What number verse is Exodus 39:15 in the Bible?

Exodus 39:15 is the 2,680th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 39:15 sits at position 2,680.

Translation

King James Version

And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends, of wreathen work of pure gold.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And they made ^H6213 upon the breastplate ^H2833 chains ^H8333 at the ends ^H1383, of wreathen ^H5688 work ^H4639 of pure ^H2889 gold ^H2091.

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Complete Jewish Bible

On the breastplate they made two pure gold chains, twisted like cords.

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Berean Standard Bible

For the breastpiece they made braided chains like cords of pure gold.

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American Standard Version

And they made upon the breastplate chains like cords, of wreathen work of pure gold.

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World English Bible Messianic

They made on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

After, they made vpon the brest plate cheines at the endes, of wrethen worke and pure golde.

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Young's Literal Translation

And they make on the breastplate wreathed chains, work of thick bands, of pure gold;

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 39:15 meticulously details the craftsmanship of the high priest's breastplate, specifically focusing on the intricate chains made of pure, wreathen gold. This verse highlights the divine imperative for precision, excellence, and unblemished quality in all elements of the Tabernacle and priestly service, underscoring the sacredness and symbolic integrity required for approaching a holy God. It serves as a testament to the faithful and divinely enabled execution of God's exact specifications by the Israelite craftsmen, ensuring the proper function and profound theological significance of this vital priestly garment.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Exodus 39:15 is situated within the latter half of the book of Exodus, specifically in the detailed account of the Tabernacle's construction and the priestly garments (chapters 36-39). This section serves as the direct fulfillment and faithful execution of the divine commands given earlier on Mount Sinai, particularly those found in Exodus 28 concerning the high priest's attire. The preceding verses in Exodus 39 describe the making of the ephod and the breastplate itself, including the setting of the precious stones. The subsequent verses detail the final attachment of the breastplate to the ephod and the completion of all priestly vestments, culminating in Moses' inspection and blessing in Exodus 39:43. The meticulous repetition of instructions—first commanded, then executed—emphasizes God's absolute precision, the importance of obedience, and the faithfulness of the Israelite community in constructing every component according to the heavenly pattern.
Historical & Cultural Context: At this pivotal moment in Israel's history, the nation had recently been liberated from Egyptian bondage and entered into a profound covenant relationship with Yahweh at Mount Sinai. The construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, including the priestly garments, was central to establishing a tangible dwelling place for God among His people and defining the divinely ordained means by which they could approach Him. While the use of precious materials like pure gold, fine linen, and skilled craftsmanship was common in ancient Near Eastern temples and royal regalia, signifying immense value and sacredness, Israel's worship was distinct. Unlike pagan practices, Israel's monotheistic worship was strictly governed by divine revelation, with every detail serving a specific theological purpose rather than mere aesthetic display or idolatry. The high priest, bearing the breastplate with the names of the twelve tribes, acted as the representative of the entire nation before God, making the integrity, security, and symbolic purity of his garments paramount for their intercession and the nation's spiritual well-being.
Key Themes: This verse contributes to several overarching themes found throughout Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Specificity and Holiness, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail and His demand for absolute purity and excellence in all matters pertaining to His worship and presence. The emphasis on "pure gold" and "wreathen work" highlights the sacredness of the Tabernacle and its service, reflecting the unblemished character of God Himself (Leviticus 19:2). Secondly, it exemplifies Human Obedience and Divine Enablement. The detailed execution of the commands, as seen in this chapter, showcases the Israelites' faithful response to God's instructions, made possible by the divine gifting of craftsmen like Bezaleel and Oholiab (Exodus 31:1-6). Finally, the functional purpose of the chains—securing the breastplate—contributes to the theme of Representation and Intercession, illustrating the high priest's role in bearing the names of the tribes before the Lord, a secure and enduring connection between God and His people (Exodus 28:29).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Wreathen (Hebrew, ʻăbôth', H5688): This word describes something "intwined," "twisted," or "braided." It refers to a string, wreath, or cord. In the context of "wreathen work" (which includes H4639 maʻăseh, meaning "work" or "product"), it denotes an intricate and highly skilled form of craftsmanship where strands of gold were meticulously twisted or plaited together to form chains. This detail emphasizes the divine expectation for excellence, artistry, and beauty in all things dedicated to God's service, reflecting the glory and perfection of the One being served.
Pure (Hebrew, ṭâhôwr', H2889): This adjective means "pure" in a physical, chemical, ceremonial, or moral sense. Its application to gold signifies an unblemished, unalloyed quality. In biblical symbolism, purity is intrinsically linked to holiness and separation unto God. The requirement for pure gold underscores the absolute holiness required in God's presence and the unblemished character of the high priest's mediatorial role. It reflects the unadulterated truth and holiness of God Himself, allowing no compromise or imperfection in His sacred dwelling or service.
Gold (Hebrew, zâhâb', H2091): This noun refers to the precious metal, gold. Figuratively, it can also refer to something gold-colored. In the context of the Tabernacle and priestly garments, gold consistently symbolizes divinity, glory, royalty, and immense value. Its incorruptible nature speaks to the enduring quality of God's covenant and promises. The use of "pure gold" for these chains, along with other Tabernacle elements, communicates the preciousness and divine origin of the sacred service and the unquantifiable worth of God's presence among His people.

