Exodus 39:19
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֗וּ
And they made
H6213
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֗וּ
And they made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
טַבְּעֹ֣ת
rings
H2885
טַבְּעֹ֣ת
rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
זָהָ֔ב
of gold
H2091
זָהָ֔ב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
4 of 16
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
וַיָּשִׂ֕ימוּ
and put
H7760
וַיָּשִׂ֕ימוּ
and put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
5 of 16
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַחֹ֑שֶׁן
of the breastplate
H2833
הַחֹ֑שֶׁן
of the breastplate
Strong's:
H2833
Word #:
9 of 16
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׂפָת֕וֹ
upon the border
H8193
שְׂפָת֕וֹ
upon the border
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
11 of 16
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עֵ֥בֶר
of it which was on the side
H5676
עֵ֥בֶר
of it which was on the side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
Historical Context
The lower rings' inward position kept them hidden beneath the ephod's front panel, preventing them from snagging during ministry. The two-point attachment system (top and bottom) distributed weight and prevented swinging or shifting during the high priest's movements.
Questions for Reflection
- What do visible and hidden connection points teach about public and private dimensions of ministry?
- How does Christ's intercession involving both open declaration and hidden intimacy with the Father encourage you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Additional rings on the breastplate's 'border' near the ephod's 'inward' side complete the lower attachment. The Hebrew פְּאַת (pe'at, corner/border) indicates precise positioning; הַבַּיְתָה (habaytah, inward) shows the hidden, private connection. While the top attachment is visible, this lower connection is hidden—teaching that some aspects of priestly ministry are public, others private. Christ's intercession has both public (openly declared justification) and hidden (intimate communion with Father) dimensions. The complete encircling connection ensures breastplate security from top and bottom.