And in the breastpiece of judgment you shall put is literally “And you [singular] shall give unto the breastpiece of judgment.” The same word, meaning to give, is used in verse 14 for “attach,” and in verses 23-24 for “put.” New Jerusalem Bible has “you will add,” but the idea is probably to insert, since the breastpiece was probably to be made like a pouch (verse 16).

The Urim and the Thummim is a transliteration of the Hebrew, with the plural form -im. The exact meaning of these terms is not known. They were probably objects of some sort used by the priest to determine God’s will. Moffatt has “the sacred lots” (similarly Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch), but most translations retain the Hebrew words. If they are retained, a footnote similar to that in Good News Translation should be included explaining their probable meaning.

And they shall be refers to the Urim and the Thummim, each term probably understood as plural. Upon Aaron’s heart is discussed at verse 29. Good News Translation changes this to “so that Aaron will carry them.” When he goes in before the LORD is identical with verse 29.

Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel is literally “and Aaron will carry the judgment of the sons of Israel.” The same word for bear is used in verse 29. Since “breastpiece” (Good News Translation) is not mentioned here, the judgment (mishpat) seems to refer to the Urim and the Thummim. So New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “Thus Aaron shall carry the instrument of decision for the Israelites,” and New International Version has “Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites.” Contemporary English Version has “He must also wear on his breastpiece the two small objects that he uses to receive answers from me.” Upon his heart and before the LORD continually are identical with verse 29.

A possible alternative translation model for this verse is:

• Have them put the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece [or, sacred pouch], so that Aaron will always carry them over his heart when he comes in before me. He will use these to determine my will for the people of Israel.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .