Exodus 28:15
New International Version
“Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen.

New Living Translation
“Then, with great skill and care, make a chestpiece to be worn for seeking a decision from God. Make it to match the ephod, using finely woven linen embroidered with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread.

English Standard Version
“You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, in skilled work. In the style of the ephod you shall make it—of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen shall you make it.

Berean Standard Bible
You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.

Berean Literal Bible
And you shall make the breastplate of judgment, the work of a designer. You shall make it according to the workmanship of the ephod; you shall make it of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely woven linen.

King James Bible
And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.

New King James Version
“You shall make the breastplate of judgment. Artistically woven according to the workmanship of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, you shall make it.

New American Standard Bible
“You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skilled embroiderer; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of violet, purple, and scarlet material, and fine twisted linen you shall make it.

NASB 1995
“You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen you shall make it.

NASB 1977
“And you shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen you shall make it.

Legacy Standard Bible
“You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skillful designer; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen you shall make it.

Amplified Bible
“You are to make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skilled and talented craftsman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet fabric and of fine twisted linen.

Berean Annotated Bible
You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.

Christian Standard Bible
“You are to make an embroidered breastpiece for making decisions. Make it with the same workmanship as the ephod; make it of gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and of finely spun linen.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You are to make an embroidered breastpiece for making decisions. Make it with the same workmanship as the ephod; make it of gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and of finely spun linen.

American Standard Version
And thou shalt make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skilful workman; like the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.

Contemporary English Version
From the same costly material make a breastpiece for the high priest to use in finding out what I want my people to do.

English Revised Version
And thou shalt make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the cunning workman; like the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Make the breastplate for decision-making as creatively as you make the ephod. Make it out of gold, violet, purple, and bright red yarn and out of fine linen yarn.

Good News Translation
"Make a breastpiece for the High Priest to use in determining God's will. It is to be made of the same materials as the ephod and with similar embroidery.

International Standard Version
"You are to make a breast piece to be worn by the high priest when he makes legal decisions. It is to be skillfully worked, made like the work of the ephod from gold, blue, purple, and scarlet material, and from fine woven linen.

NET Bible
"You are to make a breastpiece for use in making decisions, the work of an artistic designer; you are to make it in the same fashion as the ephod; you are to make it of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twisted linen.

New Heart English Bible
"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.

Webster's Bible Translation
And thou shalt make the breast-plate of judgment with curious work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen shalt thou make it.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.

World English Bible
“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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And you have made a breastplate of judgment, the work of a designer; you make it according to the work of the ephod; you make it of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen;

Berean Literal Bible
And you shall make the breastplate of judgment, the work of a designer. You shall make it according to the workmanship of the ephod; you shall make it of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely woven linen.

Young's Literal Translation
'And thou hast made a breastplate of judgment, work of a designer; according to the work of the ephod thou dost make it; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen thou dost make it;

Smith's Literal Translation
And make the ornament of judgment a work of the artificer; according to the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; gold, cerulean purple, red purple, and double scarlet, and byssus, thou shalt make it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And thou shalt make the rational of judgment with embroidered work of divers colours, according to the workmanship of the ephod, of gold, violet, and purple, and scarlet twice dyed, and fine twisted linen.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Likewise, you shall make the breastplate of judgment, wrought with diverse colors according to weaving of the ephod: of gold, hyacinth and purple, and twice-dyed scarlet, and fine twisted linen.

New American Bible
The breastpiece of decision you shall also have made, embroidered like the ephod with gold thread and violet, purple, and scarlet yarn on cloth of fine linen twined.

