King James Bible Dictionary

1. That piece of ancient armour that protected the breast. This word is used figuratively in Ephesians 6:14 and Isaiah 59:17. (See ARMOUR.)

2. 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.)

1. For high priest

General references
Exodus 25:7

Directions for the making of
Exodus 28:15-30

Made by Bezaleel
Exodus 39:8; Exodus 39:21

Free-Will offering of materials for
Exodus 35:9; Exodus 35:27

Worn by Aaron
Exodus 29:5; Leviticus 8:8

2. Armor for soldiers
Revelation 9:9; Revelation 9:17

3. Figurative
Isaiah 59:17; Ephesians 6:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:8

[ARMS, ARMOR]

BREAST'PLATE, noun [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.