The Breastpiece Made
Exodus 39:8-21
Exo.39.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- החשן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מעשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חשב: ADJ,m,sg
- כמעשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- 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
Parallels
- Exodus 28:15-16 (verbal): Nearly identical description: the breastpiece 'made like the work of the ephod' and woven of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen — direct repetition of the same instructions.
- Exodus 28:6 (verbal): Description of the ephod using the same materials (gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and twined linen), showing the shared fabric and workmanship between the ephod and the breastpiece.
- Exodus 28:17-20 (structural): Gives the complementary details about the breastpiece's twelve precious stones and their arrangement — part of the same unit of priestly adornment described in 39:8.
- Leviticus 8:7-8 (thematic): Narrates the actual dressing of Aaron with the ephod and breastpiece during his consecration — the functional and ritual use of the garments described in 39:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he made the breastpiece, the work of a skillful designer, like the work of the ephod—of gold, of the blue and the purple and the scarlet yarns, and of twisted fine linen.
- And he made the breastpiece, the work of a skillful designer, like the work of the ephod: of gold, of the blue and the purple and the scarlet yarns, and of twisted fine linen.
Exo.39.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- רבוע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כפול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- החשן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- 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
- כפול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.28:16 (verbal): The original instruction for the breastpiece's shape and size — “it shall be square, a span its length and a span its breadth” — is repeated in Exodus 39:9; the language about dimensions is directly parallel.
- Exod.28:17 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the breastpiece specification (settings and stones); together with 28:16 this chapter provides the detailed plan that Exodus 39:9 reports the artisans followed.
- Exod.39:8 (structural): Earlier verse in the same finishing account describing the making of the ephod and breastpiece; 39:9 functions here as the narrative fulfillment/reiteration of the craft instructions.
- Lev.8:8 (thematic): In the priestly consecration Moses places the breastpiece on Aaron. This shows the functional purpose of the garment whose doubled/square dimensions are described in Exodus 39:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- It was square, doubled; they made the breastpiece—a span its length and a span its width, doubled.
- It was square when doubled; they made the breastpiece a span in length and a span in width—doubled.
Exo.39.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וימלאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ארבעה: NUM,card,m,sg
- טורי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- 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
- Exod.28:17-20 (verbal): Instruction for the high priest's breastplate: four rows of stones with the same gem-names (first row: sardius, topaz, carbuncle), matching the list here—direct verbal parallel/instruction.
- Exod.39:6-14 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel within the same chapter: the craftsmen actually fashion and set the four rows of stones in the breastplate (verse 10 falls inside this fulfillment account).
- Rev.21:19-20 (thematic): The New Jerusalem's foundation stones include many of the same gems (sardius, topaz, etc.), echoing the priestly gem-list and linking temple imagery to cosmic/eschatological architecture.
- Ezek.28:13 (allusion): A poetic catalogue of precious stones (including sardius and topaz) describing Eden/ the king of Tyre; shares the same gem vocabulary and symbolic use of stones as markers of status and sanctity.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they set in it four rows of stones: a row of carnelian, topaz, and emerald—the first row.
- And they set in it four rows of stones: a row of carnelian, topaz, and emerald was the first row;
Exo.39.11 - 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
- Exodus 28:17-20 (verbal): The original specification of the breastpiece's stones in the instructions for the high priest — the same list of gems (including the stones of the second row) that Exodus 39:11 repeats when the garments are made.
- Exodus 39:10-14 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same chapter that duplicates the crafting of the breastpiece and lists the rows of stones; Exodus 39:11 is part of this account describing the 'second row.'
- Revelation 21:19-20 (thematic): The New Jerusalem's foundations are described using many of the same precious stones (e.g., sapphire, jasper, sardius/onyx), showing continuity in the symbolic use of gem imagery for sacred/holy structures.
- Revelation 4:3 (thematic): The heavenly throne is described with gemstone imagery (jasper and sardius), echoing the use of specific stones to signify divine presence as on the priestly breastpiece.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the second row: turquoise, sapphire, and diamond.
- and the second row, turquoise, sapphire, and diamond;
Exo.39.12 - 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 (quotation): The original instruction for the breastpiece’s rows of stones (including the third row) — Exodus 39:12 repeats this list almost verbatim.
- Exod.39:6-14 (verbal): Nearby verses in the same chapter that enumerate the first, second and third rows of gems on the breastpiece, showing parallel wording and sequence.
- Exod.28:30 (thematic): Describes the function and placement of the breastpiece (with stones) on the high priest — connects the list of stones in 39:12 to the garment’s cultic role and use with the Urim and Thummim.
- Rev.21:19-20 (thematic): Lists precious stones (e.g., jasper, onyx, sardius) as foundations of the New Jerusalem — a later, thematic use of similar gem imagery that echoes the sacred significance of stones in Exodus.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the third row: jacinth, agate, and amethyst.
- and the third row, jacinth, agate, and amethyst;
Exo.39.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והטור: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- הרביעי: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- תרשיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שהם: PRON,3,m,pl
- וישפה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מוסבת: PART,piel,ptc,f,sg
- משבצות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במלאתם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 28:20 (quotation): The instructions for the fourth row of stones in the high priest’s breastplate — virtually the same wording and list of stones (set in gold settings).
- Exodus 39:12–14 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel: the account of the artisans making the breastplate repeats the same description of the fourth row and gold settings (liturgical garment production fulfilling Exodus 28).
- Ezekiel 28:13 (thematic): Lists precious stones (including tarshish/beryl and sapphire) described as set or arranged — a parallel use of gem imagery and settings to portray a privileged figure/place.
- Revelation 21:19–20 (thematic): The New Testament’s description of the New Jerusalem’s foundations names a sequence of precious stones; parallels the symbolic use of gem lists and settings to convey sacred/royal significance.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the fourth row: beryl, onyx, and jasper—enclosed in settings of gold in their mountings.
- and the fourth row, beryl, onyx, and jasper; enclosed in settings of gold as they were set.
Exo.39.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והאבנים: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,def
- על: PREP
- שמת: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- 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
- חתם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- לשנים: PREP+NUM,card,pl,masc
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- שבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.28:9-12 (quotation): Command to place onyx stones on the ephod’s shoulder pieces and engrave the names of the sons of Israel—direct source for the inscription motif on the priestly garments.
- Exod.28:17-21 (verbal): Description of the breastpiece containing twelve stones, each associated with the names of the tribes—parallels the motif of twelve named stones representing Israel’s twelve tribes.
- Exod.39:6-7 (quotation): Immediate parallel in the same chapter describing the actual mounting of the onyx shoulder-stones and the engraving of the tribal names—narrative fulfillment of the earlier command.
- Josh.4:1-9 (thematic): Twelve stones taken from the Jordan as a memorial for the twelve tribes—thematically parallels the use of twelve stones as a physical representation of Israel’s tribes.
- Rev.21:12-14 (allusion): The New Testament image of twelve foundation stones bearing the names of the twelve apostles echoes the symbolic use of twelve named stones to represent the people of God.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the stones were according to the names of the sons of Israel; there were twelve, according to their names—engraved like the engravings of a signet, each with its name—for the twelve tribes.
- And the stones corresponded to the names of the sons of Israel—they were twelve, according to their names—engraved like the engravings of a signet, each according to his name, for the twelve tribes.
Exo.39.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- החשן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שרשרת: NOUN,f,pl,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 28:28 (verbal): The instruction about a chain on the edge of the breastplate appears in the original priestly regulations; Exodus 39:15 repeats that wording in the description of the actual making.
- Exodus 28:15-30 (structural): This passage gives the full instructions for making the breastplate (material, stones, settings, and attachment), of which the chain on the border is one specific element — Exodus 39:15 is the execution of these specifications.
- Exodus 39:8-21 (verbal): The account in Exodus 39 records the craftsmen’s implementation of the garments described earlier; verses 8–21 (including v.15) closely mirror the language and sequence of Exodus 28 regarding the breastplate and its fittings.
- Leviticus 8:8 (thematic): In the consecration of Aaron, the priestly breastplate (with the Urim and Thummim) is placed upon him, linking the manufactured breastplate and its attachments (including its fastening) to their liturgical use in the cult.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they made on the breastpiece chains of braided cordwork, of pure gold.
- And they made on the breastpiece chains of corded work, braided, of pure gold.
Exo.39.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- משבצת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושתי: CONJ+NUM,f,du
- טבעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- הטבעת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- על: PREP
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- קצות: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- החשן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 28:27 (verbal): The original instruction to make two gold rings on the two ends of the breastpiece — the wording and command are essentially repeated in Exodus 39:16 as the craft is completed.
- Exodus 28:28 (structural): Explains the function of those rings — that they are to be fastened to the shoulder-pieces of the ephod — linking the rings of the finished breastpiece in Exod 39:16 to their role in the priestly ensemble.
- Exodus 25:12–14 (thematic): Commands making gold rings on the Ark and inserting poles through them; parallels the broader cultic practice of attaching rings to sacred objects to enable handling and transport, as with the breastpiece rings.
- Exodus 27:5 (thematic): Orders four rings on the altar for carrying poles; another example of rings used on cultic furniture for transport, echoing the functional role of the breastpiece rings.
- Leviticus 8:8 (structural): Narrates Moses placing the breastplate on Aaron at his consecration — showing the ritual use of the completed breastpiece whose rings are described in Exod 39:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they made two settings of gold and two rings of gold, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastpiece.
- And they made two settings of gold and two rings of gold, and they put the two rings on the two ends of the breastpiece.
Exo.39.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- העבתת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הזהב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- הטבעת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- על: PREP
- קצות: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- החשן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exod.28:27-28 (quotation): Direct instruction in the priestly vestments section: places two rings on the breastplate and describes fastening it to the ephod with chains—verbal and functional parallel to Exod 39:17.
- Exod.28:15-22 (structural): Detailed description of the breastpiece (stones, settings, rings) and its attachment to the ephod; provides the broader material and ritual context for the chains mentioned in Exod 39:17.
- Exod.39:21 (verbal): A near-verbatim narrative repetition in the chapter describing the making/placement of the two gold chains on the ends of the breastpiece—same action as v.17 within the craftsmen’s report.
- Lev.8:7-8 (thematic): Account of Moses dressing Aaron with the priestly garments and placing the breastpiece (with the Urim and Thummim) on him—connects the physical description in Exod 39:17 to the ritual use and installation of the breastpiece.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they put the two braided chains of gold on the two rings at the ends of the breastpiece.
- And they put the two braided chains of gold on the two rings on the ends of the breastpiece.
Exo.39.18 - 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
- נתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- על: PREP
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- המשבצת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויתנם: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- על: PREP
- כתפת: NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- האפד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- מול: PREP
- פניו: NOUN,m,pl,cons+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.28:27-28 (verbal): Gives the same technical instruction: fastening the corners/ends of the breastpiece to the shoulder‑pieces of the ephod so the breastpiece lies before the priest.
- Exod.28:12 (thematic): Both passages place paired items on the ephod's shoulders as memorials for Israel (Exod.28:12: two shoulder‑stones; Exod.39:18: the two edges/corners tied to the shoulder‑pieces).
- Lev.8:7-8 (structural): Narrative enactment of the craft instructions: Moses dresses Aaron with the ephod and puts/ties the breastpiece on him, illustrating how the assembled pieces are worn (cf. Exod.39:18).
- Exod.39:28 (verbal): Immediate continuation in the same chapter: after fastening the breastpiece to the ephod (v.18) the text records placing the breastpiece on Aaron and putting the Urim and Thummim into it.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the two ends of the two braided chains they put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, at its front.
- And the two ends of the two chains they put on the two settings and set them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod at the front of it.
Exo.39.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- טבעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישימו: VERB,qal,perf,3,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 28:27-28 (verbal): Instructional twin: commands to make two rings on the breastplate and bind them to the ephod so the breastplate will not be loosened — the direct legislative source for Exod 39:19.
- Exodus 39:22-23 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel within the same chapter describing the making and joining of the ephod's shoulder-pieces and rings — the practical assembly that follows the verse's detail.
- Exodus 28:15-22 (structural): Description of the breastplate (choshen), its dimensions, stones and rings — provides the broader specification for the breastplate into which the rings (v.39:19) are set.