Verse Breakdown

"And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends,": This clause specifies the precise location and initial purpose of the chains. They were crafted and affixed "upon the breastplate," indicating their direct connection to this central and most significant piece of the high priest's attire. The phrase "at the ends" refers to the upper corners or extremities of the breastplate, where these chains would be attached to gold rings. This highlights the functional necessity of these chains in securely connecting the breastplate to the ephod, ensuring it remained properly positioned over the high priest's heart, bearing the names of the tribes before the Lord.
"[of] wreathen work": This phrase describes the specific, intricate method of construction employed for these chains. As elaborated in the key word analysis, "wreathen work" indicates that the chains were not simply fashioned from basic links but were intricately twisted or braided from strands of gold. This detail underscores the exceptional skill and artistry employed by the craftsmen, particularly Bezaleel and Oholiab, who were divinely gifted for this precise and beautiful work. It speaks to the meticulous attention to detail and the high standard of craftsmanship required in all aspects of worship and service to God.
"[of] pure gold.": This final phrase specifies the material used for these intricately crafted chains. The consistent use of "pure gold" throughout the Tabernacle's construction reinforces the overarching theme of holiness, value, and divine glory. It signifies that only the finest, unblemished, and unalloyed material was acceptable for sacred use, reflecting the perfection and purity of God Himself. The choice of material also speaks to the enduring nature of God's covenant and the preciousness of the high priest's intercessory role, emphasizing that God's dwelling place and the means of approaching Him must be of the highest, uncorrupted quality.

