Exodus 39:20

Authorized King James Version

And they made two other golden rings, and put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart of it, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיַּעֲשׂוּ֮

H6213

And they made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שְׁתֵּי֩

H8147

them on the two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

טַבְּעֹ֣ת

H2885

rings

properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind

זָהָב֒

H2091

other golden

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וַֽיִּתְּנֻ֡ם

H5414

and put

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׁתֵּי֩

H8147

them on the two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

כִתְפֹ֨ת

H3802

sides

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

הָֽאֵפֹֽד׃

H646

of the ephod

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

#10

מִלְמַ֙טָּה֙

H4295

underneath

downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes

#11

מִמּ֣וּל

H4136

toward

properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite

#12

פָּנָ֔יו

H6440

the forepart

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#13

לְעֻמַּ֖ת

H5980

of it over against

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

#14

מֶחְבַּרְתּ֑וֹ

H4225

the other coupling

a junction, i.e., seam or sewed piece

#15

מִמַּ֕עַל

H4605

thereof above

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

#16

לְחֵ֖שֶׁב

H2805

the curious girdle

a belt or strap (as being interlaced)

#17

הָֽאֵפֹֽד׃

H646

of the ephod

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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