Breast-plates, also known as breastplates, are significant articles of armor mentioned in the Bible, serving both literal and symbolic purposes. In ancient times, a breastplate was a piece of defensive armor covering the chest, designed to protect the wearer from enemy attacks. The concept of the breastplate is found in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, from descriptions of physical armor worn by warriors to metaphorical uses in spiritual teachings.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the breastplate is notably mentioned in the context of the High Priest's garments. The "breastpiece of judgment" was an essential part of the High Priest's attire, as described in Exodus 28:15-30. This breastplate was intricately crafted with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. It was adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. The breastplate was not only a symbol of the High Priest's role as a mediator between God and the people but also a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and the tribes of Israel.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of a breastplate in his teachings on spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6:14, Paul instructs believers to "stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." Here, the breastplate symbolizes righteousness, serving as a defense against spiritual attacks and temptations. The metaphor emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life as a means of protection in the spiritual battle against evil.

Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Paul writes, "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet." In this passage, the breastplate represents faith and love, highlighting the protective power of these virtues in the life of a believer.

Symbolic Significance

The breastplate, as a piece of armor, symbolizes protection and strength. In the biblical context, it often represents the spiritual armor that believers are called to wear in their daily lives. The breastplate of righteousness and the breastplate of faith and love are both indicative of the inner qualities and virtues that safeguard a believer's heart against the forces of evil.

The imagery of the breastplate also underscores the importance of being prepared and vigilant in one's spiritual journey. Just as a soldier would not enter battle without proper armor, Christians are encouraged to equip themselves with spiritual armor to withstand the challenges and trials they may face.

Conclusion

The concept of the breastplate in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the need for both physical and spiritual protection. Whether in the context of the High Priest's garments or the metaphorical armor of a believer, the breastplate signifies the importance of righteousness, faith, and love in the life of those who seek to follow God's will.2382. thorax -- a breastplate
... 26). Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition a breastplate NASB Word
Usage breastplate (2), breastplates (3). breast-plate. Of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2382.htm - 7k8302. shiryon -- body armor
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition body armor NASB Word Usage armor
(3), body armor (1), breastplate (1), breastplates (1). ...
/hebrew/8302.htm - 6k

Concerning the Death of Antiochus Epiphane. How Antiochus Eupator ...
... Elymais; and therein a very rich temple of Diana, and that it was full of all sorts
of donations dedicated to it; as also weapons and breastplates, which, upon ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the death.htm

A Description of the Roman Armies and Roman Camps and of Other ...
... The footmen are armed with breastplates and head-pieces, and have swords on each
side; but the sword which is upon their left side is much longer than the other ...
/.../chapter 5 a description of.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... And they had breast-plates, like breast-plates of iron; and the sound of their wings
was like the sound of chariots with many horses rushing into battle. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... as when there is given to locusts not only the power of attacking men, but also
a human face, feminine hair, golden crowns, and iron breast-plates; by all ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

Alexander.
... chariot and white horses of the Sun; and next, the king's favourite soldiers, called
the Immortal Band, whose robes were white, their breastplates set with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xv alexander.htm

Titus when the Jews were not at all Mollified by his Leaving Off ...
... So the soldiers, according to custom, opened the cases wherein their arms before
lay covered, and marched with their breastplates on, as did the horsemen lead ...
/.../chapter 9 titus when the.htm

The Events which Happened to the Heathen.
... 2. And besides these things shields and breastplates were preparing, and darts and
spears and other warlike accoutrements were making ready, and galleys and ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xv the events which happened.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... (9) and they had breastplates like iron breastplates; and the ... Dr. Cumming held that
their breast-plates as of iron "denotes their invulnerability." The trouble ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

Of the Idols which the Gentiles Think to be Gods.
... And then I saw the horses in the vision, and those that sate upon them, having
breastplates of fire, and of hyacinth, and of sulphur: and the heads of the ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/59 of the idols which.htm

Concerning Jeroboam King of Israel and Jonah the Prophet; and How ...
... He also divided his whole army into bands, and armed them, giving every one a sword,
with brazen bucklers and breastplates, with bows and slings; and besides ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning jeroboam king.htm

Breastplates (7 Occurrences)
...Breastplates (7 Occurrences). Revelation 9:9 They had breastplates, like breastplates
of iron. ... Up! you captains; put oil on your breastplates. (BBE). ...
/b/breastplates.htm - 8k

Breast-plates (2 Occurrences)
Breast-plates. Breastplates, Breast-plates. Breasts . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WBS). Breastplates, Breast-plates. Breasts . Reference Bible.
/b/breast-plates.htm - 7k

Iron (104 Occurrences)
... 16 Job 20:24), armor (2 Samuel 23:7), horns (1 Kings 22:11), fetters (Psalm
105:18), chariots (Joshua 17:16), yokes (Jeremiah 28:14), breastplates (Revelation ...
/i/iron.htm - 50k

Wings (81 Occurrences)
... Revelation 9:9 They had breastplates, like breastplates of iron. The sound of their
wings was like the sound of chariots, or of many horses rushing to war. ...
/w/wings.htm - 34k

Thundering (16 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Thunder. Multi-Version Concordance Thundering (16 Occurrences). Revelation
9:9 They had breastplates, like breastplates of iron. ...
/t/thundering.htm - 11k

Rushing (61 Occurrences)
... furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters. (See NIV). Revelation
9:9 They had breastplates, like breastplates of iron. The ...
/r/rushing.htm - 24k

Elegance (2 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 4:4 Your neck is like the tower of David made for a store-house of
arms, in which a thousand breastplates are hanging, breastplates for fighting ...
/e/elegance.htm - 7k

Chariots (118 Occurrences)
... See HORSES OF THE SUN. Multi-Version Concordance Chariots (118 Occurrences).
Revelation 9:9 They had breastplates, like breastplates of iron. ...
/c/chariots.htm - 42k

Arsenal (2 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 4:4 Your neck is like the tower of David made for a store-house of
arms, in which a thousand breastplates are hanging, breastplates for fighting ...
/a/arsenal.htm - 7k

Store-house (23 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 4:4 Your neck is like the tower of David made for a store-house of
arms, in which a thousand breastplates are hanging, breastplates for fighting ...
/s/store-house.htm - 13k

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