And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

EXODUS 39:21KJV
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Exodus 39:21 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:21 mean?

Exodus 39:21 describes how the craftsmen attached the breastplate to the ephod using blue cords, fastening it securely so it would stay above the decorated waistband and not come loose, just as the LORD had instructed Moses. This verse highlights the careful obedience to God's specific directions for making the high priest's garments.

The verse is set during the construction of the priestly clothing for Aaron, as described in Exodus. Skilled workers are following Moses’ instructions, which come directly from God, to assemble the breastplate (a special piece worn by the high priest) and attach it to the ephod (a kind of vest). The focus is on making sure the pieces are joined exactly as commanded, showing respect for the detailed instructions given for worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:21

  • breastplate (חֹשֶׁן, ḥoshen): This word refers to the special, square piece worn by the high priest, which held the twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel. Its secure attachment to the ephod was essential for its symbolic and practical role.
  • ephod (אֵפוֹד, ephod): The ephod was a unique priestly garment, and its rings (טַבַּעַת, tabba‘at) and blue cord (תְּכֵלֶת, tekhelet) were specifically designed to connect the breastplate in a way that matched God's instructions.
  • lace of blue (תְּכֵלֶת, tekhelet): The blue cord was not just decorative but served a functional purpose in fastening the breastplate. The color blue often signified holiness or heavenly things in the tabernacle context.
  • loosed (רוּף, ruph): This word means to loosen or come apart. The verse emphasizes that the breastplate was not to come loose from the ephod, underlining the importance of following God's precise directions.

Why Exodus 39:21 matters

  • This verse shows the importance of following God's instructions exactly, especially in matters of worship and service, highlighting the seriousness with which the Israelites approached the construction of sacred items.
  • The careful attachment of the breastplate to the ephod demonstrates the unity and inseparability of the high priest's garments, which carried deep symbolic meaning for Israel’s relationship with God.
  • By repeating that everything was done "as the LORD commanded Moses," the verse connects to the larger theme in Exodus of obedience and faithfulness in carrying out God's will.

Where else these words appear

“bind” Hebrew H7405 · used in 2 verses

  • 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.

“loosed” Hebrew H2118 · used in 2 verses

  • 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.

“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 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 39:5 And the curious girdle of his ephod, that was upon it, was of the same, according to the work thereof; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; as the LORD commanded Moses.

“lace” Hebrew H6616 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 38:18 And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.
  • Exodus 28:37 And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be.
  • Numbers 15:38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: