Exodus 39:21
New International Version
They tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband so that the breastpiece would not swing out from the ephod—as the LORD commanded Moses.

New Living Translation
They attached the bottom rings of the chestpiece to the rings on the ephod with blue cords. In this way, the chestpiece was held securely to the ephod above the decorative sash. All this was done just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

English Standard Version
And they bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, so that it should lie on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastpiece should not come loose from the ephod, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Berean Standard Bible
Then 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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And they bound the breastplate by means of its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, so that it would be above the intricately woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate would not come loose from the ephod, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

New American Standard Bible
And they bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a violet cord, so that it would be on the woven band of the ephod, and that the breastpiece would not come loose from the ephod, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

NASB 1995
They bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, so that it would be on the woven band of the ephod, and that the breastpiece would not come loose from the ephod, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

NASB 1977
And they bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, that it might be on the woven band of the ephod, and that the breastpiece might not come loose from the ephod, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Legacy Standard Bible
They bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, so that it would be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastpiece would not come loose from the ephod, just as Yahweh had commanded Moses.

Amplified Bible
They bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, so that it would lie on the woven sash of the ephod, and so that the breastpiece would not come loose from the ephod, just as the LORD commanded Moses.

Christian Standard Bible
Then they tied the breastpiece from its rings to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece was above the ephod’s waistband and did not come loose from the ephod. They did just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then they tied the breastpiece from its rings to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece was above the ephod’s waistband and did not come loose from the ephod. They did just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

American Standard Version
And they did bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be upon the skilfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Contemporary English Version
To keep the breastpiece in place, a blue cord was used to tie the two lower rings on the breastpiece to those on the vest. These things were done exactly as the LORD had commanded Moses.

English Revised Version
And they did bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be upon the cunningly woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then they fastened the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a violet cord. So the breastplate was attached just above the belt of the ephod and was held in place. They followed the LORD's instructions to Moses.

Good News Translation
Just as the LORD had commanded Moses, they tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, so that the breastpiece rested above the belt and did not come loose.

International Standard Version
They tied the breast piece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord so it would rest on the skillfully woven band of the ephod and so the breast piece would not come loose from the ephod.

Majority Standard Bible
Then 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.

NET Bible
They tied the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod by blue cord, so that it was above the waistband of the ephod, so that the breastpiece would not be loose from the ephod, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

New Heart English Bible
They bound the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not come loose from the ephod, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they bound the breast-plate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breast-plate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

World English Bible
They bound the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not come loose from the ephod, as Yahweh commanded Moses.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod, with a ribbon of blue, to be above the girdle of the ephod, and the breastplate is not loosed from off the ephod, as YHWH has commanded Moses.

Young's Literal Translation
and they bind the breastplate by its rings unto the rings of the ephod, with a ribbon of blue, to be above the girdle of the ephod, and the breastplate is not loosed from off the ephod, as Jehovah hath commanded Moses.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will bind on the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod, by a thread of cerulean purple, to be upon the girdle of the ephod, and the breast-plate shall not be moved from the ephod; as Jehovah commanded Moses.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And a hole for the head in the upper part at the middle, and a woven border round about the hole:

Catholic Public Domain Version
with the head in the upper part at the middle, and a woven edge all around the head.

New American Bible
Violet ribbons bound the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod, so that the breastpiece stayed right above the embroidered belt of the ephod and did not swing loose from it. All this was just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

New Revised Standard Version
They bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, so that it should lie on the decorated band of the ephod, and that the breastpiece should not come loose from the ephod; as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they did bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue, that it might be above the embroidered girdle of the ephod and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they joined the breastplate from its rings to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue fringes to be over the girdle of the ephod, without removing the breastplate from the upper part of the ephod, as LORD JEHOVAH commanded Moshe.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they did bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a thread of blue, that it might be upon the skilfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he fastened the oracle by the rings that were on it to the rings of the ephod, which were fastened with a string of blue, joined together with the woven work of the ephod; that the oracle should not be loosed from the ephod, as the Lord commanded Moses.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Breastpiece
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.

Cross References
Exodus 28:28
The rings of the breastpiece shall be tied to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece is above the waistband of the ephod and does not swing out from the ephod.

Leviticus 8:7-8
He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. / Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece.

Numbers 4:6
They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles.

Hebrews 9:4
containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.

Exodus 25:7
and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.

Exodus 28:6-14
They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. / It shall have two shoulder pieces attached at two of its corners, so it can be fastened. / And the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod must be of one piece, of the same workmanship—with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. ...

Exodus 28:15-30
You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. / It must be square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide. / And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; ...

Exodus 28:36-38
You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. / Fasten to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. / And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD.

Exodus 35:9
and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.

Exodus 35:27
The leaders brought onyx stones and gemstones to mount on the ephod and breastpiece,

Exodus 39:6-7
They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel. / Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Leviticus 16:4
He is to wear the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments. He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments, and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them.

Numbers 3:31
Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items.

Numbers 7:89
When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony. Thus the LORD spoke to him.

1 Kings 7:14
He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Huram had great skill, understanding, and knowledge for every kind of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and carried out all his work.


