Exodus 28:27
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂיתָ֮
thou shalt make
H6213
וְעָשִׂיתָ֮
thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
טַבְּע֣וֹת
other rings
H2885
טַבְּע֣וֹת
other rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
זָהָב֒
of gold
H2091
זָהָב֒
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
4 of 18
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
וְנָֽתַתָּ֣ה
and shalt put
H5414
וְנָֽתַתָּ֣ה
and shalt put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 18
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֹתָ֡ם
H853
אֹתָ֡ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כִתְפ֨וֹת
sides
H3802
כִתְפ֨וֹת
sides
Strong's:
H3802
Word #:
9 of 18
the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi
הָֽאֵפֽוֹד׃
of the ephod
H646
הָֽאֵפֽוֹד׃
of the ephod
Strong's:
H646
Word #:
10 of 18
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
מִלְּמַ֙טָּה֙
underneath
H4295
מִלְּמַ֙טָּה֙
underneath
Strong's:
H4295
Word #:
11 of 18
downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes
מִמּ֣וּל
toward
H4136
מִמּ֣וּל
toward
Strong's:
H4136
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite
פָּנָ֔יו
the forepart
H6440
פָּנָ֔יו
the forepart
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
13 of 18
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
לְעֻמַּ֖ת
thereof over against
H5980
לְעֻמַּ֖ת
thereof over against
Strong's:
H5980
Word #:
14 of 18
conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with
מֶחְבַּרְתּ֑וֹ
the other coupling
H4225
מֶחְבַּרְתּ֑וֹ
the other coupling
Strong's:
H4225
Word #:
15 of 18
a junction, i.e., seam or sewed piece
מִמַּ֕עַל
thereof above
H4605
מִמַּ֕עַל
thereof above
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
16 of 18
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
Historical Context
The positioning 'toward the forepart' and 'over against' the girdle placed these rings precisely where needed. Divine instructions included exact spatial relationships, not just general placements.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God provide 'redundant security' (multiple connections) rather than minimal security?
- How does knowing you're held at multiple points affect your confidence before God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Two more gold rings attach to the ephod's bottom on the inward side, positioned opposite the curious girdle. These align with the breastplate's lower rings, creating a second connection point. The multiplication of connections (four total: two upper, two lower) demonstrates redundant security. We're held not by single thread but multiple attachments. Christ's hold is perfect at every point—there is no weak link in our connection to Him.