Exodus 39:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיַּעֲשׂוּ֮
And they made
H6213
וַֽיַּעֲשׂוּ֮
And they made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
טַבְּעֹ֣ת
rings
H2885
טַבְּעֹ֣ת
rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
זָהָב֒
other golden
H2091
זָהָב֒
other golden
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
4 of 17
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
וַֽיִּתְּנֻ֡ם
and put
H5414
וַֽיִּתְּנֻ֡ם
and put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כִתְפֹ֨ת
sides
H3802
כִתְפֹ֨ת
sides
Strong's:
H3802
Word #:
8 of 17
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׃
of the ephod
H646
הָֽאֵפֹֽד׃
of the ephod
Strong's:
H646
Word #:
9 of 17
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
מִלְמַ֙טָּה֙
underneath
H4295
מִלְמַ֙טָּה֙
underneath
Strong's:
H4295
Word #:
10 of 17
downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes
מִמּ֣וּל
toward
H4136
מִמּ֣וּל
toward
Strong's:
H4136
Word #:
11 of 17
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 #:
12 of 17
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
of it over against
H5980
לְעֻמַּ֖ת
of it over against
Strong's:
H5980
Word #:
13 of 17
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 #:
14 of 17
a junction, i.e., seam or sewed piece
מִמַּ֕עַל
thereof above
H4605
מִמַּ֕עַל
thereof above
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
15 of 17
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
Historical Context
The rings' position 'underneath' meant they connected on the ephod's underside, invisible to observers but essential for function. This hidden engineering ensured the breastplate remained properly positioned even during the high priest's vigorous sacrificial activities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your multi-faceted union with Christ (justification, adoption, sealing) provide layered security?
- What does God's precision in alignment ('over against') teach about His ordered, purposeful design for the church?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Two more golden rings on the ephod's lower front, 'underneath' and 'over against the other coupling,' created attachment points for the breastplate's lower rings. The phrase 'over against' (לְעֻמַּת, le-umat, corresponding to) indicates precise alignment—divine design tolerates no sloppiness. The 'coupling' (מַחְבַּרְתּוֹ, machbarto, joining) reference shows how multiple connection points create secure unity. This multi-point attachment system prefigures believers' multi-faceted union with Christ—justified, adopted, sanctified, sealed—secured through numerous covenant bonds, not a single fragile thread.