Bible Strands
Exodus 39:9
It was square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The Israelite craftsmen are constructing the high priest’s breastpiece during the tabernacle’s assembly. The narrative records the physical specifications of the garment component as it is being finished.
The words — The text states the breastpiece was רָב֧וּעַ (ra.bu.a) = square and כָּפ֖וּל (ka.ful) = folded double, measuring a זֶ֧רֶת (ze.ret) = span in both dimensions. These terms establish the exact geometric form and doubled thickness of the woven linen.
The thread — The breastpiece (חֹשֶׁן) is introduced in Exodus 28:4 and detailed again in Exodus 39:8-10 and Leviticus 8:8. Its specifications recur in Exodus 28:15-30 as the designated carrier for the Urim and Thummim.
Why it lands — The passage demands attention to precise measurement and material integrity in sacred objects. It requires readers to recognize that ritual function depends on exact physical construction.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.