Exodus 28:27-30 · Bible study
Exodus 28:27-30 Commentary: The Breastplate of Judgment
Hebrew · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Explore the construction and symbolism of the high priest's breastplate, including Urim and Thummim, as a memorial before Yahweh.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The high priest bore the names of Israel on his heart as a continual memorial, with Urim and Thummim placed inside for divine guidance.
- Key words: choshen (breastpiece), mishpat (judgment), Urim (lights), Thummim (perfections), zikkaron (memorial), tamid (continually).
- Main debate: Whether Urim and Thummim were the twelve stones themselves or separate objects placed in the pouch, and how they functioned as an oracle.
- Theological theme: The high priest as intercessor and mediator, bearing God’s people and God’s judgment close to his heart.
- Best use: Preached as a type of Christ’s priesthood (Hebrews 8, 10) and as a model for intercessory prayer.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
27Make two additional gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on its front, near its seam just above its woven waistband.
28The rings of the breastpiece shall be tied to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece is above the waistband of the ephod and does not swing out from the ephod.
29Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he shall bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of judgment, as a continual reminder before the LORD.
30And place the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he comes before the LORD. Aaron will continually carry the judgment of the sons of Israel over his heart before the LORD.
WEB World English Bible 2000
27You shall make two rings of gold, and shall put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, in its forepart, close by its coupling, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod.
28They shall bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate may not swing out from the ephod.
29Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment on his heart, when he goes in to the holy place, for a memorial before Yahweh continually.
30You shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be on Aaron’s heart, when he goes in before Yahweh. Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel on his heart before Yahweh continually.
KJV King James Version 1769
27And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
28And 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.
29And 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.
30And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the Lord: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
27And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and shalt put them on the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod underneath, in the forepart thereof, close by the coupling thereof, above the skilfully woven band of the ephod.
28And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be upon the skilfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.
29And 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 Jehovah continually.
30And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before Jehovah: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before Jehovah continually.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
27and thou hast made two rings of gold, and hast put them on the two shoulders of the ephod, beneath, over-against its front, over-against its joining, above the girdle of the ephod,
28and they bind the breastplate by its rings unto the rings of the ephod with a ribbon of blue, to be above the girdle of the ephod, and the breastplate is not loosed from the ephod.
29`And Aaron hath borne the names of the sons of Israel in the breastplate of judgment, on his heart, in his going in unto the sanctuary, for a memorial before Jehovah continually.
30`And thou hast put unto the breastplate of judgment the Lights and the Perfections, and they have been on the heart of Aaron, in his going in before Jehovah, and Aaron hath borne the judgment of the sons of Israel on his heart before Jehovah continually.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
27And two rings of gold shalt thou make, and shalt put them upon the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod underneath, to the front thereof just by the coupling thereof, above the girdle of the ephod.
28And they shall bind the breastplate with its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.
29And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment on his heart, when he goes in to the sanctuary, for a memorial before Jehovah continually.
30And thou shalt put into the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, that they may be upon Aaron's heart when he goeth in before Jehovah; and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before Jehovah continually.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
27Moreover also other two rings of gold, which are to be set on each side of the ephod beneath, that looketh towards the nether joining, that the rational may be fitted with the ephod,
28And may be fastened by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a violet fillet, that the joining artificially wrought may continue, and the rational and the ephod may not be loosed one from the other.
29And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the rational of judgment upon his breast, when he shall enter into the sanctuary, a memorial before the Lord for ever.
30And thou shalt put in the rational of judgment doctrine and truth, which shall be on Aaron's breast, when he shall go in before the Lord: and he shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel on his breast, in the sight of the Lord always.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Exodus 28:27
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that these verses describe the practical and symbolic attachment of the breastplate to the ephod. The Cambridge Bible notes that gold rings and blue lace held the breastplate secure so it would not swing out. Keil and Delitzsch highlight the Niphal verb yizzakh (‘to be displaced’), underscoring the need for stability. All affirm that once fastened, the breastplate served to hold the names of Israel’s tribes on Aaron’s heart as a continual memorial before Yahweh (v. 29).
The placement of Urim and Thummim within the pouch is universally acknowledged as a means of divine consultation, though its exact nature is debated. Calvin saw them as representations of ‘light in doctrine and entire uprightness of life.’ Adam Clarke notes that their precise composition is unknown, yet their function, to reveal God’s will, is clear. The high priest carried both intercession and judgment close to his heart, symbolising his role as mediator.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- The stones view: Urim and Thummim are identified with the twelve engraved stones (explicitly argued by Jamieson–Fausset–Brown and some Jewish interpreters), making the breastplate itself the oracle.
- The lots view: The Cambridge Bible and Keil and Delitzsch note that Urim and Thummim are ‘placed in’ the breastplate, distinct from the stones, and were likely two sacred lots used for yes/no divine answers.
- The symbolic view: Calvin argued that the terms represent ‘light in doctrine and entire uprightness of life,’ not physical objects; the breastplate itself symbolises the rule God gives His people.
What is clear: The high priest carried the names of Israel on his heart as a continual memorial before Yahweh, regardless of the precise nature of Urim and Thummim.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Urim and Thummim | Christians agree they were placed in the breastplate and used for divine guidance. | Some commentators (e.g., Jamieson, Fausset, Brown) identify them with the twelve stones; others (e.g., Cambridge Bible, Keil and Delitzsch) believe they were distinct sacred lots. Calvin viewed them as representations of light and perfection. |
| Function of the breastplate of judgment | The breastplate served as a memorial for the people of Israel before God. | Whether “judgment” (<em>mishpat</em>) points primarily to the oracular function (Urim/Thummim) or to the high priest’s authority as a judge. |
| Meaning of the blue lace | A cord of blue (<em>techelet</em>) tied the breastplate to the ephod. | Symbolic interpretations vary: heaven, the law, or divine grace. |
| Permanence of the high priest’s ministry | The high priest’s role was continual (<em>tamid</em>). | Different traditions apply this continuity to Christ’s eternal priesthood, the Levitical institution, or the abiding intercession of the church. |
Historical & Cultural Context
In the tabernacle, the high priest’s garments marked him as Israel’s representative before God. The ephod was a sleeveless garment with shoulder straps bearing onyx stones engraved with the tribal names (Ex 28:12). The breastplate, or choshen, was a folded pouch of woven fabric, set with twelve stones in gold, each carrying a name. Verses 27, 30 detail the final attachment: gold rings on the shoulder straps and the breastplate’s lower corners, connected by a cord of blue (techelet). The same blue was used in the high priest’s turban (Ex 28:37) and the fringes on Israel’s garments (Num 15:38), possibly symbolising heaven or divine presence.
The Hebrew verb yizzakh (Niphal, H2118) in v. 28 means ‘to be displaced,’ stressing the need for a firm bond so the breastplate would not swing out. The term ‘breastplate of judgment’ (choshen mishpat) connects to the Urim and Thummim placed inside, used for discerning God’s will in national matters. The Cambridge Bible and Keil and Delitzsch agree these were likely two sacred lots, distinct from the stones. The repetition of ‘on his heart’ (al libbo, vv. 29, 30) reinforces that the high priest carried both the people’s identity and divine guidance close to his heart, literally and figuratively, as he entered the holy place.
The phrase ‘for a memorial before Yahweh continually’ (lezikkaron lifnei Yahweh tamid) echoes Ex 28:12 for the shoulder stones. The high priest’s ministry was an ongoing intercession, bringing the people to God’s remembrance and carrying their judgment before Him.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for Exodus 28:27, 30. The instructions are preserved consistently across Hebrew manuscripts and ancient versions.
Reception History
Early Christian writers, especially the author of Hebrews, saw the high priest’s garments as a shadow of Christ’s intercession. The breastplate bearing the tribes’ names on the heart was understood as Christ’s perpetual care for His people. Medieval and Reformation exegesis often interpreted Urim and Thummim allegorically: Urim for illumination, Thummim for perfection. Matthew Henry and others noted that the high priest bore the judgment of Israel, pointing to Christ who carries the sins and needs of His people. Jewish tradition holds that the Urim and Thummim ceased after the destruction of the First Temple, with their restoration expected in the messianic age. In Christian liturgy, the imagery of the breastplate of judgment has been used in prayers for guidance and intercession.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Securing the breastplate (vv. 27, 28). Gold rings and blue lace bind the choshen to the ephod, ensuring it stays in place as a permanent fixture.
- Bearing the names on the heart (v. 29). Every tribe is engraved and carried into the holy place as a memorial before Yahweh.
- Carrying the judgment (v. 30). Urim and Thummim provide divine guidance, placed over Aaron’s heart when he enters before the LORD.
Five-point outline
- The Throne of Judgment. The breastplate is called mishpat; it is the seat of decision, making.
