Exodus 39:20
Exodus 39:20 in Multiple Translations
They made two additional gold rings and attached them to the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on its front, near the seam just above its woven waistband.
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.
And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod underneath, in the forepart thereof, close by the coupling thereof, above the skilfully woven band of the ephod.
And two other gold rings were put on the front of the ephod, over the arm-holes, at the join, and over the worked band.
They made two more gold rings and attached them to the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the front side of the ephod, near where it joins its woven waistband.
They made also two other golden rings, and put them on the two sides of the Ephod, beneath on the foreside of it, and ouer against his coupling aboue the broydered garde of the Ephod.
and they make two rings of gold, and put them on the two shoulders of the ephod below, over-against its front, over-against its joining, above the girdle of the ephod;
They made two more rings of gold, and put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, in its front, close by its coupling, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod.
And they made two other golden rings, and put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, towards the forepart of it, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod:
They made also the tunick of the ephod all of violet,
They made two more gold rings and attached them to the lower part of the front of the shoulder straps, near to where the shoulder straps were joined to the sacred apron, just above the carefully-woven sash/waistband.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 39:20
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 39:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יַּעֲשׂוּ֮
שְׁתֵּ֣י
טַבְּעֹ֣ת
זָהָב֒
וַֽ/יִּתְּנֻ֡/ם
עַל
שְׁתֵּי֩
כִתְפֹ֨ת
הָ/אֵפֹ֤ד
מִ/לְ/מַ֨טָּה֙
מִ/מּ֣וּל
פָּנָ֔י/ו
לְ/עֻמַּ֖ת
מֶחְבַּרְתּ֑/וֹ
מִ/מַּ֕עַל
לְ/חֵ֖שֶׁב
הָ/אֵפֹֽד
וַֽ/יַּעֲשׂוּ֮
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שְׁתֵּ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
טַבְּעֹ֣ת
ṭabbaʻath
H2885
ring
N-fp
זָהָב֒
zâhâb
H2091
gold
N-ms
וַֽ/יִּתְּנֻ֡/ם
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׁתֵּי֩
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
כִתְפֹ֨ת
kâthêph
H3802
shoulder
N-fp
הָ/אֵפֹ֤ד
ʼêphôwd
H646
ephod
Art | N-ms
מִ/לְ/מַ֨טָּה֙
maṭṭâh
H4295
beneath
Prep | Prep | Adv
מִ/מּ֣וּל
mûwl
H4136
opposite
Prep | Prep
פָּנָ֔י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
לְ/עֻמַּ֖ת
ʻummâh
H5980
close
Prep | N-fs
מֶחְבַּרְתּ֑/וֹ
machbereth
H4225
joining
N-fs | Suff
מִ/מַּ֕עַל
maʻal
H4605
above
Prep | Adv
לְ/חֵ֖שֶׁב
chêsheb
H2805
artwork
Prep | N-ms
הָ/אֵפֹֽד
ʼêphôwd
H646
ephod
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 39:20
וַֽ/יַּעֲשׂוּ֮
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
שְׁתֵּ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
טַבְּעֹ֣ת
ṭabbaʻath
H2885
"ring"
N-fp
A ring or signet is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be a symbol of authority or an ornament. It is used to describe a ring that is sunk into wax to seal something, and is often translated as ring or signet in the KJV. This word appears in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) ring, signet, signet ring 1a) signet ring (as symbol of authority) 1b) ring (as ornament)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: ring. See also: Genesis 41:42; Exodus 37:3; Isaiah 3:21.
זָהָב֒
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
וַֽ/יִּתְּנֻ֡/ם
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׁתֵּי֩
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
כִתְפֹ֨ת
kâthêph
H3802
"shoulder"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for shoulder describes the upper end of the arm, where garments hang, and is used in Exodus 28:7 to describe the shoulder pieces of the ephod.
Definition: 1) shoulder, shoulder-blade, side, slope 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade (of man) 1b) shoulder, shoulder-pieces (of animals) 1c) side, slope (of mountain) 1d) supports (of laver)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter. See also: Exodus 27:14; 2 Kings 11:11; Isaiah 11:14.
הָ/אֵפֹ֤ד
ʼêphôwd
H646
"ephod"
Art | N-ms
The ephod was a special vest worn by priests in the Bible, including the high priest, made with gold, blue, and purple threads. It was a symbol of their role and had shoulder pieces and a breastpiece with gems. In Exodus 28:6, God instructs Moses on how to make the ephod.
Definition: 1) ephod 1a) priestly garment, shoulder-cape or mantle, outer garment 1a1) worn by an ordinary priest and made of white stuff 1a2) worn by the high priest-more costly, woven of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen threads provided with shoulder-pieces and a breast piece of like material, ornamented with gems and gold
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: ephod. See also: Exodus 25:7; Exodus 39:21; Hosea 3:4.
מִ/לְ/מַ֨טָּה֙
maṭṭâh
H4295
"beneath"
Prep | Prep | Adv
This Hebrew word means something is located downward or below something else, often used to describe physical location or position. It appears in various forms, such as beneath or under. In the Bible, it is used to describe something as very low or under something else.
Definition: 1) downwards, below 1a) downwards 1b) under (of age) 1c) beneath
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: beneath, down(-ward), less, very low, under(-neath). See also: Exodus 26:24; 1 Chronicles 27:23; Proverbs 15:24.
מִ/מּ֣וּל
mûwl
H4136
"opposite"
Prep | Prep
This word means opposite or in front of, often used to describe location or direction. In Exodus 14:2, the Israelites camped in front of Pi-ha-hiroth, facing the sea. It provides a sense of spatial awareness and orientation in biblical contexts.
Definition: 1) front 1a) front 1b) in the opposite direction prep 2) in front of 2a) in front of 2b) (with prefix) 2b1) towards the front of, to the front of, on the front of 2b2) from the front of, off the front of, close in front of, on the forefront of
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, before, (fore-) front, from, (God-) ward, toward, with. See also: Exodus 18:19; Deuteronomy 11:30; Micah 2:8.
פָּנָ֔י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
לְ/עֻמַּ֖ת
ʻummâh
H5980
"close"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means to be close to something or someone, often describing a sense of proximity or nearness. It can also imply agreement or correspondence, as in being in harmony with someone or something. The word is used in various biblical contexts to describe relationships.
Definition: 1) juxtaposition 1a) used only as a prep 1a1) close by, side by side with, alongside of, parallel with 1a2) agreeing with, corresponding to, exactly as, close beside 1a3) correspondingly to
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, at, beside, hard by, in points. See also: Exodus 25:27; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Ezekiel 48:21.
מֶחְבַּרְתּ֑/וֹ
machbereth
H4225
"joining"
N-fs | Suff
This word describes a seam or joint where two things are joined together. In Exodus 28:7, it refers to the seams in the high priest's robe, which had to be carefully sewn. It can also mean a place where things are connected.
Definition: 1) thing joined, joint, seam, place of joining 1a) thing joined 1b) place of joining
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: coupling. See also: Exodus 26:4; Exodus 36:11; Exodus 39:20.
מִ/מַּ֕עַל
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Prep | Adv
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
לְ/חֵ֖שֶׁב
chêsheb
H2805
"artwork"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a decorative belt or strap, often used to describe the intricate design of the ephod, a priestly garment, in Exodus.
Definition: 1) girdle, band, ingenious work 1a) ingenious work-the name of the girdle or band of the ephod
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: curious girdle. See also: Exodus 28:8; Exodus 39:5; Leviticus 8:7.
הָ/אֵפֹֽד
ʼêphôwd
H646
"ephod"
Art | N-ms
The ephod was a special vest worn by priests in the Bible, including the high priest, made with gold, blue, and purple threads. It was a symbol of their role and had shoulder pieces and a breastpiece with gems. In Exodus 28:6, God instructs Moses on how to make the ephod.
Definition: 1) ephod 1a) priestly garment, shoulder-cape or mantle, outer garment 1a1) worn by an ordinary priest and made of white stuff 1a2) worn by the high priest-more costly, woven of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen threads provided with shoulder-pieces and a breast piece of like material, ornamented with gems and gold
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: ephod. See also: Exodus 25:7; Exodus 39:21; Hosea 3:4.
Study Notes — Exodus 39:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Breastpiece
18and they fastened the other ends of the two chains to the two filigree settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front.
19They made two more gold rings and attached them to the other two corners of the breastpiece, on the inside edge next to the ephod.
20They made two additional gold rings and attached them to the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on its front, near the seam just above its woven waistband.
21Then they tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece was above the waistband of the ephod and would not swing out from the ephod, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 22They made the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, the work of a weaver,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 26:3 | Five of the curtains are to be joined together, and the other five joined as well. |
Exodus 39:20 Summary
[This verse describes how the priestly garments were carefully crafted to ensure the breastpiece was securely attached to the ephod, symbolizing the connection between the priest's heart and his role as a mediator. The gold rings and the woven waistband represent the attention to detail and precision that went into creating these garments, as seen in Exodus 28:29. The priest's garments were designed to facilitate his ability to approach God on behalf of the people, as described in Leviticus 16:1-34. By examining the details of the priestly garments, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's character and expectations for His people.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the gold rings in Exodus 39:20?
The gold rings in Exodus 39:20 were used to attach the breastpiece to the ephod, symbolizing the connection between the priest's heart and his role as a mediator between God and the people, as seen in Exodus 28:29 where the breastpiece is described as carrying the names of the sons of Israel over Aaron's heart.
Why were the rings attached to the bottom of the shoulder pieces of the ephod?
The rings were attached to the bottom of the shoulder pieces to secure the breastpiece in place, ensuring it would not swing out from the ephod, as commanded by the Lord in Exodus 39:21, and to maintain the dignity and order of the priest's garments.
What is the meaning of the seam and the woven waistband in this verse?
The seam and the woven waistband refer to the craftsmanship and detail that went into creating the ephod, highlighting the importance of precision and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Exodus 35:30-35 where the skills of Bezalel and Oholiab are described.
How does this verse relate to the overall purpose of the priestly garments?
This verse contributes to the overall purpose of the priestly garments, which is to symbolize the priest's role as a mediator and to facilitate the priest's ability to approach God on behalf of the people, as described in Exodus 28:2-5 and Leviticus 16:1-34.
Reflection Questions
- What does the attention to detail in the creation of the priestly garments reveal about God's character and expectations for His people?
- How can I apply the principle of precision and obedience to God's commands in my own life and spiritual journey?
- What does the connection between the breastpiece and the ephod symbolize in my relationship with God, and how can I nurture that connection?
- In what ways can I reflect the beauty and order of God's creation in my own life and worship?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 39:20
[See comments on Exodus 39:2].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 39:20
They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 39:20
XXXIX. THE MAKING OF THE HOLY .(1-31) This section corresponds to Exodus 28:5-40, but does not follow exactly the same order. Exodus 39:2-7 correspond to Exodus 39:5-12 of Exodus 28; Exodus 39:8-21 to Exodus 39:13-28; Exodus 39:22-26 to Exodus 39:31-35; but after this a dislocation occurs. Exodus 39:27-29 correspond to Exodus 39:39-42 of Exodus 28, and Exodus 39:30-31 to Exodus 39:36-38. It is not clear why any change was made. The order observed in Exodus 28 seems preferable.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 39:20
THE HOLY OF THE PRIESTS, Exodus 39:1-31 See notes on Exodus 28. ALL BROUGHT TO MOSES AND , Exodus 39:32-43.