Bible Dictionary
Breastplate
A breastplate could be protective armor or the sacred garment worn by Israel’s high priest. The priestly breastplate bore twelve precious stones engraved with the names of Israel’s tribes and was called the breastplate of judgment.
Definition
A breastplate is either protective armor covering the chest or the sacred garment worn over the breast by Israel’s high priest. The priestly breastplate was embroidered, about ten inches square, and set with four rows of three precious stones.
Biblical Usage
The high priest’s breastplate bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel and was called the breastplate of judgment. It served as a memorial, reminding the priest of his representative character before God. Breastplate imagery is also used figuratively for protection and righteousness.
Historical Background
The upper corners of the priestly breastplate were fastened to the ephod by blue ribbons, and the lower corners were attached to the priest’s girdle. It was not to be separated from the ephod.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(1.) That piece of ancient armour that protected the breast. This word is used figuratively in Eph. 6:14 and Isa. 59:17. (See ARMOUR.) (2.) An ornament covering the breast of the high priest, first mentioned in Ex. 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 (Ex. 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” (Ex. 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.)
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Arms, Armor]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>brest'-plat.</p><p>See ARMOR.</p>