King James Version

What Does Exodus 28:27 Mean?

Exodus 28:27 in the King James Version says “And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the for...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 28:27 · KJV

Context

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.

29

And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.

Read Exodus 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Two more gold rings attach to the ephod's bottom on the inward side, positioned opposite the curious girdle. These align with the breastplate's lower rings, creating a second connection point. The multiplication of connections (four total: two upper, two lower) demonstrates redundant security. We're held not by single thread but multiple attachments. Christ's hold is perfect at every point—there is no weak link in our connection to Him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The positioning 'toward the forepart' and 'over against' the girdle placed these rings precisely where needed. Divine instructions included exact spatial relationships, not just general placements.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God provide 'redundant security' (multiple connections) rather than minimal security?
  2. How does knowing you're held at multiple points affect your confidence before God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְעָשִׂיתָ֮1 of 18

“thou shalt make”

H6213

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

שְׁתֵּי֩2 of 18

“And two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

טַבְּע֣וֹת3 of 18

“other rings”

H2885

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

זָהָב֒4 of 18

“of gold”

H2091

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

וְנָֽתַתָּ֣ה5 of 18

“and shalt put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֹתָ֡ם6 of 18
H853

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

עַל7 of 18
H5921

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

שְׁתֵּי֩8 of 18

“And two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

כִתְפ֨וֹת9 of 18

“sides”

H3802

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

הָֽאֵפֽוֹד׃10 of 18

“of the ephod”

H646

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

מִלְּמַ֙טָּה֙11 of 18

“underneath”

H4295

downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes

מִמּ֣וּל12 of 18

“toward”

H4136

properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite

פָּנָ֔יו13 of 18

“the forepart”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לְעֻמַּ֖ת14 of 18

“thereof over against”

H5980

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

מֶחְבַּרְתּ֑וֹ15 of 18

“the other coupling”

H4225

a junction, i.e., seam or sewed piece

מִמַּ֕עַל16 of 18

“thereof above”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

לְחֵ֖שֶׁב17 of 18

“the curious girdle”

H2805

a belt or strap (as being interlaced)

הָֽאֵפֽוֹד׃18 of 18

“of the ephod”

H646

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

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 28:27 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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