Exodus 39:16 kjv
And they made two ouches of gold, and two gold rings; and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate.
Exodus 39:16 nkjv
They also made two settings of gold and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
Exodus 39:16 niv
They made two gold filigree settings and two gold rings, and fastened the rings to two of the corners of the breastpiece.
Exodus 39:16 esv
And they made two settings of gold filigree and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece.
Exodus 39:16 nlt
They also made two settings of gold filigree and two gold rings and attached them to the top corners of the chestpiece.
Exodus 39 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ex 28:13-14 | "You shall make settings of gold, and two chains of pure gold, twisted like cords..." | Instruction for gold chains and settings |
| Ex 28:22 | "And you shall make on the breastpiece twisted chains of corded work in pure gold." | Further instruction for breastpiece chains |
| Ex 25:17 | "You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold..." | Purity of gold in holy objects |
| Ex 31:3-5 | "I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence...to devise artistic designs, to work in gold..." | Divine enablement of craftsmen |
| Ex 35:28 | "and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the pure gold, and the onyx stones..." | Precious materials given by the people |
| Lev 8:7-9 | "And he put the tunic on him, and clothed him with the robe...and the breastpiece..." | Moses clothing Aaron with these garments |
| Lev 10:10 | "...distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the clean and the unclean." | Separation of holy and unholy |
| Deut 4:2 | "You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it..." | Importance of obeying divine commands |
| 1 Sam 15:22 | "...Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?" | Obedience better than sacrifice |
| Ps 19:10 | "More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold..." | Value of God's words compared to gold |
| Prov 8:10-11 | "Choose instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold..." | Wisdom's value over precious metals |
| Isa 60:17 | "Instead of bronze I will bring gold, and instead of iron I will bring silver..." | God's glory and blessing using gold symbolism |
| Ezek 43:10-11 | "Son of man, describe the temple to the house of Israel...its plan, and its exits and its entrances, and all its whole form, and all its ordinances." | Divine precision in blueprints for worship |
| Zech 4:2-3 | "And he said to me, 'What do you see?' I said, 'I see a lampstand all of gold..." | Gold as symbol of divine presence/Spirit |
| Hag 2:8 | "The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts." | God's ownership of all resources |
| Mal 3:3 | "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver..." | Purification imagery, linking to pure gold |
| John 14:15 | "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." | Link between love and obedience to commands |
| 1 Cor 3:12 | "Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones..." | Gold used metaphorically for quality work |
| Eph 2:10 | "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works..." | Believers as God's deliberate, good creation |
| Heb 8:5 | "They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, 'See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.'" | Tabernacle as shadow of heavenly reality |
| Heb 9:11-12 | "But when Christ appeared as a high priest...He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood..." | Jesus as the perfect High Priest fulfills types |
| 1 Pet 1:16 | "You shall be holy, for I am holy." | God's call for purity and holiness |
| Rev 21:18 | "The material of its wall was jasper, and the city was pure gold, like clear glass." | Gold in New Jerusalem, symbolizing ultimate purity and glory |
Exodus 39 verses
Exodus 39 16 Meaning
Exodus 39:16 describes the craftsmanship of the High Priest's sacred garments, specifically the golden chains that were meticulously made for the breastpiece. It states that two chains of pure, braided gold were created and securely fastened to the two settings or bezels, which were part of the ephod, to hold the breastpiece firmly in place. This verse underscores the precise fulfillment of God's instructions regarding the construction of the Tabernacle elements and priestly attire, emphasizing the value, purity, and detailed artistry required for objects dedicated to the worship and service of the Lord.
Exodus 39 16 Context
Exodus chapter 39 details the actual construction and assembly of the Tabernacle and its priestly garments, following precisely the instructions laid out by God in earlier chapters, primarily Exodus 28. This specific verse, Exodus 39:16, is part of the account describing the making of the High Priest's sacred attire. The breastpiece, adorned with twelve precious stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel, was a crucial element of this attire. The golden chains mentioned in this verse were vital for securely attaching the breastpiece to the ephod, ensuring it remained in place as the High Priest ministered before the Lord. The repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout the chapter emphasizes the meticulous adherence to the divine blueprint, signifying the importance of obedience and the sacred nature of all elements related to God's dwelling place. Historically, the Tabernacle served as the central place of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, symbolizing God's presence among His people and providing a prescribed means for them to approach Him.
Exodus 39 16 Word analysis
- וּשְׁתֵּי (u-shetei): "and two". The prefix "וּ" (u-) means "and," indicating a continuation from the previous verse which described the crafting of the breastpiece. "Shetei" means "two" and denotes the specific quantity of chains made for this particular purpose. This shows attention to detail in the divine design.
- שַׁרְשְׁרֹת (sharshirot): "chains". This plural noun (from sharsheret) refers to linked or intertwined metal bands. In this context, these were not merely utilitarian links but elaborately crafted, pure gold adornments that also served a crucial functional role in securing the sacred breastpiece.
