King James Version
What Does Exodus 39:19 Mean?
“And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, upon the border of it, which was on the side of the ephod inward.”
Exodus 39:19 · KJV
Context
17
And they put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate.
18
And the two ends of the two wreathen chains they fastened in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod, before it.
19
And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, upon the border of it, which was on the side of the ephod inward.
20
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.
21
And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAdditional rings on the breastplate's 'border' near the ephod's 'inward' side complete the lower attachment. The Hebrew פְּאַת (pe'at, corner/border) indicates precise positioning; הַבַּיְתָה (habaytah, inward) shows the hidden, private connection. While the top attachment is visible, this lower connection is hidden—teaching that some aspects of priestly ministry are public, others private. Christ's intercession has both public (openly declared justification) and hidden (intimate communion with Father) dimensions. The complete encircling connection ensures breastplate security from top and bottom.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The lower rings' inward position kept them hidden beneath the ephod's front panel, preventing them from snagging during ministry. The two-point attachment system (top and bottom) distributed weight and prevented swinging or shifting during the high priest's movements.
Reflection Questions
- What do visible and hidden connection points teach about public and private dimensions of ministry?
- How does Christ's intercession involving both open declaration and hidden intimacy with the Father encourage you?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 16 wordsטַבְּעֹ֣ת3 of 16
“rings”
H2885properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
זָהָ֔ב4 of 16
“of gold”
H2091gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
וַיָּשִׂ֕ימוּ5 of 16
“and put”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
עַל6 of 16
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַחֹ֑שֶׁן9 of 16
“of the breastplate”
H2833perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
עַל10 of 16
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׂפָת֕וֹ11 of 16
“upon the border”
H8193the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
אֲשֶׁ֛ר12 of 16
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עֵ֥בֶר14 of 16
“of it which was on the side”
H5676properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
הָֽאֵפֹ֖ד15 of 16
“of the ephod”
H646a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
בָּֽיְתָה׃16 of 16
“inward”
H1004a 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 39:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.