Exodus 28:22-26 · Bible study
Exodus 28:22-26 Commentary: Braided Gold Chains of the Breastplate
Hebrew · 6 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
A study of the gold chains, rings, and settings that attached the high priest's breastplate to the ephod, and their role in his ministry.
Research Summary
- Meaning: These verses specify the gold chains, rings, and settings that attach the high priest's breastplate to the ephod, ensuring it stays securely in place.
- Key words: Breastplate (choshen, H2833), chains (sharshot, H8331), wreathen work (gavlut, H1383), rings (tabba'ot, H2885), settings (mishbetsot, H4865), ephod (ephod, H646).
- Main debate: The primary meaning is functional, describing how to hang the breastplate. A secondary question is symbolic: whether the chains themselves carry deeper meaning (e.g., preciousness of the people, connection to the high priest, typology of Christ).
- Theological theme: The high priest bears the names of Israel on his heart, symbolizing intercession and representation before God, made possible by the secure attachment.
- Best use: Teaching on the high priest's ministry, the importance of every detail in worship, and the foundation for Christ's eternal priesthood.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
22For the breastpiece, make braided chains like cords of pure gold.
23You are also to make two gold rings and fasten them to the two corners of the breastpiece.
24Then fasten the two gold chains to the two gold rings at the corners of the breastpiece,
25and fasten the other ends of the two chains to the two filigree settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front.
26Make two more gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastpiece, on the inside edge next to the ephod.
WEB World English Bible 2000
22You shall make on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold.
23You shall make on the breastplate two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
24You shall put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate.
25The other two ends of the two braided chains you shall put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in its forepart.
26You shall make two rings of gold, and you shall put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its edge, which is toward the side of the ephod inward.
KJV King James Version 1769
22And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold.
23And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
24And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate.
25And the other two ends of the two wreathen chains thou shalt fasten in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod before it.
26And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
22And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains like cords, of wreathen work of pure gold.
23And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
24And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate.
25And the other two ends of the two wreathen chains thou shalt put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod in the forepart thereof.
26And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate, upon the edge thereof, which is toward the side of the ephod inward.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
22`And thou hast made on the breastplate wreathed chains, work of thick bands, of pure gold;
23and thou hast made on the breastplate two rings of gold, and hast put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate;
24and thou hast put the two thick bands of gold on the two rings at the ends of the breastplate;
25and the two ends of the two thick bands thou dost put on the two embroidered things, and thou hast put them on the shoulders of the ephod over-against its face.
26`And thou hast made two rings of gold, and hast set them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its border, which is over-against the ephod within;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
22And thou shalt make on the breastplate chains of laced work, of wreathen work, of pure gold.
23And thou shalt make on the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
24And thou shalt put the two wreathen [cords] of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate;
25and the two ends of the two wreathen [cords] thou shalt fasten to the two enclosures, and shalt put [them] on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, on the front thereof.
26And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and shalt put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on the border thereof, which faceth the ephod inwards.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
22And thou shalt make on the rational chains, linked one to another, of the purest gold:
23And two rings of gold, which thou shalt put in the two ends at the top of the rational.
24And the golden chains thou shalt join to the rings, that are in the ends thereof.
25And the ends of the chains themselves, thou shalt join together with two hooks, on both sides of the ephod, which is towards the rational.