New Revised Standard Version
You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, in skilled work; you shall make it in the style of the ephod; of gold, of blue and purple and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen you shall make it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And you shall make the breastplate of judgment with the work of a craftsman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue and of purple and of scarlet material and fine twined linen.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And make the breastplate of judgment the work of a craftsman, as the work of the ephod; make it gold and blue fringes and purple and dye of scarlet and make it fine woven white linen.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And thou shalt make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skilful workman; like the work of the ephod thou shalt make it: of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And thou shalt make the oracle of judgment, the work of the embroiderer: in keeping with the ephod, thou shalt make it of gold, and blue and purple, and spun scarlet, and fine linen spun.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Breastpiece
15You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. 16It must be square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide.…

Cross References
You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment

Exodus 39:8
He made the breastpiece with the same workmanship as the ephod, with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.

Numbers 27:21
He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.”

Deuteronomy 33:8
Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah.
with the same workmanship as the ephod.

Exodus 39:2-5
Bezalel made the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. / They hammered out thin sheets of gold and cut threads from them to interweave with the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen—the work of a skilled craftsman. / They made shoulder pieces for the ephod, which were attached at two of its corners, so it could be fastened. …

1 Samuel 2:28
And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the food offerings of the Israelites.

1 Samuel 14:3
including Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of the LORD in Shiloh. But the troops did not know that Jonathan had left.
Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.

Exodus 25:3-4
This is the offering you are to accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze; / blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair;

Exodus 35:22-25
So all who had willing hearts, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings, rings and necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry. And they all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD. / Everyone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, or articles of fine leather, brought them. / And all who could present an offering of silver or bronze brought it as a contribution to the LORD. Also, everyone who had acacia wood for any part of the service brought it. …

Exodus 26:1
“You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them.
Leviticus 8:7-9
He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. / Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. / Moses also put the turban on Aaron’s head and set the gold plate, the holy diadem, on the front of the turban, as the LORD had commanded him.

1 Samuel 28:6
He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.

1 Chronicles 15:27
Now David was dressed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, as well as the singers and Chenaniah, the director of music for the singers. David also wore a linen ephod.

2 Chronicles 26:16-21
But when Uzziah became powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. / Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him. / They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.” …

Isaiah 61:10
I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Ezekiel 28:13
You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation.

Zechariah 3:4-5
So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.” / Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the LORD stood by.


Treasury of Scripture

And you shall make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shall you make it.

the breastplate

Exodus 28:4,30
And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office…

Exodus 39:8
And he made the breastplate of cunning work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Leviticus 8:8
And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.

after

Exodus 28:6
And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.

Exodus 26:1
Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.

Jump to Previous
Bag Blue Breastpiece Breastplate Breast-Plate Cunning Curious Decisions Designed Ephod Fashion Fine Gold Judgment Linen Making Material Priest's Purple Scarlet Skilful Skilled Skillful Stuff Twined Twisted Work Workman
Jump to Next
Bag Blue Breastpiece Breastplate Breast-Plate Cunning Curious Decisions Designed Ephod Fashion Fine Gold Judgment Linen Making Material Priest's Purple Scarlet Skilful Skilled Skillful Stuff Twined Twisted Work Workman
Exodus 28
1. Aaron and his sons are set apart for the priest's office
2. Holy garments are appointed
6. The ephod and girdle
15. The breast-plate with twelve precious stones
30. The Urim and Thummim
31. The robe of the ephod, with pomegranates and bells
36. The plate of the mitre
39. The embroidered coat
40. The garments for Aaron's sons












You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment
The breastpiece of judgment was an essential part of the high priest's garments, symbolizing his role in seeking God's guidance for the Israelites. The term "judgment" indicates its use in decision-making, particularly through the Urim and Thummim, which were placed inside the breastpiece (Exodus 28:30). This highlights the priest's mediatory role between God and the people, emphasizing the importance of divine guidance in leadership.

with the same workmanship as the ephod
The ephod was another priestly garment, intricately designed and crafted. The breastpiece's construction mirrored the ephod's, indicating a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. This parallel in workmanship underscores the unity and coherence of the high priest's attire, reflecting the order and precision required in worship and service to God.

Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen
These materials were not only valuable but also symbolically significant. Gold represents divinity and purity, while blue often symbolizes heaven or the divine presence. Purple, a color associated with royalty, signifies the priest's role in serving the King of Kings. Scarlet can represent sacrifice and atonement, pointing to the priest's role in offering sacrifices for the people's sins. Finely spun linen denotes purity and righteousness. Together, these materials reflect the holiness and sacred duty of the high priest, foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who embodies these qualities perfectly.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and the priestly garments from God.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses, who was appointed as the first high priest of Israel. The breastpiece was part of his priestly garments.

3. Skilled Craftsman
Artisans endowed with wisdom and skill by God to create the intricate designs of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the priestly garments.

4. Breastpiece
A sacred garment worn by the high priest, used for making decisions, particularly through the Urim and Thummim.

5. Ephod
A part of the high priest's attire, to which the breastpiece was attached, symbolizing the priest's role in representing the people before God.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
The detailed instructions for the breastpiece highlight the importance of following God's commands precisely. As believers, we are called to obey God's Word in every aspect of our lives.

Symbolism of the Breastpiece
The materials and colors used in the breastpiece symbolize the beauty and holiness required in approaching God. Our lives should reflect God's holiness and beauty in our conduct and character.

Role of the High Priest
The breastpiece signifies the high priest's role in interceding for the people. This foreshadows Christ's intercession for us, reminding us of the importance of prayer and seeking God's guidance.

God's Provision of Skills
The involvement of skilled craftsmen shows that God equips His people with the necessary skills to fulfill His purposes. We should seek to use our talents and abilities for God's glory.

Decision-Making and God's Guidance
The breastpiece was used for making decisions, emphasizing the need to seek God's guidance in our lives. We should prioritize prayer and Scripture in our decision-making processes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Exodus 28:15?

2. What is the significance of the "breastpiece of judgment" in Exodus 28:15?

3. How does Exodus 28:15 reflect God's attention to detail in worship?

4. In what ways does Exodus 28:15 connect to New Testament priesthood teachings?

5. How can we apply the concept of "skilled work" in our spiritual service?

6. What does the "design of a skilled craftsman" teach about serving God excellently?

7. What is the significance of the breastpiece of judgment in Exodus 28:15?

8. How does Exodus 28:15 reflect God's instructions for priestly garments?

9. Why is craftsmanship emphasized in the making of the breastpiece in Exodus 28:15?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 28?

11. What are the Urim and Thummim?

12. What does "ephod" mean?

13. Exodus 28:15-21: Could the precise identification and sourcing of twelve specific gemstones align historically with the Israelites' environment and trading networks?

14. In 1 Chronicles 15:27, David wears an ephod traditionally reserved for priests--how do we explain this apparent merging of royal and priestly roles without violating Mosaic Law?
What Does Exodus 28:15 Mean
You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment

- The breastpiece is called “of judgment” because the high priest would bear the tribes of Israel on his heart when he went before the LORD, seeking righteous decisions (Exodus 28:29–30; Numbers 27:21).

- It signified that God’s people are ever before Him; He judges, guides, and protects them (Psalm 96:13; Isaiah 11:3–4).

- The placement—over the heart—highlights compassion joined with justice, a theme fulfilled ultimately in Christ our High Priest (Hebrews 4:15–16).


with the same workmanship as the ephod

- The ephod was an ornate, shoulder-piece garment for the high priest (Exodus 28:6–8). Making the breastpiece “with the same workmanship” ensured unity and coherence in the priestly attire.

- This unity points to the consistency of God’s character: His judgments align perfectly with His righteousness (Deuteronomy 32:4; Revelation 15:3).

- It also underscores that every act of service in God’s presence must meet His holy standard (Leviticus 8:7–9).


Construct it with gold

- Gold in Scripture represents purity, value, and divine glory (Exodus 25:11; Revelation 21:18).

- By overlaying the fabric with fine gold threads or settings, the breastpiece reflected God’s splendor and the priceless worth of His guidance.