- זָהָב (zahav): "gold". A precious, non-corroding metal. In biblical symbolism, gold represents purity, preciousness, divinity, kingship, and enduring value. Its use throughout the Tabernacle and priestly garments emphasizes the holy, set-apart nature of all things dedicated to God's service and the supreme worth of God Himself.
- טָהוֹר (tahor): "pure". This adjective modifies "gold," indicating that the gold was unmixed, unalloyed, and of the highest quality. Purity is a recurring and vital theme in the Old Testament, especially concerning cultic objects and worship. It signifies freedom from blemish, defilement, or anything common, essential for approaching a holy God.
- גְּבֻלֹת (gevulot): "braided" or "twisted." While gevul often refers to a "border" or "boundary," in this specific construction context, related forms can denote intertwining or twisting, much like a braided cord or rope. It describes the method of craftsmanship, not just simple links but intricately woven strands, creating a strong and decorative cord-like chain. This suggests exceptional skill and specific design.
- מַעֲשֵׂה (ma'aseh): "work of" or "craft of." This term indicates a product of skilled labor, emphasizing the artisan's craft in shaping the gold. It implies intentional design and execution.
- עֲבֹת (avot): "cords" or "thick ropes." This noun further clarifies the nature of the "gevulot" chains, indicating they were robust and densely constructed, like thick cords. The combined phrase "gevulot ma'aseh avot" vividly paints a picture of intricate, braided, or intertwined gold ropes, highlighting their strength and exquisite design.
- שָׂמוּ (samu): "they attached" or "they set." This verb in the third-person plural perfect tense attributes the action to the skilled artisans, specifically Bezalel and Oholiab, and those working under them. It signifies the completed action of fastening these elements.
- עַל-שְׁתֵּי (al-shetei): "on two". "Al" means "on" or "upon," and "shetei" means "two," specifying where the chains were fastened.
- הַמִּשְׁבְּצוֹת (ha-mishbetzot): "the settings" or "the bezels." These refer to the specially designed gold enclosures or mounts on the ephod (Ex 28:13-14) to which the chains of the breastpiece were attached. They provided a secure anchor for the breastpiece, ensuring it would not come loose during the High Priest's service. The definite article "הַ" (ha-) signifies "the," referring to specific, already mentioned settings.
- וּשְׁתֵּי שַׁרְשְׁרֹת זָהָב טָהוֹר (and two chains of pure gold): This phrase specifies the material and quality of the chains. The gold's "purity" (tahor) is a significant descriptor, indicating that these elements were consecrated and separated for divine use, unmixed with any common or impure substance. This mirrors God's own unblemished holiness.
- גְּבֻלֹת מַעֲשֵׂה עֲבֹת (braided like cords / twisted work of cords): This detailed description of the craftsmanship (lit. "twisted/roped work of cords") underscores the precision and artistry mandated by God. These were not merely simple linked chains but robust, intricately woven cords of solid gold. This level of detail in instruction and execution speaks to God's standard of excellence in worship and His gifting of specific skills (Ex 31:3-5). The strength suggested by "cords" or "ropes" implies durability and secure attachment.
- שָׂמוּ עַל-שְׁתֵּי הַמִּשְׁבְּצוֹת (they attached to the two settings): This part describes the exact functional placement. The verb "they attached" emphasizes the action of the craftsmen in fulfilling the design. The "settings" (mishbetzot) were essential connection points, ensuring the breastpiece, symbolizing the people of Israel carried on the High Priest's heart, was firmly secured to the ephod. This reflects the inseparable bond between God, the High Priest, and the tribes.
Exodus 39 16 Bonus section
The construction of these items, including the golden chains, exemplifies the concept that spiritual activity often requires painstaking, physical labor performed with diligence and excellence. The emphasis on "pure gold" and "braided work" suggests that our offerings to God, whether material or in service, should be of the highest quality and sincerity, without shortcuts or compromise. This precise execution of divine instruction prefigures the perfect work of Christ, our ultimate High Priest, whose sacrificial service perfectly fulfills God's will.
Exodus 39 16 Commentary
Exodus 39:16 offers a microcosm of the larger themes present in the Tabernacle's construction: divine instruction, human obedience, meticulous craftsmanship, and profound symbolism. The two chains of pure, braided gold are not mere accessories; their description underscores God's demand for perfection and sacredness in all aspects of His worship. The use of "pure gold" points to God's inherent holiness and glory, requiring undefiled materials for His sanctuary. The "braided like cords" detail ("gevulot ma'aseh avot") highlights the intentional strength and intricate artistry, gifted by God to the craftsmen (Bezalel and Oholiab). This signifies that God cares deeply about both the beauty and durability of elements in His service. Their attachment to the "settings" ensured the breastpiece, bearing the names of Israel's tribes, remained securely connected to the High Priest, symbolizing the priest's responsibility to represent the people faithfully before God. The entire process illustrates that true worship is not haphazard but is a deliberate, exact, and reverent response to God's clear commands, executed with excellence, reflecting His character.