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 28:27KJV
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Exodus 28:27 (KJV)

What does Exodus 28:27 mean?

Exodus 28:27 describes how two additional gold rings were to be made and attached to the lower front sides of the ephod, just above its woven waistband, so that the ephod could be properly fastened together. This instruction is part of the detailed directions for making the high priest’s special garments.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving him specific instructions for constructing the ephod, which was a sacred vest worn by the high priest. The verse highlights the careful attention to detail required for the priestly garments, ensuring that every piece was made and assembled exactly as commanded for use in Israel’s worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 28:27

  • "ephod" (אֵפוֹד, ephod): This word refers to a special, ornate vest worn by the high priest. Its repeated mention emphasizes the importance and centrality of this garment in the priestly duties.
  • "girdle" (חֵשֶׁב, cheshev): This word means a woven band or sash, sometimes called a waistband or belt. Its placement “above the curious girdle of the ephod” shows that the rings were positioned just above this band, clarifying exactly where the attachments were to be made.
  • "rings" (טַבַּעַת, tabba‘at): The word for rings here means circular fittings, often used for fastening or connecting. Their placement was crucial for holding the ephod and its parts together securely.

Why Exodus 28:27 matters

  • This verse clears up how the ephod was to be assembled, showing that every part had a specific place and function, which prevented confusion or improvisation in making the priestly garments.
  • The careful placement of the rings and their connection with the waistband highlights the importance of order and precision in Israel’s worship practices.
  • By connecting to the wider instructions in Exodus 28, this verse helps the reader see the level of craftsmanship and obedience expected in preparing anything used for service before God.

Where else these words appear

“coupling” Hebrew H4225 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 26:4 And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.
  • Exodus 36:11 And he made loops of blue on the edge of one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling: likewise he made in the uttermost side of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.
  • Exodus 36:17 And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain in the coupling, and fifty loops made he upon the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.

“girdle” Hebrew H2805 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 28:8 And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
  • Exodus 29:5 And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod:
  • Exodus 39:20 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.

“underneath” Hebrew H4295 · used in 18 verses

  • Exodus 26:24 And they shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners.
  • Deuteronomy 28:13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:
  • Proverbs 15:24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

“against” Hebrew H5980 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 25:27 Over against the border shall the rings be for places of the staves to bear the table.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:12 Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.
  • Ezekiel 10:19 And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.