Literary Devices

The passage employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Repetition is a dominant feature, as the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its components, including the priestly garments, are first given by God (e.g., Exodus 28) and then meticulously recounted as they are executed (e.g., Exodus 39). This repetition serves to emphasize divine precision, the paramount importance of obedience, and the faithfulness of the Israelite craftsmen in fulfilling God's commands. Symbolism is also central to the text, with "pure gold" representing divinity, glory, and holiness, while the "wreathen work" symbolizes the intricate, divinely-inspired craftsmanship and the excellence required in God's service. The breastplate itself, secured by these chains, is a powerful symbol of the high priest bearing the tribes of Israel before God's presence, signifying representation and intercession. The detailed description of even seemingly minor components like chains highlights the concept of holistic design, where every part, no matter how small, contributes to the overall sacred purpose and integrity of the Tabernacle and its worship, reflecting God's comprehensive and perfect plan.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Exodus 39:15, though describing a minute detail of the priestly garments, resonates with profound theological themes. It underscores God's meticulous nature and His demand for absolute precision and excellence in all matters pertaining to His worship. The use of "pure gold" for the "wreathen work" chains signifies the inherent holiness and perfection required in approaching a holy God. This passage also highlights the principle of divine enablement, as the craftsmen like Bezaleel and Oholiab were specifically gifted by the Spirit for such intricate work, demonstrating that God equips those He calls to serve Him with the necessary skills and wisdom. Furthermore, the functional role of the chains—securing the breastplate—symbolizes the secure and unbreakable connection between God and His people, represented by the high priest bearing their names before the divine presence. This secure attachment speaks to the reliability of God's covenant and His unwavering commitment to His people, even in their imperfection.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The intricate details of Exodus 39:15 invite us to consider the profound implications of God's character and our response to Him. Just as God meticulously designed every element of the Tabernacle and priestly garments, down to the "wreathen work" of the chains, He also cares deeply about the details of our lives and our service. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficiality in our faith, encouraging us to offer God our very best, not just in grand gestures but in the seemingly small, "wreathen" details of our obedience and devotion. The "pure gold" reminds us that our worship and service should be unadulterated, free from compromise, and offered with a heart of genuine holiness and integrity. It also speaks to the interconnectedness of our spiritual lives – just as the chains secured the breastplate to the ephod, our various acts of faith, worship, and service are meant to be securely connected, forming a cohesive and purposeful life dedicated to God. This passage encourages us to pursue excellence in all we do, knowing that our ultimate audience is the perfect and holy God, who sees and values every detail.

Questions for Reflection

In what areas of my life or service do I tend to overlook "small" details, and how might this passage encourage greater precision and excellence in my daily walk with God?
What does "pure gold" service look like in my daily life, and how can I ensure my motives and actions are unadulterated and offered with integrity before God?
How do the various aspects of my faith and spiritual disciplines connect and work together, much like the breastplate and ephod were securely joined by chains, to form a cohesive life of worship?

FAQ

What was the purpose of the chains mentioned in Exodus 39:15?

Answer: The chains described in Exodus 39:15 were essential for securely attaching the breastplate to the ephod, which was the high priest's primary outer garment. Specifically, these chains, made of pure gold, were fastened to gold rings on the upper corners of the breastplate and then connected to the shoulder pieces of the ephod. This ensured the breastplate remained firmly in place over the high priest's heart. This secure attachment was crucial because the breastplate bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the high priest's role in bearing the people before God in intercession. The stability also ensured that the Urim and Thummim, contained within the breastplate, could be properly utilized for divine revelation, as instructed in Exodus 28:30.

Why was "pure gold" specified for these chains and other Tabernacle items?

Answer: The consistent use of "pure gold" for the chains and many other components of the Tabernacle and priestly garments (e.g., the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:11 and the menorah in Exodus 25:31) was highly symbolic. Gold, being a precious, incorruptible, and lustrous metal, represented divinity, glory, holiness, and purity. Its unblemished nature underscored the absolute perfection and holiness of God, and the sacredness required in His presence. It also symbolized the immense value God placed on His dwelling place and the worship offered there, indicating that only the very best was suitable for His service. Furthermore, the purity of the material reflected the unadulterated truth and spiritual integrity that God demanded from His people and their mediators, emphasizing that God's presence is holy and requires a holy approach.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Exodus 39:15, with its focus on the intricate, pure gold chains securing the high priest's breastplate, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament high priest, bearing the names of Israel on his heart and serving as a mediator, foreshadowed Christ, our perfect Great High Priest. Just as the chains ensured the breastplate was securely fastened and always before the Lord, Christ perfectly and eternally secures His people to God. He is the ultimate "wreathen work" of divine craftsmanship, meticulously woven into the fabric of human history through the incarnation (John 1:14), yet entirely "pure gold"—sinless, divine, and unblemished, truly the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12), Jesus bears His people, His new Israel, not merely on a breastplate, but eternally on His heart before the Father. The secure attachment of the breastplate to the ephod, enabling the high priest to minister, points to Christ's seamless union of humanity and divinity, allowing Him to perfectly mediate between God and humanity. His work is of ultimate purity and enduring value, establishing a new covenant where we have bold access to the throne of grace through Him, our perfect and eternal High Priest, who ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25).

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Commentary on Exodus 39 verses 1–31

1 ¶ And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.

2 And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

3 And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, with cunning work.

4 They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together.

5 And the curious girdle of his ephod, that was upon it, was of the same, according to the work thereof; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; as the LORD commanded Moses.

6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.

7 And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.

8 And he made the breastplate of cunning work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

9 It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.

10 And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row.

11 And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

12 And the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.

13 And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

14 And the stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, every one with his name, according to the twelve tribes.

15 And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends, of wreathen work of pure gold.

16 And they made two ouches of gold, and two gold rings; and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate.

17 And they put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate.

18 And the two ends of the two wreathen chains they fastened in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod, before it.

19 And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, upon the border of it, which was on the side of the ephod inward.

20 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.

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.

22 And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.

23 And there was an hole in the midst of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, with a band round about the hole, that it should not rend.

24 And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen.

25 And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates;

26 A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the LORD commanded Moses.

27 And they made coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,

28 And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,

29 And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.

30 And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

31 And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.

In this account of the making of the priests' garments, according to the instructions given (ch. 28), we may observe, 1. That the priests' garments are called here clothes of service, Exo 39:1. Note, Those that wear robes of honour must look upon them as clothes of service; for from those upon whom honour is put service is expected. It is said of those that are arrayed in white robes that they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple, Rev 7:13, Rev 7:15. Holy garments were not made for men to sleep in, or to strut in, but to do service in; and then they are indeed for glory and beauty. The Son of man himself came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. 2. That all the six paragraphs here, which give a distinct account of the making of these holy garments, conclude with those words, as the Lord commanded Moses, Exo 39:5, Exo 39:7, Exo 39:21, Exo 39:26, Exo 39:29, Exo 39:31. The like is not in any of the foregoing accounts, as if in these, more than any other of the appurtenances of the tabernacle, they had a particular regard to the divine appointment, both for warrant and for direction. It is an intimation to all the Lord's ministers to make the word of God their rule in all their ministrations, and to act in observance of and obedience to the command of God. 3. That these garments, in conformity to the rest of the furniture of the tabernacle, were very rich and splendid; the church in its infancy was thus taught, thus pleased, with the rudiments of this world; but now under the gospel, which is the ministration of the Spirit, to affect and impose such pompous habits as the church of Rome does, under pretence of decency and instruction, is to betray the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and to entangle the church again in the bondage of those carnal ordinances which were imposed only till the time of reformation. 4. That they were all shadows of good things to come, but the substance is Christ, and the grace of the gospel; when therefore the substance has come, it is a jest to be fond of the shadow. (1.) Christ is our great high-priest; when he undertook the work of our redemption, he put on the clothes of service - he arrayed himself with the gifts and graces of the Spirit, which he received not by measure - girded himself with the curious girdle of resolution, to go through with his undertaking - charged himself with the curious girdle of resolution, to go through with his undertaking - charged himself with all God's spiritual Israel, bore them on his shoulders, carried them in his bosom, laid them near his heart, engraved them on the palms of his hands, and presented them in the breast-plate of judgment unto his Father. And (lastly) he crowned himself with holiness to the Lord, consecrating his whole undertaking to the honour of his Father's holiness: now consider how great this man is. (2.) True believers are spiritual priests. The clean linen with which all their clothes of service must be made is the righteousness of saints (Rev 19:8), and Holiness to the Lord must be so written upon their foreheads that all who converse with them may see, and say, that they bear the image of God's holiness, and are devoted to the praise of it.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–31. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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Cross-References

John 10:28
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Song of Solomon 1:10
Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.
Exodus 28:14
And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches.
2 Chronicles 3:5
And the greater house he cieled with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set thereon palm trees and chains.
John 17:12
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
1 Peter 1:5
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Jude 1:1
¶ Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: