Breastplate

A piece of armor made of metal or thick leather that protects the chest from the neck to the waist.

Chest protector
Chest protector (Image generated by ChatGPT using OpenAI technology) Breastplate, chest protector

About Breastplate

A piece of armor worn to protect the chest. The word is used symbolically in several passages. Isaiah 59:17 says that God wore righteousness as armor. He did this to take vengeance on his enemies. The apostle Paul urged Christians to wear a breastplate of righteousness to stand against the devil (Ephesians 6:14). He also urged them to wear a breastplate of faith and love as they await Christ's return (1 Thessalonians 5:8).

See also Armor and Weapons.

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The object itself Article

Form, use in ancient daily life, and how translators render the term.

Key References

1 Kings 22:34

However, a certain man drew his bow without taking special aim, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So the king said to his charioteer, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded!”

2 Chronicles 18:33

However, a certain man drew his bow without taking special aim, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So the king said to his charioteer, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded!”

2 Chronicles 26:14

Uzziah supplied the entire army with shields, spears, helmets, armor, bows, and slingstones.

Isaiah 59:17

He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.

All Scripture References (5)

1 Kings (1)
1 Kings 22:34

However, a certain man drew his bow without taking special aim, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So the king said to his charioteer, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded!”

2 Chronicles (2)
2 Chronicles 18:33

However, a certain man drew his bow without taking special aim, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So the king said to his charioteer, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded!”

2 Chronicles 26:14

Uzziah supplied the entire army with shields, spears, helmets, armor, bows, and slingstones.

Nehemiah (1)
Nehemiah 4:10

Meanwhile, the people of Judah said: “The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.”

Isaiah (1)
Isaiah 59:17

He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.