Exodus 39 20

Exodus 39:20 kjv

And they made two other golden rings, and put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart of it, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.

Exodus 39:20 nkjv

They made two other gold rings and put them on the two shoulder straps, underneath the ephod toward its front, right at the seam above the intricately woven band of the ephod.

Exodus 39:20 niv

Then they made two more gold rings and attached them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod.

Exodus 39:20 esv

And they made two rings of gold, and attached them in front to the lower part of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, at its seam above the skillfully woven band of the ephod.

Exodus 39:20 nlt

Then they made two more gold rings and attached them to the front of the ephod, below the shoulder-pieces, just above the knot where the decorative sash was fastened to the ephod.

Exodus 39 verses

Exodus 39 20 Meaning

Exodus 39:20 describes a specific detail in the crafting of the High Priest's ephod, a highly significant vestment. It focuses on the creation and precise placement of two additional gold rings on the ephod's shoulder pieces. These rings were essential for securing the breastpiece (also known as the breastplate of judgment) to the ephod, ensuring that it was firmly attached in the prescribed manner. This level of meticulous instruction underscores the divine requirement for absolute accuracy and adherence to God's blueprint for the Tabernacle and its service.

Exodus 39 20 Context

Exodus 39 forms part of a larger section detailing the actual construction and execution of the divine instructions for the Tabernacle and its priestly garments, given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai (chapters 25-31 and repeated in 35-38 as instructions to the people). Specifically, this verse describes the making of the ephod, a principal garment of the High Priest, highlighting the precision required in its construction. The historical context is Israel at the foot of Mount Sinai, a recently liberated nation receiving God's laws and preparing to build His earthly dwelling place according to a meticulous divine blueprint. This emphasis on detail signifies the holiness of God, the order of His worship, and the gravity of the High Priest's mediating role.

Exodus 39 20 Word analysis

• And they made (וַיַּעֲשׂוּ - vayyaʿaśu): Denotes continued action, consistent with the repeated phrase throughout Exodus 36-39, emphasizing obedience to God's commands in the craftsmanship. This shows the fulfilling of previous instructions (Ex 28:13).
• two other (עוֹד שְׁתֵּי - ʿod shtey): "Other" indicates these rings are additional to those already placed on the breastpiece or the previous rings described for the ephod. This specificity points to distinct functions and positions for each set of rings.
• rings (טַבְּעֹת - tabbaʿot): Fastening elements, also used for curtains, staves for the Ark and table (Ex 26:24, Ex 25:12, 27). Symbolically, rings suggest connection, wholeness, and perpetual attachment, crucial for joining holy items.
• of gold (זָהָב - zahav): Signifies purity, preciousness, divine glory, and incorruptibility. Gold is consistently used for sacred items in the Tabernacle (e.g., Ark, Altar of Incense). It reflects the character of God and the exalted nature of the priestly office and divine presence.
• and put them (וַיָּשִׂימוּ אֹתָם - vayyaśimu ʾotam): Highlights the careful and deliberate placement of these components, vital for the functionality and symbolic integrity of the garment.
• on the two ends (עַל־שְׁתֵּי קְצוֹת - ʿal-shtey qəṣot - though the Hebrew here reads כִּתְפוֹת kitfot "shoulders" rather than qəṣot "ends" as in some translations' interpretation of the phrase "ends of the shoulder pieces," implying a specific spot on the shoulder, so 'shoulders' itself): This defines the precise location, underscoring that every part of the Tabernacle's construction was designed with exactitude, allowing for no improvisation.
• of the second ephod shoulder pieces (כִתְפוֹת הָאֵפֹד - kitfot haʾephod - literally "shoulders of the ephod"): The shoulders were critical attachment points, carrying symbolic weight as places of bearing responsibility (Is 9:6) and strength. For the High Priest, these literally bore the memorial stones of Israel (Ex 28:12).
• underneath (מִלְּמַטָּה - millᵉmattah): This adverbial detail specifies the elevation or hidden aspect of their placement. The rings were placed strategically where they would connect to the breastpiece from below.
• toward the forepart thereof (מִמּוּל פָּנָיו - mimmul panav - literally "opposite its front/face"): This implies the rings were positioned at the visible front of the ephod, ready for direct connection to the breastpiece which also adorned the front.
• over against the other coupling thereof (לְעֻמַּת מַחְבַּרְתּוֹ - ləʿummat maḥbaratto): "Coupling" or "joining point" (מַחְבֶּרֶת - maḥberet) indicates where parts fit together perfectly. This term is also used for the precise joining of Tabernacle curtains, emphasizing unified, divine design and functionality. This signifies that every element was perfectly interlocked to create a coherent whole, symbolizing unity in divine service.
• above the curious girdle of the ephod (מִמַּעַל לְחֵשֶׁב הָאֵפֹד - mimmaʿal ləḥeshev haʾephod): The "curious girdle" or "skillfully woven band" (ḥeshev) was the intricately designed belt that fastened the ephod. Placing the rings "above" it further defines their height, separating their function from the belt and highlighting the layered complexity and artistry of the High Priest's attire. This 'ḥeshev' often signifies cunning workmanship or ingenious design.

Exodus 39 20 Bonus section

The number "two" rings here aligns with the general principle of paired items for stability and completeness found throughout the Tabernacle design (e.g., two cherubim, two pillars, two tablets of the law). This pairing provides balance and reinforces the attachment, ensuring the breastpiece, symbolic of Israel, was firmly joined to the priestly garment that bore the names of the tribes on its shoulders. The exact specification for "underneath," "forepart," "over against," and "above" reveals a functional logic tied to divine design, preventing any element from being out of place or out of proper alignment for the spiritual duties of the High Priest. This meticulous design illustrates God's demand for perfection and readiness in approaching Him, emphasizing that access to God is always on His terms, reflecting His flawless character.

Exodus 39 20 Commentary

Exodus 39:20 is more than a mere technical detail; it speaks volumes about the nature of God's commands and the purpose of the Tabernacle. The precise instruction regarding these gold rings underscores the divine requirement for absolute faithfulness to God's blueprint, leaving no room for human invention or compromise. These rings were crucial linking mechanisms for the breastpiece, ensuring it was securely joined to the ephod. This connection was vital because the breastpiece contained the Urim and Thummim, tools for divine guidance. Thus, the physical security of the breastpiece directly linked to the spiritual function of seeking God's will.

The materials (pure gold) and craftsmanship highlight the glory and holiness inherent in the service of God. Every thread and every fastening, however small, was prescribed, indicating that God values order, precision, and dedication in worship. This reflects God's own perfect order and the seriousness with which He views approaches to His holy presence. In a broader sense, this detailed description foreshadows Christ's perfect high priesthood and His perfect fulfillment of all that the Tabernacle and its services typified. Just as the High Priest's garments were meticulously assembled for His mediatorial role, so Christ perfectly and completely executed His divine mission as our Mediator.