And they made two ouches of gold, and two gold rings; and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate.

EXODUS 39:16KJV
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Exodus 39:16 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:16 mean?

Exodus 39:16 describes how the craftsmen made two gold settings (called "ouches") and two gold rings, attaching the rings to the two ends of the priestly breastplate. This verse details a specific step in constructing the high priest’s ceremonial garments as instructed by God.

In this part of Exodus, skilled workers are carefully following God’s instructions given to Moses for making the high priest’s breastplate. The “ouches” are decorative gold settings that help secure the breastplate, while the rings allow it to be fastened properly. This attention to detail shows the importance placed on both beauty and function in the tabernacle’s worship objects.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:16

  • The word "ouches" (מִשְׁבְּצוֹת, mishbetzot) refers to gold settings or frames, often understood as decorative holders for the stones on the breastplate. This highlights the craftsmanship and care in making the priestly garments.
  • The word "rings" (טַבַּעַת, taba‘at) means circular bands or rings, which were used to attach the breastplate securely. This practical detail ensured the breastplate stayed in place during the priest’s service.
  • The word "ends" (קָצֶה, qatzeh) means the extremities or edges, showing that the rings were placed at the very edges of the breastplate for proper attachment.

Why Exodus 39:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the construction of the priestly garments was done with exactness, following God’s detailed instructions rather than human improvisation.
  • The mention of gold settings and rings emphasizes both the value and the durability of the items used in worship, showing that sacred objects were made with the best materials and skill.
  • By describing these small but important details, the verse connects to the larger theme of holiness and order in Israel’s worship, where every part had a purpose and meaning.

Where else these words appear

“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 28:14 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 39:13 And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

“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 28:26 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.
  • Exodus 39:8 And he made the breastplate of cunning work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

“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 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.
  • 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 28:26 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.
  • Exodus 38:5 And he cast four rings for the four ends of the grate of brass, to be places for the staves.