Treasury of Scripture

And they did bind the breastplate by his rings to 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.

as the Lord

Matthew 16:24
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

1 Corinthians 1:25,27
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men…

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Bag Band Bind Blue Bound Breastpiece Breastplate Breast-Plate Commanded Connecting Cord Curious Ephod Fixed Girdle Lace Lie Moses Rings Skillfully Swing Thereof Waistband Woven
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Bag Band Bind Blue Bound Breastpiece Breastplate Breast-Plate Commanded Connecting Cord Curious Ephod Fixed Girdle Lace Lie Moses Rings Skillfully Swing Thereof Waistband Woven
Exodus 39
1. The cloths of service and holy garments.
2. The ephod
8. The breast-plate
22. The robe of the ephod
27. The coats, mitre, and girdle of fine linen
30. The plate of the holy crown
32. All is finished, reviewed, and approved by Moses














Then they fastened
The act of fastening here signifies a deliberate and careful action, ensuring that the breastpiece was securely attached. In Hebrew, the word used for fastening can imply a sense of binding or tying together, which reflects the importance of unity and cohesion in the service of God. This meticulous attention to detail underscores the reverence and obedience required in the worship practices of ancient Israel.

the breastpiece
The breastpiece, also known as the breastplate of judgment, was a central part of the high priest's garments. It held the Urim and Thummim, which were used for divine decision-making. The breastpiece symbolizes the role of the high priest as a mediator between God and the people, carrying the tribes of Israel over his heart as he entered the Holy Place. This highlights the importance of intercession and the priestly duty of bearing the people's concerns before God.

by its rings
The rings served as connectors, ensuring that the breastpiece was securely attached to the ephod. In the ancient Near Eastern context, rings were often used in construction and design for stability and strength. This detail emphasizes the need for a firm and unbreakable connection between the elements of the priestly garments, symbolizing the unyielding bond between God and His people.

to the rings of the ephod
The ephod was a sacred vestment worn by the high priest, and its rings were integral to its function. The connection between the breastpiece and the ephod through these rings signifies the harmony and unity required in the priestly service. The ephod itself represents service and dedication to God, and the rings highlight the interconnectedness of all aspects of worship.

with a blue cord
The blue cord is significant, as blue in the Bible often represents the heavens and divine revelation. The use of a blue cord to fasten the breastpiece to the ephod symbolizes the heavenly origin of the priestly office and the divine authority under which the high priest operated. It serves as a reminder of the heavenly calling and the need for purity and holiness in service to God.

so that the breastpiece was above the waistband of the ephod
The positioning of the breastpiece above the waistband indicates its prominence and importance. It was not merely an accessory but a central element of the high priest's attire. This placement signifies the priority of carrying the people of Israel close to the heart, emphasizing the high priest's role in representing the people before God.

and would not come loose
The security of the breastpiece was crucial, as it needed to remain in place during the high priest's duties. This detail underscores the importance of stability and reliability in the priestly office. Spiritually, it reflects the steadfastness required in one's relationship with God and the unwavering commitment to His commandments.

just as the LORD had commanded Moses
This phrase highlights the obedience to divine instruction. Moses, as the leader of Israel, was responsible for ensuring that all aspects of worship were conducted according to God's precise commands. This obedience is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of following God's will and the blessings that come from adherence to His instructions. It serves as a reminder of the authority of God's word and the need for faithfulness in carrying out His commands.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then they tied
וַיִּרְכְּס֣וּ (way·yir·kə·sū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7405: To bind

the rings
מִטַּבְּעֹתָיו֩ (miṭ·ṭab·bə·‘ō·ṯāw)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2885: A seal, signet, a ring of any kind

of the breastpiece
הַחֹ֡שֶׁן (ha·ḥō·šen)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2833: A pocket, rich, the gorget of the highpriest

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the rings
טַבְּעֹ֨ת (ṭab·bə·‘ōṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 2885: A seal, signet, a ring of any kind

of the ephod
הָאֵפֹ֜ד (hā·’ê·p̄ōḏ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 646: A girdle, the ephod, highpriest's shoulder-piece, an image

with a cord
בִּפְתִ֣יל (bip̄·ṯîl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6616: Cord, thread

of blue yarn,
תְּכֵ֗לֶת (tə·ḵê·leṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8504: The cerulean mussel, the color, obtained therefrom, stuff dyed therewith

so that the breastpiece
הַחֹ֔שֶׁן (ha·ḥō·šen)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2833: A pocket, rich, the gorget of the highpriest

was
לִֽהְיֹת֙ (lih·yōṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

above
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the waistband
חֵ֣שֶׁב (ḥê·šeḇ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2805: Ingenious work

of the ephod
הָאֵפֹ֔ד (hā·’ê·p̄ōḏ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 646: A girdle, the ephod, highpriest's shoulder-piece, an image

and would not
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

come loose
יִזַּ֣ח (yiz·zaḥ)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2118: To remove, displace

from
מֵעַ֖ל (mê·‘al)
Preposition-m
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the ephod,
הָאֵפֹ֑ד (hā·’ê·p̄ōḏ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 646: A girdle, the ephod, highpriest's shoulder-piece, an image

just as
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר (ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

had commanded
צִוָּ֥ה (ṣiw·wāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

Moses.
מֹשֶֽׁה׃ (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver


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OT Law: Exodus 39:21 They bound the breastplate by its rings (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 39:20
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