King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:26 Mean?

Exodus 28:26 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereo... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.

Exodus 28:26 · KJV


Context

24

And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate.

25

And the other two ends of the two wreathen chains thou shalt fasten in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod before it.

26

And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.

27

And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.

28

And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Two additional gold rings secure the breastplate's bottom corners on its inner side (toward the ephod). While upper rings connected outwardly to shoulders, these lower rings create inward connection. This dual attachment (upper and lower) prevents shifting during service. The inner placement suggests hidden securities—not all of God's provision for stability is visible. Some connections between us and Christ are private, known only to Him and us.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Inner rings, while invisible to observers, were structurally critical. They prevented the breastplate from pulling away during movement, ensuring the tribes remained 'close to the heart' throughout service.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'hidden connections' (inner rings) does Christ maintain with you that others don't see?
  2. How do both visible and invisible securities keep you 'close to His heart'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְעָשִׂ֗יתָ1 of 17

And thou shalt make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שְׁנֵ֖י2 of 17

them upon the two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

טַבְּע֣וֹת3 of 17

rings

H2885

properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind

זָהָ֔ב4 of 17

of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וְשַׂמְתָּ֣5 of 17

and thou shalt put

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֹתָ֔ם6 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַל7 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׁנֵ֖י8 of 17

them upon the two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

קְצ֣וֹת9 of 17

ends

H7098

a termination

הַחֹ֑שֶׁן10 of 17

of the breastplate

H2833

perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest

עַל11 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׂפָת֕וֹ12 of 17

in the border

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

אֲשֶׁ֛ר13 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֶל14 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֵ֥בֶר15 of 17

thereof which is in the side

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

הָֽאֵפֹ֖ד16 of 17

of the ephod

H646

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

בָּֽיְתָה׃17 of 17

inward

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 28:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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