,2,_,sg
- על: PREP
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- המשבצות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- ונתתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- כתפות: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- האפד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- מול: PREP
- פניו: NOUN,m,pl,cons+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.28.12 (verbal): Same chapter — places the memorial stones on the ephod's shoulder-pieces and explicitly links the shoulders to bearing the names of Israel; parallels the placement of fittings on the ephod's shoulders.
- Exod.28.28 (thematic): Describes the breastpiece as part of the ephod ensemble that Aaron bears over his heart; thematically linked to the chains and attachments that secure the breastpiece to the ephod's shoulders.
- Exod.39:25-29 (verbal): Narrative repetition in the construction account: describes making and setting the shoulder-pieces and attaching them to the ephod and placing them on Aaron's shoulders, echoing the artisan details of 28:25.
- Lev.8:7-8 (structural): Priestly investiture narrative where Moses clothes Aaron with the ephod and puts the breastpiece on him; provides the ritual context for how the shoulder-pieces and their attachments function in vesting the high priest.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall put the two ends of the two braided chains on the two settings, and you shall put them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod at its front.
- And you shall put the two ends of the two braided chains on the two settings and put them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod at the front.
Exo.28.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- טבעות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- על: PREP
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- קצות: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- החשן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- שפתו: NOUN,f,sg,pr.3ms
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אל: NEG
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האפד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ביתה: NOUN,m,sg,suff-3,f,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 28:15 (structural): Gives the preceding instruction to make the breastplate of judgment—the object to which the two rings (v.26) are to be attached.
- Exodus 28:27 (verbal): Immediate continuation that directs placing the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate and on the ephod's shoulder‑pieces (same language and action).
- Exodus 28:28 (verbal): Commands making two chains of pure gold and fastening them to the rings of the breastplate, explaining how the rings function to attach the breastplate to the ephod.
- Exodus 39:12–14 (quotation): Narrative report repeating the craft instructions—artisans make the two gold rings, set them on the breastplate and put the rings on the ephod's shoulder‑pieces (fulfillment of Exod. 28).
- Leviticus 8:8 (thematic): In the investiture of Aaron Moses places the breastplate (with Urim and Thummim) upon him—shows the practical/ritual use of the breastplate and its attachment to the priestly garments described in Exod. 28:26.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make two rings of gold and set them on the two ends of the breastpiece, on its edge that is toward the ephod, inward.
- And you shall make two rings of gold and set them on the two ends of the breastpiece, on its edge, on the side that is toward the ephod, inward.
Exo.28.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- טבעות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונתתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- על: PREP
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- כתפות: NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- האפוד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מלמטה: ADV
- ממול: ADV
- פניו: NOUN,m,pl,cons+3,m,sg
- לעמת: PREP
- מחברתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ממעל: ADV
- לחשב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האפוד: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 39:6 (quotation): A near‑verbatim repetition in the account of the actual making of the priestly garments: two gold rings are placed on the ephod's shoulder‑pieces at the seam to fasten it.
- Exodus 28:28 (structural): Directly connected instruction within the same chapter about how the breastpiece is bound by its rings to the rings of the ephod—same system of rings used to secure priestly vestments.
- Exodus 28:9-12 (thematic): Earlier instructions concerning the ephod's shoulder‑pieces (setting onyx stones engraved with the tribal names) — relates to the same shoulder elements and their role in bearing Israel's names before God.
- Leviticus 8:7 (thematic): Part of the ordination scene where Moses dresses Aaron in the priestly garments (including the ephod and breastpiece); thematically parallels the function and wearing of the ephod described in Exodus 28:27.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make two rings of gold and put them on the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod, below, at the front, close to its joining, above the band of the ephod.
- And you shall make two rings of gold and put them on the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod below, at the front, near its joining, above the band of the ephod.
Exo.28.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירכסו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- החשן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מטבעתיו: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- טבעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- האפד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בפתיל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תכלת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- להיות: VERB,qal,inf,NA,NA,NA
- על: PREP
- חשב: ADJ,m,sg
- האפוד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ולא: CONJ
- יזח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- החשן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מעל: PREP
- האפוד: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 39:21-22 (quotation): Narrative repetition in the account of making the priestly garments: the breastpiece is fastened by its rings to the ephod with a blue cord so that the breastpiece will not be separated from the ephod (virtually the same wording).
- Numbers 15:38 (verbal): Both passages use the term תכלת (techelet, 'blue') for a cord/thread; here the blue thread on tzitzit and there the blue cord binding the breastpiece—linking the sacred use of blue in Israelite ritual garments.
- Leviticus 8:7-8 (structural): In the ordination scene Moses places and outfits Aaron with the ephod and breastpiece; this passage parallels the practical/ritual function of fastening and wearing the breastpiece on the priest.
- Exodus 28:30 (thematic): Describes the function of the breastpiece (holding the Urim and Thummim and resting on Aaron's heart); this helps explain why the breastpiece must be securely fastened to the ephod as stated in 28:28.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they shall bind the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue, to be upon the band of the ephod, so that the breastpiece does not shift from the ephod.
- And they shall bind the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue, so that it may be on the band of the ephod and the breastpiece may not shift from the ephod.
Exo.28.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונשא: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- את: PRT,acc
- שמות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחשן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המשפט: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- לבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- בבאו: PREP+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- הקדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לזכרן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- תמיד: ADV
Parallels
- Exodus 28:30 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same command—places the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece and repeats that it shall be on Aaron's heart to bear the Israelites' names and bring them continually before the LORD.
- Exodus 39:14 (verbal): Craftsmen's description of making the breastplate and placing the Urim and Thummim—reiterates the physical setting in which the priests bore Israel's names on the breastpiece.
- Leviticus 8:8 (structural): Account of Moses placing the breastplate on Aaron and putting the Urim and Thummim in it during the consecration ritual—parallels the liturgical/functional context of Exod 28:29.
- Numbers 27:21 (thematic): Describes consulting the priest (Eleazar) by the judgment of the Urim to obtain God's decision—connects the breastpiece/Urim function with priestly mediation and decision-making on behalf of Israel.
- Hebrews 7:25 (thematic): Portrays Christ as the eternal high priest who 'always lives to make intercession' for the people—New Testament theological parallel to the priest bearing Israel's names and continually presenting them before the LORD.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment upon his heart, when he comes into the holy place, for remembrance before the LORD continually.
- And Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastpiece of judgment upon his heart when he goes into the Holy Place, for remembrance before the LORD continually.
Exo.28.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונתת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- חשן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המשפט: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- האורים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואת: CONJ
- התמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- בבאו: PREP+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ונשא: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- את: PRT,acc
- משפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- לבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- תמיד: ADV
Parallels
- Exodus 39:8-21 (quotation): Parallel description of the making and setting of the breastpiece and its stones and the placement of the breastpiece on Aaron — repeats the material about the hoshen and its stones/usage.
- Leviticus 8:8 (structural): In the priestly consecration Moses puts the breastpiece on Aaron — the investiture scene echoes the placement of the hoshen that bears Israel’s matters before the LORD.
- Numbers 27:21 (verbal): Speaks of the priest inquiring 'by the judgment of the Urim' for the leader — explicitly connects Urim/Thummim with divinely sanctioned judgment and guidance for Israel’s leaders.
- 1 Samuel 28:6 (verbal): States that Saul did not receive answers 'by dreams, by Urim, or by prophets' — attests to the Urim as an established means of divine communication like Exodus 28:30 implies.
- 1 Samuel 23:6-9 (allusion): Abiathar brings the ephod to David and David 'inquires of the LORD' — practical example of a leader using the priestly ephod/Urim to bear and decide communal matters before God.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall put into the breastpiece of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart when he comes before the LORD; and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the sons of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.
- And you shall put into the breastpiece of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be upon Aaron's heart when he goes in before the LORD; and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the sons of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.
And you shall make the breastpiece of judgment—skillfully worked; you shall make it like the work of the ephod: of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen you shall make it.
It shall be square, doubled; a span its length and a span its width. And you shall fill it with settings of stones—four rows of stones: a row of carnelian, topaz, and emerald shall be the first row. And the second row shall be turquoise, sapphire, and diamond. And the third row shall be jacinth, agate, and amethyst. And the fourth row shall be beryl, onyx, and jasper; they shall be set in gold in their settings. And the stones shall be according to the names of the sons of Israel—twelve, according to their names; engraved like a signet, each with its name, for the twelve tribes. And you shall make on the breastpiece chains, braided like cords, of pure gold. And you shall make on the breastpiece two rings of gold, and you shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastpiece. And you shall put the two braided chains of gold into the two rings on the ends of the breastpiece. And you shall put the two ends of the two braided chains on the two settings, and you shall put them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod at the front of it. And you shall make two rings of gold and set them on the two ends of the breastpiece, on its edge that is on the inner side toward the ephod. And you shall make two rings of gold and put them on the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod below, at its front, near its joining, above the band of the ephod. And they shall bind the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue, so that it shall be upon the band of the ephod, and the breastpiece shall not shift from the ephod. And Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment over his heart, when he enters the sanctuary, for remembrance before the LORD continually. And you shall put into the breastpiece of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be over the heart of Aaron when he goes in before the LORD; and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the sons of Israel over his heart before the LORD continually.