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.

EXODUS 39:18KJV
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Exodus 39:18 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:18 mean?

Exodus 39:18 describes how the craftsmen attached the ends of two twisted chains to two gold settings and then placed these on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, which was a special priestly garment. This verse details part of the careful assembly of the high priest’s ceremonial clothing as instructed by God.

In this passage, skilled workers are following God’s instructions given to Moses for making the ephod, a key part of the high priest’s outfit. The “wreathen chains” refer to braided gold chains, and the “ouches” are decorative gold settings or clasps. These chains and settings helped secure the breastpiece to the ephod at the shoulders, ensuring the garment was both beautiful and functional.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:18

  • The word for “wreathen” and “chains” is עֲבֹת (avot), which refers to something braided or twisted together. This emphasizes the craftsmanship and the visual appeal of the chains, showing they were not just simple links but carefully made.
  • The word for “ouches” is מִשְׁבְּצוֹת (mishbetzot), meaning settings or filigree work, usually of gold. This highlights the ornate and precious nature of the priestly garments, underlining their importance and the honor given to the high priest’s role.
  • The word for “shoulderpieces” is כָּתֵף (katef), which specifically means the shoulder area of a garment. This detail clarifies exactly where the chains and settings were attached, helping the reader picture the ephod’s construction.

Why Exodus 39:18 matters

  • This verse clears up how the breastpiece was securely fastened to the ephod, showing the practical and decorative aspects of the priestly garments.
  • The attention to detail in the construction of the ephod reflects the care and reverence expected in serving God, emphasizing that every part of worship was to be done thoughtfully.
  • Understanding these details connects this verse to the larger theme in Exodus of obedience to God’s instructions and the special role of the high priest in Israel’s worship.

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.

“wreathen” Hebrew H5688 · used in 23 verses

  • 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.
  • 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:

“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.

“it” Hebrew H4136 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • Numbers 22:5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
  • Joshua 22:11 And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.