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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 28:16 It must be square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/28-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/02_Exo_28_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 28:16 - The Breastpiece" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="It must be square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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a span <i>shall be</i> the length thereof, and a span <i>shall be</i> the breadth thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/28.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />It shall be doubled into a square: a span <i>shall be</i> its length, and a span <i>shall be</i> its width.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />It shall be square <i>and</i> folded double, a span in length and a span in width.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/28.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220It shall be square and folded double, a span in length and a span in width.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“It shall be square <i>and</i> folded double, a span in length and a span in width.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />It shall be square, <i>having been</i> folded double, a span in length and a span in width.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The breastpiece shall be square and folded double; a span [about nine inches] in length and a span in width.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It must be square and folded double, nine inches long and nine inches wide.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It must be square and folded double, nine inches long and nine inches wide.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/28.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Foursquare it shall be and double; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It is to be 22 centimeters square and folded double <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/28.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Foursquare it shall be and double; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Fold it in half so that it's 9 inches square.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/28.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />It is to be square and folded double, 9 inches long and 9 inches wide. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/28.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />It is to be square when folded double, one hand span long and one hand span wide.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />It must be square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/28.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />It is to be square when doubled, nine inches long and nine inches wide.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It shall be square and folded double; a span shall be its length of it, and a span its breadth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Foursquare it shall be, being doubled; a span shall be its length, and a span shall be its breadth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/28.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />It shall be square and folded double; a span shall be its length, and a span its width. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />it is square, doubled, a span its length, and a span its breadth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> it is square, doubled, a span its length, and a span its breadth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Four-square shall it be, doubled; a span its length, and a span its breadth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />It shall be foursquare and doubled: it shall be the measure of a span both in length and in breadth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />It shall have four corners and be doubled. It shall have the measure of the palm of a hand, both in length and in width.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/28.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />It is to be square when folded double, a span high and a span wide.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />It shall be square and doubled, a span in length and a span in width.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />It shall be foursquare being doubled; a span is its length and a span its width.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />It shall be square when double, a span its length and a span its width.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Four-square it shall be and double: a span shall be the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt make it square: it shall be double; of a span the length of it, and of a span the breadth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/28-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=7084" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/28.htm">The Breastpiece</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15</span>You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">It must be</a> <a href="/hebrew/7251.htm" title="7251: rā·ḇū·a‘ (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- To square. ">square</a> <a href="/hebrew/3717.htm" title="3717: kā·p̄ūl (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- To double, double over. A primitive root; to fold together; figuratively, to repeat.">when folded over double,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2239.htm" title="2239: ze·reṯ (N-fs) -- A span. From zarah; the spread of the fingers, i.e. A span.">a span</a> <a href="/hebrew/753.htm" title="753: ’ā·rə·kōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Length. From 'arak; length.">long</a> <a href="/hebrew/2239.htm" title="2239: wə·ze·reṯ (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- A span. From zarah; the spread of the fingers, i.e. A span.">and a span</a> <a href="/hebrew/7341.htm" title="7341: rā·ḥə·bōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Breadth, width. From rachab; width.">wide.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald;…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/21-16.htm">Revelation 21:16</a></span><br />The city lies foursquare, with its width the same as its length. And he measured the city with the rod, and all its dimensions were equal—12,000 stadia in length and width and height.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/28-13.htm">Ezekiel 28:13</a></span><br />You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/39-9.htm">Exodus 39:9</a></span><br />It was square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/7-31.htm">1 Kings 7:31</a></span><br />The opening to each stand inside the crown at the top was one cubit deep, with a round opening like the design of a pedestal, a cubit and a half wide. And around its opening were engravings, but the panels of the stands were square, not round.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/28-18.htm">1 Chronicles 28:18</a></span><br />the weight of the refined gold for the altar of incense; and the plans for the chariot of the gold cherubim that spread their wings and overshadowed the ark of the covenant of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/3-9.htm">2 Chronicles 3:9</a></span><br />The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. He also overlaid the upper rooms with gold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/8-8.htm">Leviticus 8:8</a></span><br />Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/7-84.htm">Numbers 7:84-86</a></span><br />So these were the offerings from the leaders of Israel for the dedication of the altar when it was anointed: twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, and twelve gold dishes. / Each silver platter weighed a hundred and thirty shekels, and each silver bowl seventy shekels. The total weight of the silver articles was two thousand four hundred shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel. / The twelve gold dishes filled with incense weighed ten shekels each, according to the sanctuary shekel. The total weight of the gold dishes was a hundred and twenty shekels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/6-20.htm">1 Kings 6:20</a></span><br />The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of cedar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/4-7.htm">2 Chronicles 4:7</a></span><br />He made ten gold lampstands according to their specifications and placed them in the temple, five on the south side and five on the north.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/4-3.htm">Revelation 4:3</a></span><br />The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-11.htm">Isaiah 54:11-12</a></span><br />“O afflicted city, lashed by storms, without solace, surely I will set your stones in antimony and lay your foundations with sapphires. / I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Hebrews 9:4</a></span><br />containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-2.htm">Matthew 17:2</a></span><br />There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-29.htm">Luke 9:29</a></span><br />And as He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.</p><p class="hdg">no reference </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/27-18.htm">Breadth</a> <a href="/exodus/26-24.htm">Double</a> <a href="/exodus/26-9.htm">Doubled</a> <a href="/exodus/26-12.htm">Folded</a> <a href="/exodus/27-1.htm">Foursquare</a> <a href="/exodus/27-1.htm">Four-Square</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-13.htm">Hand-Stretch</a> <a href="/exodus/27-18.htm">Length</a> <a href="/exodus/23-26.htm">Span</a> <a href="/exodus/27-1.htm">Square</a> <a href="/exodus/28-8.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/exodus/27-18.htm">Wide</a> <a href="/exodus/27-18.htm">Width</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/30-2.htm">Breadth</a> <a href="/exodus/36-29.htm">Double</a> <a href="/exodus/39-9.htm">Doubled</a> <a href="/exodus/39-9.htm">Folded</a> <a href="/exodus/30-2.htm">Foursquare</a> <a href="/exodus/37-25.htm">Four-Square</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-13.htm">Hand-Stretch</a> <a href="/exodus/30-2.htm">Length</a> <a href="/exodus/39-9.htm">Span</a> <a href="/exodus/30-2.htm">Square</a> <a href="/exodus/28-25.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/exodus/30-2.htm">Wide</a> <a href="/exodus/30-2.htm">Width</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 28</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/28-1.htm">Aaron and his sons are set apart for the priest's office</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/28-2.htm">Holy garments are appointed</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/28-6.htm">The ephod and girdle</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/28-15.htm">The breast-plate with twelve precious stones</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/28-30.htm">The Urim and Thummim</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/28-31.htm">The robe of the ephod, with pomegranates and bells</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/28-36.htm">The plate of the mitre</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/28-39.htm">The embroidered coat</a></span><br><span class="reftext">40. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/28-40.htm">The garments for Aaron's sons</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/28.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/28.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>It must be square when folded over double</b><br>The instruction for the breastpiece to be square when folded over double indicates precision and intentionality in its design. The square shape symbolizes completeness and stability, reflecting the perfection and order of God's creation. In biblical symbolism, the square often represents the earth or the material world, as seen in the square shape of the New Jerusalem in <a href="/revelation/21-16.htm">Revelation 21:16</a>. The folding over double suggests a sense of protection and security, as the breastpiece was meant to cover the heart of the high priest, symbolizing the protection of God's people. This design also allowed for the insertion of the Urim and Thummim, tools used for divine decision-making, emphasizing the role of the high priest as a mediator between God and Israel.<p><b>a span long and a span wide</b><br>A span, approximately nine inches, was a common ancient measurement based on the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully extended. This specific measurement ensured that the breastpiece was both functional and symbolic. The size allowed it to hold the twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying the high priest's role in bearing the people before God. The use of a span as a measurement connects to the human element, as it is based on the human hand, highlighting the personal and relational aspect of the priestly ministry. This measurement also reflects the precision and care in the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings, as detailed in <a href="/exodus/25.htm">Exodus 25-31</a>, underscoring the importance of following God's instructions meticulously.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the priestly garments from God on Mount Sinai.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a></b><br>Moses' brother, the first high priest, for whom the breastpiece was made.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, for whom the priestly garments were a symbol of God's presence and holiness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The place where God gave Moses the instructions for the Tabernacle and the priestly garments.