- Gold’s incorruptibility reminds us that God’s judgments are flawless and enduring (Psalm 19:9; 1 Peter 1:7).


with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn

- Blue often evokes heaven and divine revelation (Numbers 15:38–39; Ezekiel 1:26).

- Purple, a royal dye, points to kingship and majesty (Judges 8:26; John 19:2–3).

- Scarlet recalls sacrifice and redemption (Joshua 2:18–21; Hebrews 9:19–22).

- Together these colors weave a picture of the heavenly, kingly, and saving character of the LORD, fully displayed in Christ (Revelation 1:5–6).


and with finely spun linen

- Linen symbolizes righteousness and purity of service (Leviticus 6:10; Revelation 19:8).

- The meticulous spinning underscores diligence and excellence in approaching God (Colossians 3:23–24).

- By combining linen with gold and rich colors, the breastpiece portrayed holiness joined with beauty (Psalm 96:9), reminding worshipers that truth and grace are never separated in God’s presence (John 1:14).


summary

Exodus 28:15 commands the crafting of a breastpiece that embodies God’s righteous judgment, flawless workmanship, divine glory, royal authority, redemptive sacrifice, and pure service. Each material and color reinforces that the LORD’s decisions are pure, majestic, and compassionate, faithfully carried on the high priest’s heart—a foreshadowing of the perfect mediation of Jesus Christ, who carries His people before the Father with unerring justice and unfailing love.

(15) The breastplate of judgment.--The word khoshen does not really signify "breastplate," but "ornament." It was the main ornament of the priestly attire. It was called "the ornament of judgment" on account of its containing the Urim and Thummim, whereby God's "judgments" were made known to His people. (See Note on Exodus 28:30.)

With cunning work.--Rather, of the work of the weaver. (Comp. Exodus 26:1; Exodus 26:31; Exodus 28:6.)

Verse 15. - The breast-plate. As the khoshen was to be worn upon the breast (ver. 29), this name is appropriate; but it is not a translation of khoshen. Of judgment. See the introductory paragraph to this section. Kalisch translates "the breast-plate of decision." It was to be made, so far as its main fabric was concerned, of exactly the same materials as the ephod. See ver. 6.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
You are also to make
וְעָשִׂ֜יתָ (wə·‘ā·śî·ṯā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

a breastpiece
חֹ֤שֶׁן (ḥō·šen)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2833: A pocket, rich, the gorget of the highpriest

of judgment
מִשְׁפָּט֙ (miš·pāṭ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

with the same workmanship
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה (ma·‘ă·śêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4639: An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property

as the ephod.
אֵפֹ֖ד (’ê·p̄ōḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 646: A girdle, the ephod, highpriest's shoulder-piece, an image

Construct
תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה (ta·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

it
אֹתֽוֹ׃ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

with gold,
זָ֠הָב (zā·hāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

with blue,
תְּכֵ֨לֶת (tə·ḵê·leṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8504: The cerulean mussel, the color, obtained therefrom, stuff dyed therewith

purple,
וְאַרְגָּמָ֜ן (wə·’ar·gā·mān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 713: Purple, red-purple

and scarlet yarn,
וְתוֹלַ֧עַת (wə·ṯō·w·la·‘aṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8438: The crimson-grub, of the color, from it, cloths dyed therewith

and finely spun
מָשְׁזָ֖ר (mā·šə·zār)
Verb - Hofal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7806: To be twisted

linen.
וְשֵׁ֥שׁ (wə·šêš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8336: Bleached stuff, white linen, marble


Links
Exodus 28:15 NIV
Exodus 28:15 NLT
Exodus 28:15 ESV
Exodus 28:15 NASB
Exodus 28:15 KJV

Exodus 28:15 BibleApps.com
Exodus 28:15 Biblia Paralela
Exodus 28:15 Chinese Bible
Exodus 28:15 French Bible
Exodus 28:15 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Exodus 28:15 You shall make a breastplate of judgment (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 28:14
Top of Page
Top of Page