- The Bonds of Loyalty. Blue cord and gold rings tie priest to people.
- The Weight of Intercession. Names on the heart represent constant, personal care.
- The Light of Guidance. Urim (‘lights’) and Thummim (‘perfections’) reveal God’s will.
- The Continual Presence. “Before Yahweh continually”, the high priest never ceases to represent Israel.
Illustration hooks
- A teacher who keeps a class photo on their desk with names written on the back, praying for each student by name.
- A doctor who carries a list of patients in their coat pocket, treating each case with personal attention.
- A parent who wears a bracelet engraved with their child’s name as a reminder to intercede daily.
Questions your congregation is asking
- What exactly were Urim and Thummim, and can we receive guidance from God in that way today?
- How can I bear the names of the people I love on my heart as a continual memorial before God?
- Does the high priest’s role in Exodus point to Jesus as our great High Priest?
Leading a Discussion
This passage describes the final steps in making the high priest’s breastplate. It shows a God who wants His people represented before Him, their names engraved on precious stones and carried over the heart. The blue lace and gold rings speak of security and beauty; the Urim and Thummim remind us that God desires to guide. As you discuss, consider how this passage points to the care and guidance God provides through Christ, our great High Priest.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think God gave such detailed instructions for how the breastplate was to be attached?
- The phrase “breastplate of judgment” appears repeatedly here. What does “judgment” (mishpat) convey in this context?
- How does the high priest bearing the names of Israel on his heart reflect the heart of God for His people?
- What is the significance of the blue lace (techelet) in connecting the breastplate to the ephod?
- The Urim and Thummim remain mysterious. What do we learn from the fact that they were placed inside the breastplate, “on Aaron’s heart”?
- How does the high priest’s role in Exodus foreshadow Jesus Christ as described in Hebrews?
- In what practical ways can we “bear names on our hearts” before God today?
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 28:31 | “You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. |
| Exodus 28:37 | You shall put it on a lace of blue, and it shall be on the sash. It shall be on the front of the sash. |
| Exodus 39:30 | They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription, like the engravings of a signet: “HOLY TO YAHWEH”. |
| Exodus 39:31 | They tied to it a lace of blue, to fasten it on the turban above, as Yahweh commanded Moses. |
| Numbers 15:38 | “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them that they should make themselves fringes on the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the fringe of each border a cord of blue. |
| Exodus 28:12 | You shall put the two stones on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel. Aaron shall bear their names before Yahweh on his two shoulders for a memorial. |
| Exodus 28:15 | “You shall make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, you shall make it. |
| Song of Solomon 8:6 | Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; for love is strong as death. Jealousy is as cruel as Sheol. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a very flame of Yah. |
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
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What the Commentators Say
9 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke argues that the Urim and Thummim remain essentially unknown. They are never described or given manufacturing directions, so they were likely not human-made at all but a divine mystery delivered to Moses. Whatever they were, they disappeared after the first temple and were never used again.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin argues that the Urim and Thummim were not separate items but were represented symbolically on the breastplate itself. The breastplate embodied light in doctrine and complete uprightness of life, serving as a perfect rule to guide Israel's conduct and decisions.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible commentary identifies the Urim and Thummim as two sacred lots used to ascertain God’s will on national matters, clearly distinct from the jewels on the breastpiece. Their use declined with the rise of prophets, and the common translation “Lights and Perfections” is etymologically uncertain.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note emphasizes that the high priest bears the names of Israel on his heart as a continual remembrance before the Lord, signifying his role as their holy representative. The Urim and Thummim, placed in the breastplate of judgment, equip him to bring divine decisions for the people directly before God.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill treats the rings and blue lace as a picture of Christ uniting His prophetic and priestly offices. He sees the Urim and Thummim, meaning lights and perfections, as typifying Christ in whom all divine light and perfections dwell, and as an emblem of saints made light and righteous in Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB identifies Urim and Thummim with the breastplate's precious stones themselves, the names meaning "lights and perfections." Through them the high priest consulted God on national emergencies. He also notes that Egyptian judges wore a justice emblem, suggesting a possible link to the high priest's judicial role in Israel.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch emphasize that the Urim and Thummim were not symbolic representations but a divinely given medium and pledge. The high priest bore Israel's names on
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.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley suggests Urim and Thummim, meaning light and integrity, were not physical items Moses made but a sign that the high priest would be divinely guided in difficult cases. He proposes the high priest received God's will either by a voice from the mercy seat or through an inward impulse on his heart.