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_breastpiece_of_judgment.htm">The Breastpiece of Judgment</a></b><br>A sacred garment piece worn by the high priest, symbolizing the judgment and guidance of God for the Israelites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_the_square.htm">Symbolism of the Square</a></b><br>The square shape of the breastpiece signifies completeness and perfection, reflecting God's perfect judgment and guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_the_high_priest.htm">Role of the High Priest</a></b><br>The breastpiece was a critical part of the high priest's attire, symbolizing his role as the mediator between God and the Israelites.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_detailed_instructions.htm">God's Detailed Instructions</a></b><br>The specific dimensions and design of the breastpiece highlight the importance of following God's instructions precisely.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_significance.htm">Spiritual Significance</a></b><br>The breastpiece, with its stones representing the tribes of Israel, reminds us of the importance of carrying others in prayer and intercession.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christ_as_our_high_priest.htm">Christ as Our High Priest</a></b><br>Just as the high priest wore the breastpiece, Jesus, our high priest, carries us before God, interceding on our behalf.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 28</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/biblical_weights_and_measures.htm">What are the Biblical weights and measures?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_exodus_28_gems_match_israel's_trade.htm">Exodus 28:15-21: Could the precise identification and sourcing of twelve specific gemstones align historically with the Israelites' environment and trading networks?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_test_israelites_if_god_is_omniscient.htm">Deuteronomy 8:16 - Why would an omniscient God need to 'test' the Israelites if He already knew their hearts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_bible_symbols_signify.htm">What do Bible symbols mean and represent?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/28.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">Foursquare it shall be.</span>--On the idea of perfection connected with the square, see Note on <a href="/exodus/27-1.htm" title="And you shall make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.">Exodus 27:1</a>. But for this, twelve gems would probably have been arranged in the shape of an oblong.<p><span class= "bld">Doubled.</span>--Symmachus translates <span class= "ital">khoshen </span>by <span class= "greekheb"><span class= "ital">??????</span></span>, "a receptacle" or "bag;" and if the Urim and the Thummim, being material objects, were to be "put in" it (<a href="/exodus/28-30.htm" title="And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be on Aaron's heart, when he goes in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel on his heart before the LORD continually.">Exodus 28:30</a>), such a construction would seem to have been absolutely necessary. Hence the "doubling," which would not have been needed merely for strength, since linen corselets, stout enough to resist the blow of a sword, were among the manufactures of Egypt, and could no doubt have been produced by the Hebrews.<p><span class= "bld">A span.</span>--The "span" was reckoned at half a cubit, or about nine inches.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Four square... being doubled</span>. It has been generally supposed that the doubling was merely for the purpose of giving additional strength to the work, which was to receive twelve heavy gems; but Gesenius and others are of opinion that the object was to form a bag, in which the Urim and Thum-mira, which they regard as material objects, might be kept. <span class="cmt_word">A span</span>. Half a cubit, or about nine inches. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/28-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">It must be</span><br /><span class="heb">יִֽהְיֶ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(yih·yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">square</span><br /><span class="heb">רָב֥וּעַ</span> <span class="translit">(rā·ḇū·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7251.htm">Strong's 7251: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be quadrate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when folded over double,</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּפ֑וּל</span> <span class="translit">(kā·p̄ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3717.htm">Strong's 3717: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fold together, to repeat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a span</span><br /><span class="heb">זֶ֥רֶת</span> <span class="translit">(ze·reṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2239.htm">Strong's 2239: </a> </span><span class="str2">The spread of the fingers, a span</span><br /><br /><span class="word">long</span><br /><span class="heb">אָרְכּ֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·rə·kōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_753.htm">Strong's 753: </a> </span><span class="str2">Length</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and a span</span><br /><span class="heb">וְזֶ֥רֶת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ze·reṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2239.htm">Strong's 2239: </a> </span><span class="str2">The spread of the fingers, a span</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wide.</span><br /><span class="heb">רָחְבּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(rā·ḥə·bōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7341.htm">Strong's 7341: </a> </span><span class="str2">Breadth, width</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/28-16.htm">Exodus 28:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/28-16.htm">Exodus 28:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/28-16.htm">Exodus 28:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/28-16.htm">Exodus 28:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/28-16.htm">Exodus 28:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/28-16.htm">Exodus 28:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/28-16.htm">Exodus 28:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/28-16.htm">Exodus 28:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/28-16.htm">Exodus 28:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/28-16.htm">Exodus 28:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/28-16.htm">OT Law: Exodus 28:16 It shall be square and folded double (Exo. 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