26Thou shalt make also two rings of gold, which thou shalt put in the top parts of the rational, in the borders that are over against the ephod, and look towards the back parts thereof.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Exodus 28:22
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that Exodus 28:22-26 gives detailed instructions for the hardware that secures the high priest's breastplate (choshen) to the ephod. The Cambridge Bible explains that two gold chains of wreathen work are attached by rings to the upper corners of the pouch, and then fastened to the rosettes on the shoulder straps, so the breastplate hangs securely. Gill's Exposition adds that the chains are placed into rings at the ends of the breastplate, with the other end fixed to the settings on the shoulder pieces. Keil and Delitzsch note that verse 22 repeats the description of chains from Exodus 28:14, emphasizing the deliberate design. The shared point is clear: these verses describe a precise, functional system to bind the breastplate firmly. This ensures that the names of the twelve tribes engraved on the stones, and the Urim and Thummim inside the pouch, are carried close to Aaron's heart (vv. 29-30) as he ministers before the Lord.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: These verses describe the physical attachment of the breastplate to the ephod using gold chains, rings, and settings, ensuring it remains fixed in place on the high priest's chest.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical purpose of chains and rings | All commentators agree that the chains, rings, and settings described in these verses serve to attach the breastplate to the ephod and hold it in place against the high priest's chest. | No substantive disagreement; the text is read as straightforward construction instructions. |
| Symbolic meaning of the braided gold | Most readers see the use of pure gold and fine craftsmanship as indicating the holiness and preciousness of the high priest's service. | Some traditions (e.g., Reformed, through the lens of typology) emphasize that the chains point to Christ's secure bearing of his people, while others treat the details as primarily historical and ceremonial, not allegorical. |
| Relation to Exodus 28:14 | The chains in verse 22 are described in nearly identical terms to the chains in verse 14, creating a parallel between the settings on the shoulder pieces and the breastplate attachment. | Keil and Delitzsch argue it is a deliberate repetition for clarity; other commentators simply note the similarity without further comment. |
| Application for Christian worship | Christians agree that the passage highlights the role of the high priest as mediator and that Jesus fulfills this role perfectly. | Catholic and Orthodox traditions may see the garments as a type of Christ's humanity and divine glory, while Protestant traditions emphasize the direct access believers now have through Christ, with less focus on the symbolic details of the vestments. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Exodus 28 describes the sacred garments of the high priest, a central figure in Israel's worship. The ephod was a sleeveless outer vest of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen (Exod 28:6-8). Attached to it were two shoulder pieces, each set with a large onyx stone engraved with the names of six tribes (v. 9-12). The breastplate (choshen) was a woven pouch, one span square and doubled (v. 16). Inside it held the Urim and Thummim, objects used to discern God's will (v. 30). The outer face featured four rows of precious stones, each bearing the name of a tribe (v. 17-21).
The chains and rings described in verses 22-26 form the fastening system. Gold rings are placed at the two upper corners of the breastplate. Braided gold chains are threaded through these rings, and the other ends are fixed to the filigree settings on the shoulder straps. A second set of rings at the lower inner corners ties with blue lace to rings on the ephod, keeping the breastplate from swinging out (v. 28). The word 'chains' (sharshot, H8331) suggests links or cords, and 'wreathen work' (gavlut, H1383) points to twisted or braided craftsmanship. The repeated phrase 'pure gold' (zahav tahor, H2091/2889) signals both quality and sacredness. This elaborate system held the breastplate in place across the high priest's chest as he entered the holy place.
The high priest stood as the representative of Israel before God. Every detail, the stones, the settings, the chains, served to bind the people to him, and him to his sacred duty. These verses show that even the connections between the garments were given careful, divine specification.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants in Exodus 28:22-26. The Hebrew text is stable across manuscripts. The main differences among English translations (e.g., 'wreathen work' vs. 'braided work,' 'settings' vs. 'ouches') reflect choices in rendering the same Hebrew terms, not variant readings. The structure and meaning are consistent.
Reception History
Early Jewish interpretation, preserved in the Targumim and later rabbinic writings, focused on the precise execution of these instructions and their role in the high priest's atonement rites. In the Christian tradition, the church fathers (e.g., Clement of Alexandria) saw the breastplate and its chains as a type of the unity of the church bound to Christ the High Priest. Medieval exegetes often allegorized the gold and braiding as the virtues of faith and love. The Reformation brought back the literal sense, emphasizing God's specific commands for worship. Modern scholarship, following Keil and Delitzsch, treats the passage as part of the Priestly source's detailed ritual instructions. Across eras, readers have recognized that the secure binding of the breastplate symbolizes the enduring relationship between the mediator and the people he represents.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Secured by gold. The chains and rings are not made from common metal but pure gold. This points to the costly, precious nature of the high priest's role and the value God places on his people.
- Bound together. The breastplate is attached to the ephod at the shoulders and sides. Nothing is loose. This illustrates the secure connection between the high priest and the community he represents.
- Carried on the heart. The entire structure ensures the breastplate stays close to Aaron's chest (v. 29). The names of the tribes are borne before God in the closest possible place.
Five-point outline
- Gold chains. Braided, pure, and carefully worked. They link the breastplate to the priestly garment.
- Gold rings. Two at the upper ends of the breastplate, two at the lower corners. Each ring serves as a point of connection.
- Settings on the shoulders. The other ends of the chains are fastened to the filigree work on the ephod's shoulder pieces.
- Blue lace. The lower rings are tied with blue cord to rings on the ephod, holding the breastplate flat.
- Security and closeness. The breastplate will not swing out, and the names remain on the high priest's heart.
Illustration hooks
- A child wearing a pendant with a family photo inside a locket: the chain holds the image close to the heart. The high priest's chains hold the names of the tribes near his chest as he enters God's presence.
- Two hikers tied together with a rope while crossing a dangerous ridge: the connection keeps each person from falling. The chains and rings keep the breastplate from shifting, so the high priest's ministry is secure.
- A person wearing a badge with a clip that must be fastened carefully before starting work. The Israelites learned that even the clips and rings of the priestly garments were part of holy service.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why did God give such detailed instructions for chains and rings? Does every detail matter to him?
- What does it mean that the high priest bore the names of Israel on his heart? How does that connect to Jesus?
- Does the gold and craftsmanship mean that God values beauty in worship? How should that shape our gatherings?
Leading a Discussion
Exodus 28:22-26 describes the gold chains, rings, and settings that connected the high priest's breastplate to the ephod. These small but essential details ensured that the breastplate, bearing the names of the twelve tribes, stayed in place over Aaron's heart as he entered the Lord's presence. Consider what this careful binding teaches us about God's concern for his people and the role of the mediator.
Discussion questions
- What do you notice about the materials used in these verses? Why is 'pure gold' mentioned repeatedly?
- How do the chains, rings, and settings work together to support the breastplate? What does this tell us about the design of the high priest's garments?
- Read Exodus 28:29-30. What was placed inside the breastplate? How does the attachment system help accomplish the high priest's ministry?
- The breastplate is tied to the ephod both at the shoulders and at the sides. Why might both connections be necessary?
- In what ways does the high priest's role as a mediator between God and Israel point forward to Jesus Christ?
- How does knowing that God cared about the 'small' details of the priestly garments affect your view of worship or daily obedience?
- What does it mean for you that Christ, our great High Priest, bears your name before the Father (Hebrews 4:14-16)?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Exodus 25:11 | You shall overlay it with pure gold. You shall overlay it inside and outside, and you shall make a gold molding around it. |
| Exodus 25:15 | The poles shall be in the rings of the ark. They shall not be taken from it. |
| Exodus 28:14 | and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords of braided work. You shall put the braided chains on the settings. |
| Exodus 39:4 | They made shoulder straps for it, joined together. It was joined together at the two ends. |
| Exodus 39:15 | They made on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
5 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentary explains the precise way the pouch was attached to the ephod: golden chains connected the pouch's upper corners to rosettes on the shoulder straps, allowing it to hang. Additional gold rings on the lower inner corners were tied with blue lace to rings lower on the straps, securing the pouch flat against the ephod.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill emphasizes that the chains on the high priest’s breastplate were not circular necklaces but had definite ends, made of gold wires twisted together like ropes. These chains connected the breastplate’s upper rings to the ouches on the ephod’s shoulder pieces, with additional lower rings securing it to the ephod’s inner side.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil and Delitzsch note that verse 22 closely repeats the earlier description of the gold chains, matching it exactly. These chains were attached to two rings at the upper ends of the breastpiece and fastened to the golden settings on the ephod's shoulder pieces. Two more rings were placed at the lower ends on the inner side facing the ephod.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange sees the tabernacle not merely as a place of worship but as the residence of the Lawgiver Himself, who rules between the cherubim over His law to ensure it becomes a living power. It is at once palace, temple, and courthouse where Jehovah meets His people.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry emphasizes that the doubled breastplate forms a pouch for the Urim and Thummim, through which the high priest seeks God's judgment for Israel. The twelve engraved stones on his heart show that he bears all the tribes before the Lord, each name precious, secured by constant intercession.