Exodus 39:21
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.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַחֹ֔שֶׁן
and that the breastplate
H2833
הַחֹ֔שֶׁן
and that the breastplate
Strong's:
H2833
Word #:
3 of 23
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
טַבְּעֹ֨ת
by his rings
H2885
טַבְּעֹ֨ת
by his rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
4 of 23
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
טַבְּעֹ֨ת
by his rings
H2885
טַבְּעֹ֨ת
by his rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
6 of 23
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
הָֽאֵפֹ֑ד
from the ephod
H646
הָֽאֵפֹ֑ד
from the ephod
Strong's:
H646
Word #:
7 of 23
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
תְּכֵ֗לֶת
of blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֗לֶת
of blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
9 of 23
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
לִֽהְיֹת֙
H1961
לִֽהְיֹת֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 23
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 23
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
חֵ֣שֶׁב
that it might be above the curious girdle
H2805
חֵ֣שֶׁב
that it might be above the curious girdle
Strong's:
H2805
Word #:
12 of 23
a belt or strap (as being interlaced)
הָֽאֵפֹ֑ד
from the ephod
H646
הָֽאֵפֹ֑ד
from the ephod
Strong's:
H646
Word #:
13 of 23
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הַחֹ֔שֶׁן
and that the breastplate
H2833
הַחֹ֔שֶׁן
and that the breastplate
Strong's:
H2833
Word #:
16 of 23
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
מֵעַ֖ל
H5921
מֵעַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
17 of 23
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָֽאֵפֹ֑ד
from the ephod
H646
הָֽאֵפֹ֑ד
from the ephod
Strong's:
H646
Word #:
18 of 23
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
19 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
21 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The blue dye (techelet), possibly from the murex snail, was costly and labor-intensive to produce. Its use even in 'hidden' binding cords demonstrates that nothing in worship of YHWH was common or cheap. The blue color consistently symbolized heaven/deity throughout the tabernacle furnishings.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the blue cord's heavenly color securing earthly ministry illustrate grace undergirding obedience?
- What assurance comes from your union with Christ being bound by divine decree, not human effort?
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Analysis & Commentary
Binding the breastplate to the ephod 'with a lace of blue' (פְּתִיל תְּכֵלֶת, petil techelet, blue cord) creates the final connection, ensuring the breastplate remains 'above the curious girdle' and 'might not be loosed from the ephod.' The blue cord signifies heavenly authority securing earthly ministry—divine decree, not human effort, keeps the priest's garments properly ordered. The emphatic 'as the LORD commanded Moses' (8th occurrence in ch 39) underscores obedience. This permanent binding prefigures believers' eternal union with Christ, secured by divine oath (Hebrews 6:17-18), never loosened.