- Exodus 28:30 (thematic): States that the Urim and Thummim are to be in the breastplate of judgment — connects to the functional role and placement of the breastplate that is fastened by the rings mentioned in Exod 39:19.
- Leviticus 8:8 (thematic): Priestly investiture narrative where Moses puts the breastplate on Aaron (and places the Urim and Thummim) — shows liturgical use and placement of the breastplate once attached to the ephod by its rings.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they made two rings of gold and put them on the two ends of the breastpiece, on its edge that was on the side of the ephod, inward.
- And they made two rings of gold and put them on the two ends of the breastpiece, on its edge that faces the ephod, inward.
Exo.39.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- טבעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויתנם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- כתפת: NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- האפד: 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
- האפד: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exod.28:26-28 (verbal): Earlier priestly instructions describing the making of the ephod's two shoulder‑pieces and the placement of rings at its lower edges — the source instructions that Exodus 39 repeats.
- Exod.39:5-7 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel within the same chapter that recounts the construction of the ephod and its shoulder‑pieces; chapter 39 rehearses the details given in chapter 28.
- Exod.28:27-28 (verbal): Speaks of rings used to bind the breastplate to the ephod (the breastplate's rings linked to the ephod's rings), showing the same functional use of rings to fasten priestly garments.
- Lev.8:7 (thematic): Account of Moses clothing and dressing Aaron with the priestly garments (including putting on the ephod and binding it), thematically connected to the preparation/fastening of the ephod described in Exodus 39:20.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they made two rings of gold and put them on the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod, below, at the front of it, close to its joining, above the band of the ephod.
- And they made two rings of gold and put them on the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod, below, at the front, opposite its joining, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod.
Exo.39.21 - 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
- להית: VERB,qal,inf
- על: PREP
- חשב: ADJ,m,sg
- האפד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ולא: CONJ
- יזח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- החשן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מעל: PREP
- האפד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כאשר: CONJ
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.28.28 (quotation): Direct repetition of the command to bind the breastplate to the ephod with a blue cord so it will not be loosed — the same wording and instruction.
- Exod.28.36 (verbal): Similar language about attaching a gold plate and fastening it with a blue cord to the priestly headpiece; parallels the formulaic "with a blue cord" fastening of cultic objects.
- Exod.39.23 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the chapter describing tying a blue cord to the golden plate (tzitz) to fasten it to the mitre — same motif of binding sacred items with a blue cord and the concluding formula 'as the LORD commanded Moses.'
- Lev.8.8 (structural): In the priestly inauguration narrative Aaron is clothed and 'the breastplate was bound on him,' showing the same practical act of securing the breastplate to the ephod during installation of the priest.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they fastened 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 would not come loose from the ephod, as the LORD commanded Moses.
- And they fastened the breastpiece from its rings to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue, so that it might be upon the woven band of the ephod, and the breastpiece would not shift from the ephod, as the LORD commanded Moses.
And he made the breastpiece, the work of a skillful designer, like the work of the ephod, of gold, of the blue and the purple and the scarlet yarns, and of twisted fine linen.
It was square—doubled. They made the breastpiece, a span its length and a span its breadth, doubled. And they set in it four rows of stones: a row of carnelian, topaz, and emerald—the first row. And the second row: turquoise, lapis lazuli, and diamond. And the third row: jacinth, agate, and amethyst. And the fourth row: beryl, onyx, and jasper; they were enclosed in settings of gold in their mountings. And the stones corresponded to the names of the sons of Israel—they were twelve, according to their names—engraved like the engraving of a signet, each with his name, for the twelve tribes. And they made on the breastpiece chains of corded work, braided, of pure gold. And they made two settings of gold and two rings of gold, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastpiece. And they put the two braided chains of gold on the two rings on the ends of the breastpiece. And the two ends of the two braided chains they put on the two settings, and they set them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod at the front of it. And they made two rings of gold and put them on the two ends of the breastpiece, on its edge that was on the inner side toward the ephod. And they made two rings of gold and put them on the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod, below, at its front, close to its joining, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. And they fastened the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue, to be upon the skillfully woven band of the ephod, so that the breastpiece would not shift from the ephod, as the LORD commanded Moses.