New American Bible, Revised Edition

Exodus 28:16-30 New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)

16. It is to be square when folded double, a span high and a span wide.

17. On it you shall mount four rows of precious stones: in the first row, a carnelian, a topaz, and an emerald;

18. in the second row, a garnet, a sapphire, and a beryl;

19. in the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;

20. in the fourth row, a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. These stones are to be mounted in gold filigree work,

21. twelve of them to match the names of the sons of Israel, each stone engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

22. When the chains of pure gold, twisted like cords, have been made for the breastpiece,

23. you shall then make two rings of gold for it and fasten them to the two upper ends of the breastpiece.

24. The gold cords are then to be fastened to the two rings at the upper ends of the breastpiece,

25. the other two ends of the cords being fastened in front to the two filigree rosettes which are attached to the shoulder straps of the ephod.

26. Make two other rings of gold and put them on the two lower ends of the breastpiece, on its edge that faces the ephod.

27. Then make two more rings of gold and fasten them to the bottom of the shoulder straps next to where they join the ephod in front, just above its embroidered belt.

28. Violet ribbons shall bind the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod, so that the breastpiece will stay right above the embroidered belt of the ephod and not swing loose from it.

29. Whenever Aaron enters the sanctuary, he will thus bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastpiece of decision over his heart as a constant reminder before the Lord.

30. In this breastpiece of decision you shall put the Urim and Thummim, that they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord. Thus he shall always bear the decisions for the Israelites over his heart in the presence of the Lord.