Breastplate

Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary

or PECTORAL, one part of the priestly vestments, belonging to the Jewish high priests. It was about ten inches square,  Exodus 28:13-31; and consisted of a folded piece of the same rich embroidered stuff of which the ephod was made. It was worn on the breast of the high priest, and was set with twelve precious stones, on each of which was engraven the name of one of the tribes. They were set in four rows, three in each row, and were divided from each other by the little golden squares or partitions in which they were set. The names of these stones, and that of the tribe engraven on them, as also their disposition on the breastplate, are usually given as follows; but what stones really answer to the Hebrew name, is for the most part very uncertain:—

Sardine, Topaz, Carbuncle, Reuben. Simeon. Levi Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond, Judah. Dan. Naphtali Ligure, Agate, Amethyst, Gad. Asher. Issachar Beryl, Onyx, Jasper, Zebulun. Joseph. Benjamin

This breastplate was fastened at the four corners, those on the top to each shoulder, by a golden hook or ring, at the end of a wreathen chain; and those below to the girdle of the ephod, by two strings or ribbons, which had likewise two rings or hooks. This ornament was never to be separated from the priestly garment; and it was called the memorial, because it was a sign whereby the children of Israel might know that they were presented to God, and that they were had in remembrance by him. It was also called the breastplate of judgment, because it had the divine oracle of URIM and THUMMIM annexed to it. These words signify lights and perfections, and are mentioned as in the high priest's breastplate; but what they were, we cannot determine. Some think they were two precious stones added to the other twelve, by the extraordinary lustre of which, God marked his approbation of a design, and, by their becoming dim, his disallowance of it; others, that these two words were written on a precious stone, or plate of gold, fixed in the breastplate; others, that the letters of the names of the tribes, were the Urim and Thummim; and that the letters by standing out, or by an extraordinary illumination, marked such words as contained the answer of God to him who consulted this oracle.

Le Clerc will have them to be the names of two precious stones, set in a golden collar of the high priest, and coming down to his breast, as the magistrates of Egypt wore a golden chain, at the end of which hung the figure of truth, engraven on a precious stone. Prideaux thinks the words chiefly denote the clearness of the oracles dictated to the high priest, though perhaps the lustre of the stones in his breastplate might represent this clearness. Jahn says the most probable opinion is, that URIM and THUMMIM (אורים , ותמים light and justice, Septuagint, δηλωσις και αληθεια ) [manifestation and truth] was a sacred lot,  1 Samuel 14:41-42 . There were employed, perhaps, in determining this lot, three precious stones, on one of which was engraven כם , yes; on the other, לא , no; the third being destitute of any inscription. The question proposed, therefore, was always to be put in such a way, that the answer might be direct, either yes or no, provided any answer was given at all. These stones were carried in the purse or bag, formed by the lining or interior of the pectoral; and when the question was proposed, if the high priest drew out the stone which exhibited yes, the answer was affirmative; if the one on which no was written, the answer was negative; if the third, no answer was to be given,   Joshua 7:13-21;  1 Samuel 14:40-43;  1 Samuel 28:6 . In the midst of all this conjecture, only two things are certain;

1. That one of the appointed methods of consulting God, on extraordinary emergencies, was by URIM and THUMMIM:

2. That the oracles of God rejected all equivocal and enigmatical replies, which was the character of the Heathen pretended oracles. "The words of the Lord are pure words." His own oracle bears, therefore, an inscription which signifies lights and perfections, or the shining and the perfect; or, according to the LXX, manifestation and truth. In this respect it might be a type of the Christian revelation made to the true Israel, the Christian church, by the Gospel. St. Paul seems especially to allude to this translation of Urim and Thummim by the Septuagint, when he speaks of himself and his fellow labourers, "commending themselves to every man's conscience by manifestation of the truth;" in opposition to those who by their errors and compliances with the Jewish prejudices, or with the philosophical taste of the Greeks, obscured the truth, and rendered ambiguous the guidance of Christian doctrine. His preaching is thus tacitly compared to the oracles of God; theirs, to the misleading and perplexed oracles of the Heathen.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

An ornament covering the breast of the high priest, first mentioned in   Exodus 25:7 . It was made of embroidered cloth, set with four rows of precious stones, three in each row. On each stone was engraved the name of one of the twelve tribes ( Exodus 28:15-29;  39:8-21 ). It was in size about ten inches square. The two upper corners were fastened to the ephod by blue ribbons. It was not to be "loosed from the ephod" ( Exodus 28:28 ). The lower corners were fastened to the girdle of the priest. As it reminded the priest of his representative character, it was called the memorial (28:29). It was also called the breastplate of judgment (28:15). (See Priest .)

Copyright Statement These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., DD Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.

Bibliography Information Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Breastplate'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/b/breastplate.html. 1897.

Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary

This was a part of the high priest's dress, which he wore when performing his office in the temple service. On this breastplate were engraved the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and it was called, "the breastplate of judgment." ( Exodus 28:15) The design of it seems to have been to typify the Lord Jesus Christ, the great and almighty High Priest of his redeemed, who going in before JEHOVAH, bears the names, and persons, and concerns of all his people. Hence, the church so vehemently desired the Lord that she might be set "as a seal upon his heart, and a seal upon his arm." The former the tenderest, and the latter the strongest part in Jesus's affection. ( Song of Song of Solomon 8:6) And hence, in allusion to the same, the apostle exhorts the church to put on "the breastplate of faith and love;" meaning, a steadfast looking unto Christ in the exercise of those graces, by relying wholly on him for mercy and salvation. ( 1 Thessalonians 5:8)

Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words

1: Θώραξ (Strong'S #2382 — Noun Masculine — thorax — tho'-rax )

primarily, "the breast," denotes "a breastplate or corselet," consisting of two parts and protecting the body on both sides, from the neck to the middle. It is used metaphorically of righteousness,  Ephesians 6:14; of faith and love,  1 Thessalonians 5:8 , with perhaps a suggestion of the two parts, front and back, which formed the coat of mail (an alternative term for the word in the NT sense); elsewhere in  Revelation 9:9,17 .

People's Dictionary of the Bible

Breastplate. The name of a part of the official dress of the Jewish high priest.  Exodus 28:15. It was a piece of embroidered work, about ten inches square and made double, with a front and lining, so as to answer for a pouch or bag. It was adorned with twelve precious stones. See High Priest. The two upper corners were fastened to the ephod, from which it was not to be loosed,  Exodus 28:28, and the two lower corners to the girdle. The rings, chains, and other fastenings were of gold or rich lace. It was called the Memorial,  Exodus 28:12;  Exodus 28:29, inasmuch as it reminded the priest of his representative character in relation to the twelve tribes; and it is also called the breastplate of judgment,  Exodus 28:15, perhaps because it was worn by him who was instrumentally the fountain of justice and judgment to the Jewish church. Others think it is because the Urim and Thummim were annexed to it.

Holman Bible Dictionary

 Leviticus 8:8 Exodus 28:15 Exodus 28:28-29 Exodus 28:2 Exodus 28:30 Exodus 28:29 2Arms And Armor

Paul used the military breastplate as an illustration of Christian virtues.  Ephesians 6:14 reflects   Isaiah 59:17 symbolizing the breastplate as righteousness. Faith and love are symbolized in   1 Thessalonians 5:8 . Breastplates were also strong symbols of evil ( Revelation 9:9 ,Revelation 9:9, 9:17 ).

Lawson Hatfield

Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types

 Exodus 25:7 (c) The high priest wore a breastplate in which were brilliant stones, each one bearing the name of one of the tribes of Israel. This is a figure of the nearness to GOD and dearness of each believer wherein his own High Priest carries him on His breast close to His heart.

 Isaiah 59:17 (c) Here as in  Ephesians 6:14 (a) the breastplate is a type of a righteous life. Those who live right fear no wrong. Their hearts are protected. Their feelings are protected. They have done that which is just and they are not afraid of evil consequences.

 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (a) This breastplate of faith and love guards the believer from being hurt or hindered by the shafts that may be shot at him from enemy sources. Faith in GOD and love for his fellowmen keep him from getting his feelings hurt.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A piece of embroidery, about ten inches square,  Exodus 28:15-30 , of very rich work, which the high priest wore on his breast. It was made of two pieces of the same rich embroidered stuff of which the ephod was made, having a front and a lining, and forming a kind of purse or bag, in which, according to the rabbins, the Urim and Thummim were enclosed. The front of it was set with twelve precious stones, on each of which was engraved the name of one of the tribes. They were placed in four rows, and divided from each other by the little golden squares or partitions in which they were set. At each corner was a gold ring answering to a ring upon the ephod, these four pairs of rings serving to hold the breastplate in its place on the front of the ephod, by means of four blue ribands, one at each corner.

Webster's Dictionary

(1): (n.) A piece against which the workman presses his breast in operating a breast drill, or other similar tool.

(2): (n.) A part of the vestment of the high priest, worn upon the front of the ephod. It was a double piece of richly embroidered stuff, a span square, set with twelve precious stones, on which were engraved the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. See Ephod.

(3): (n.) A strap that runs across a horse's breast.

(4): (n.) A plate of metal covering the breast as defensive armor.

Morrish Bible Dictionary

Armour for the breast.

1. of righteousness (for Christ),  Isaiah 59:17; (for the Christian's conflict in the heavenlies).  Ephesians 6:14 .

2. of faith and love (for the wilderness).  1 Thessalonians 5:8 .

3. of iron (steeled conscience).  Revelation 9:9 .

4. of fire, jacinth, and brimstone (dire judgements).  Revelation 9:17 . See ARMOUR.

King James Dictionary

BREAST'PLATE, n. breast and plate.

1. Armor for the breast. 2. A strap that runs across a horse's breast. 3. In Jewish antiquity, a part of the vestment of the high priest, consisting of a folded piece of the rich embroidered stuff of which the ephod was made. It was set with twelve precious stones, on which were engraved the names of the twelve tribes.

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible

Breastplate . See Armour, 2 ( c ).

Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament

See Armour.

Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblial Literature

Breastplate, a piece of defensive armour. [[[Arms, Armor]]]

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

a term applied in the Auth. Vers. to two very different pieces of equipment.