Lace
פָּתִיל/LAYS/
“Twisted cord, from being twisted”
Summary
A cord or ribbon used to fasten the high priest's breastplate to the ephod.
☩Priestly Garments
The Hebrew 'pathil' describes a twisted cord used to secure parts of the high priest's vestments. Blue lace bound the breastplate to the ephod (Exodus 28:28, 37; 39:21, 31). The same word is rendered 'riband' (Numbers 15:38), 'wire' for gold thread (Exodus 39:3), and 'thread' of tow (Judges 16:9). The blue color held significance, connecting with the heavenly realm and the holiness of the priesthood.
Key verses:Exodus 28:28Exodus 28:37Exodus 39:21
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Lace," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Lace," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).