Exodus 39:21

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּרְכְּס֣וּ
And they did bind
to tie
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַחֹ֔שֶׁן
and that the breastplate
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
#4
טַבְּעֹ֨ת
by his rings
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
טַבְּעֹ֨ת
by his rings
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
#7
הָֽאֵפֹ֑ד
from the ephod
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
#8
בִּפְתִ֣יל
with a lace
twine
#9
תְּכֵ֗לֶת
of blue
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
#10
לִֽהְיֹת֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
חֵ֣שֶׁב
that it might be above the curious girdle
a belt or strap (as being interlaced)
#13
הָֽאֵפֹ֑ד
from the ephod
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
#14
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
יִזַּ֣ח
might not be loosed
to shove or displace
#16
הַחֹ֔שֶׁן
and that the breastplate
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
#17
מֵעַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
הָֽאֵפֹ֑ד
from the ephod
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
#19
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#20
צִוָּ֥ה
commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#21
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#22
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#23
מֹשֶֽׁה׃
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources