And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches.

EXODUS 28:14KJV
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Exodus 28:14 (KJV)

What does Exodus 28:14 mean?

Exodus 28:14 describes how two chains made of pure gold, crafted in a twisted or braided design, are to be attached to the settings (ouches) on the priest’s special garment. This instruction is part of the detailed directions for making the high priest’s ceremonial clothing for use in Israel’s worship.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving him specific instructions for making the garments for Aaron, the first high priest. The “chains of pure gold” are part of the breastpiece, a sacred item worn by the high priest. The verse emphasizes the care, quality, and craftsmanship required for these holy objects, showing their importance in Israel’s worship life.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 28:14

  • "wreathen" (מַשְׁזָּבָה, mashzavah): This word refers to something twisted or braided, often understood as a rope-like or chain design. The detail highlights the artistry and skill involved in making the priestly garments.
  • "ouches" (מִשְׁבְּצוֹת, mishbetzot): This term means settings or mountings, likely referring to the gold frames that held the stones on the breastpiece. It shows that the chains were not just decorative but served a practical purpose in securing the sacred stones.

Why Exodus 28:14 matters

  • This verse clears up that the priestly garments were not simple robes but included carefully crafted goldwork, reflecting the value and reverence of Israel’s worship.
  • The detailed instructions reveal how every part of the high priest’s clothing had a specific design and purpose, connecting to the larger theme of holiness and order in Israel’s worship practices.
  • Understanding the craftsmanship and materials involved helps readers appreciate the seriousness with which the Israelites approached their relationship with God, as seen in the care given to even the smallest details of worship.

Where else these words appear

“chains” Hebrew H8333 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 39:15 And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends, of wreathen work of pure gold.
  • 1 Kings 7:17 And nets of checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars; seven for the one chapiter, and seven for the other chapiter.
  • 2 Chronicles 3:5 And the greater house he cieled with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set thereon palm trees and chains.

“ouches” Hebrew H4865 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 28:11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.
  • Exodus 28:25 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.
  • Exodus 39:16 And they made two ouches of gold, and two gold rings; and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate.

“wreathen” Hebrew H5688 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 28:22 And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold.
  • Judges 15:14 And when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands.
  • Isaiah 5:18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:

“pure” Hebrew H2889 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 7:2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female.
  • Exodus 39:30 And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
  • Deuteronomy 12:15 Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart.