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 28:26KJV
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Exodus 28:26 (KJV)

What does Exodus 28:26 mean?

Exodus 28:26 gives instructions for making two gold rings and attaching them to the two ends of the breastplate, specifically at the edge that faces inward toward the ephod. This detail is part of the directions for how the high priest’s breastplate should be constructed and connected to the rest of his sacred garments.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving him precise directions for making the high priest’s clothing. The breastplate was a special piece worn over the ephod (a kind of vest), and these gold rings were necessary for fastening the breastplate securely. This careful attention to detail shows the importance of both beauty and function in the priestly garments.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 28:26

  • "Rings" (גַּבְעָה, gav‘ah): This word refers to small circular fittings, likely used here as loops or fasteners. Their placement was crucial for attaching the breastplate properly.
  • "Ephod" (אֵפוֹד, ephod): The ephod was a distinctive priestly garment, and the verse’s mention of the side "inward" (בַּיִת, bayit) clarifies that the rings go on the side facing the ephod, not outward. This helps ensure the breastplate would not shift or fall off during movement.

Why Exodus 28:26 matters

  • This verse highlights the level of detail and care required in making the high priest’s garments, showing that every part had a specific purpose and placement.
  • Understanding the placement of the rings helps clarify how the breastplate was securely attached, which is important for visualizing the priest’s appearance and the function of his clothing.
  • This instruction fits into a larger section where God gives Moses exact patterns for worship and service, emphasizing order and reverence in approaching God.

Where else these words appear

“breastplate” Hebrew H2833 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 25:7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
  • Exodus 28:28 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.
  • Exodus 39:9 It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.

“ends” Hebrew H7098 · used in 30 verses

  • Exodus 25:18 And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
  • Exodus 37:7 And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat;
  • 1 Kings 13:33 After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places.

“rings” Hebrew H2885 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
  • Exodus 28:27 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.
  • Exodus 38:7 And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.

“ephod” Hebrew H646 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 25:7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
  • Exodus 39:2 And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
  • Judges 18:18 And these went into Micah's house, and fetched the carved image, the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image. Then said the priest unto them, What do ye?