And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, upon the border of it, which was on the side of the ephod inward.

EXODUS 39:19KJV
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Exodus 39:19 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:19 mean?

Exodus 39:19 describes how two gold rings were made and attached to the two ends of the breastplate, specifically on its border, on the side that faced inward toward the ephod. This detail is part of the instructions for assembling the high priest’s ceremonial garments as described in the book of Exodus.

In this passage, skilled craftsmen are following God’s instructions given to Moses for making the high priest’s clothing. The breastplate and ephod were special garments worn by Aaron, the high priest, during his service in the tabernacle. The gold rings helped fasten the breastplate securely to the ephod, ensuring that the sacred garments stayed properly arranged during worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:19

  • "rings" (גַּב, gab; transliteration: gab): This word refers to a ring or band, and here it highlights the practical way the breastplate was attached, showing attention to detail in the priestly garments.
  • "ephod" (אֵפוֹד, ephod; transliteration: ephod): The ephod was a special vest-like garment worn by the high priest. Mentioning it here clarifies which part of the priestly outfit the breastplate was connected to.
  • "inward" (בַּיִת, bayith; transliteration: bayith): This word often means "house" or "inside," but here it points to the side of the breastplate that faced toward the body, not outward, showing the careful design for how the garments fit together.

Why Exodus 39:19 matters

  • This verse shows the careful craftsmanship and obedience to God’s detailed instructions for worship in ancient Israel, emphasizing that even small details were important in the tabernacle service.
  • By describing exactly where the rings were placed, Exodus 39:19 helps readers picture how the high priest’s garments were constructed and functioned as a unified whole.
  • The attention to the "inward" side of the ephod and breastplate reveals that the design was not only for appearance but also for practical use and secure fitting during the high priest’s duties.

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 28:26 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.

“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 35:27 And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;
  • 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?