Exodus 39:21

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Then they bound the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the vest with a blue cord, so that it could be on the vest's decorated belt, and so that the breastplate would not swing loose from the vest -as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

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.

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.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And they did bind^{H7405} the breastplate^{H2833} by his rings^{H2885} unto the rings^{H2885} of the ephod^{H646} with a lace^{H6616} of blue^{H8504}, that it might be above the curious girdle^{H2805} of the ephod^{H646}, and that the breastplate^{H2833} might not be loosed^{H2118} from the ephod^{H646}; as the LORD^{H3068} commanded^{H6680} Moses^{H4872}.

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Commentary for Exodus 39:21

1. **Themes:**
- **Divine Instruction:** The verse emphasizes that the construction of the priestly garments, including the breastplate and ephod, is done in strict accordance with God's commandments to Moses, highlighting the importance of obedience and precision in worship.
- **Ceremonial Purity and Order:** The careful binding of the breastplate to the ephod with a blue lace symbolizes the need for order and purity in the worship practices of the Israelites, with the color blue possibly representing heavenly authority or divine presence.
- **Unity of Worship Elements:** The connection between the breastplate and the ephod signifies the unity of the various elements of worship, each playing a role in the priestly duties and the approach to God.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **Setting:** The book of Exodus describes the events following the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, including their journey to the Promised Land. This period is marked by the establishment of the Mosaic Law and the institution of religious practices and structures.
- **Construction of the Tabernacle:** Exodus 39 is part of the detailed instructions and descriptions regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that served as God's dwelling place among the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness.
- **Priestly Garments:** The verse is part of a larger section detailing the making of the special garments for Aaron and his sons, who were to serve as priests. These garments were not only functional but also symbolic, representing the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people.
- **Cultic Worship:** The precise manner in which the breastplate was to be attached to the ephod reflects the meticulous nature of the cultic worship practices of ancient Israel, which were designed to honor God and maintain the sanctity of the priesthood.

In summary, Exodus 39:21 underscores the themes of divine instruction, ceremonial purity, and the unity of worship, set against the backdrop of the construction of the Tabernacle and the establishment of priestly roles and rituals in the nascent nation of Israel.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7405
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָכַס
   Transliteration: râkaç
   Pronunciation: raw-kas'
   Description: a primitive root; to tie; bind.
   
2. Strong's Number: H2833
   There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חֹשֶׁן
   Transliteration: chôshen
   Pronunciation: kho'-shen
   Description: from an unused root probably meaning to contain or sparkle; perhaps a pocket (as holding the Urim and Thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest; breastplate.
   
3. Strong's Number: H2885
   There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: טַבַּעַת
   Transliteration: ṭabbaʻath
   Pronunciation: tab-bah'-ath
   Description: from טָבַע; properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e. signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind; ring.
   
4. Strong's Number: H646
   There are 158 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֵפוֹד
   Transliteration: ʼêphôwd
   Pronunciation: ay-fode'
   Description: rarely אֵפֹד; probably of foreign derivation; a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image; ephod.
   
5. Strong's Number: H6616
   There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּתִיל
   Transliteration: pâthîyl
   Pronunciation: paw-theel'
   Description: from פָּתַל; twine; bound, bracelet, lace, line, ribband, thread, wire.
   
6. Strong's Number: H8504
   There are 49 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: תְּכֵלֶת
   Transliteration: tᵉkêleth
   Pronunciation: tek-ay'-leth
   Description: probably for שְׁחֶלֶת; the cerulean mussel, i.e. the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith; blue.
   
7. Strong's Number: H2805
   There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חֵשֶׁב
   Transliteration: chêsheb
   Pronunciation: khay'-sheb
   Description: from חָשַׁב; a belt or strap (as being interlaced); curious girdle.
   
8. Strong's Number: H2118
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: זָחַח
   Transliteration: zâchach
   Pronunciation: zaw-khakh'
   Description: a primitive root; to shove or displace; loose.
   
9. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
10. Strong's Number: H6680
    There are 475 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: צָוָה
    Transliteration: tsâvâh
    Pronunciation: tsaw-vaw'
    Description: a primitive root; (intensively) to constitute, enjoin; appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order.
    
11. Strong's Number: H4872
    There are 704 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מֹשֶׁה
    Transliteration: Môsheh
    Pronunciation: mo-sheh'
    Description: from מָשָׁה; drawing out (of the water), i.e. rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver; Moses.