What number verse is Exodus 39:20 in the Bible?

Exodus 39:20 is the 2,685th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 39:20 sits at position 2,685.

39:1939:19

Exodus 39:20

Q: What was the "curious girdle of the ephod," and why was it significant?

The "curious girdle" (Hebrew: ḥēsheḇ) was an integral and highly decorative part of the ephod, serving as its intricately woven waistband. It was made of the same rich materials as the ephod itself—gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine twined linen (as described in Exodus 28:8). The term "curious" in the KJV signifies "skillful" or "artistic," emphasizing the high level of craftsmanship involved in its creation. Its significance was twofold: functionally, it secured the ephod around the High Priest's body, ensuring the garment fit properly and the breastplate remained securely in place over his heart. Symbolically, like all elements of the priestly garments, it represented the divine standard of excellence required for sacred service, reminding the High Priest of the dignity and precision demanded by his office as he ministered before the Lord.

39:2139:21

Translation

King James Version

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.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And they made ^H6213 two ^H8147 other golden ^H2091 rings ^H2885, and put ^H5414 them on the two ^H8147 sides ^H3802 of the ephod ^H646 underneath ^H4295, toward ^H4136 the forepart ^H6440 of it, over against ^H5980 the other coupling ^H4225 thereof, above ^H4605 the curious girdle ^H2805 of the ephod ^H646.

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Complete Jewish Bible

Also they made two gold rings and attached them low on the front part of the vest's shoulder-pieces, near the join, above the vest's decorated belt.

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Berean Standard Bible

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.

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American Standard Version

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.

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World English Bible Messianic

They made two 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.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

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.

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Young's Literal Translation

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;

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 39:20 meticulously details the precise placement of two additional golden rings on the ephod, a central and highly symbolic component of the High Priest's sacred garments. This verse, embedded within the broader account of the Tabernacle's construction and the crafting of its holy furnishings, underscores the Israelites' unwavering adherence to God's divinely revealed blueprint for worship, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship and the functional design of these vestments, which were essential for securely attaching the breastplate to the ephod.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Exodus 39 serves as the climactic fulfillment of the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its sacred components, previously outlined in chapters Exodus 25-31. Specifically, this chapter recounts the actual construction of the sacred furnishings and the priestly garments, demonstrating the Israelites' obedient execution of God's commands. The verses immediately preceding Exodus 39:20 describe the making of the ephod itself, its shoulder pieces adorned with engraved onyx stones, and the breastplate with its intricate chains and rings (Exodus 39:1-19). Verse 19, for instance, details the creation of two gold rings at the lower ends of the breastplate. Exodus 39:20 then specifies the precise placement of another pair of rings, located lower down on the ephod, which were crucial for securing the breastplate at its bottom corners. This meticulous attention to detail emphasizes the faithful execution of the divine commands given in Exodus 28:6-14 regarding the ephod and Exodus 28:15-28, which outlines the breastplate's attachment. The chapter concludes with Moses' thorough inspection and blessing of the completed work, affirming that every command of the Lord had been faithfully executed (Exodus 39:42-43).
Historical & Cultural Context: The construction of the Tabernacle and its priestly vestments was a monumental and sacred undertaking for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This portable sanctuary was designed to be the tangible dwelling place of God's presence among His people, serving as the central hub for worship and covenantal interaction. The High Priest, uniquely chosen to mediate between a holy God and the nation of Israel, wore these garments, which were not merely ceremonial but deeply symbolic. Each piece, from the ephod to the breastplate, was prescribed by God to convey holiness, glory, and the High Priest's representative role on behalf of the entire community. The use of precious materials like pure gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen (as described in Exodus 39:1-5), underscored the sacredness, value, and divine origin of the work. The "curious girdle" mentioned in Exodus 39:20 was an integral part of the ephod, designed to secure it around the High Priest's waist and ensure the breastplate, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, remained firmly in place over his heart. This symbolized his role in carrying the people before the Lord's presence, as explicitly commanded in Exodus 28:29-30. This entire process, while sharing some superficial similarities with ancient Near Eastern practices of constructing elaborate temples and cultic attire for deities, uniquely emphasized Yahweh's specific revelation and the people's obedient response to His precise commands.
Key Themes: The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Revelation, demonstrating that God is the ultimate architect of worship, providing precise and non-negotiable instructions for His sanctuary and its service. Secondly, it underscores Human Obedience and Faithfulness, as the Israelites, through Bezaleel and Aholiab, meticulously followed every detail of God's blueprint, reflecting their covenantal commitment. Thirdly, the intricate design and precious materials reinforce the theme of Holiness and Sacred Space, emphasizing the profound reverence required in approaching a holy God. Finally, the functional purpose of the rings in securing the breastplate, which bore the names of the tribes, speaks to the theme of Mediation and Representation, foreshadowing the High Priest's role in bearing the people before God, a concept central to the sacrificial system and ultimately fulfilled in Christ. These themes are foundational to understanding the covenant relationship established at Sinai and the nature of Israel's worship.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Golden (Hebrew, zâhâb', H2091): Derived from an unused root meaning "to shimmer," this term refers to gold, figuratively suggesting something gold-colored or yellow. In the context of the Tabernacle and priestly garments, gold was the most precious and durable metal, symbolizing purity, divinity, glory, and enduring value. Its pervasive use in the sacred space underscored the unparalleled holiness of God and the divine origin of the Tabernacle's design. The "golden rings" were not merely functional but also conveyed the sacredness of their purpose.
Rings (Hebrew, ṭabbaʻath', H2885): Properly meaning "a seal" (as sunk into wax) or "signet," this word generally refers to a ring of any kind. In the context of the ephod, these were small, circular fasteners made of pure gold. Their primary function was to serve as attachment points, ensuring that various pieces of the priestly attire, particularly the breastplate, were securely fastened. The precise placement and material of these rings were crucial for the overall integrity and symbolic function of the High Priest's vestments, demonstrating the meticulousness of God's design.
Curious Girdle (Hebrew, chêsheb', H2805): This term refers to a belt or strap, specifically one that is "interlaced" or intricately woven. The KJV translation "curious" implies "skillful" or "artistic work," emphasizing the sophisticated craftsmanship involved in its creation. Made of the same rich materials as the ephod itself, this was not a mere functional belt but an integral, highly decorated part of the ephod. It secured the ephod around the High Priest's waist and provided the foundation for the lower attachment of the breastplate, highlighting the divine standard of excellence required for all elements of sacred service.

Verse Breakdown

"And they made two [other] golden rings": This clause identifies the skilled craftsmen, divinely empowered by the Spirit (Exodus 35:30-35), who executed God's precise instructions. The phrase "two [other]" distinguishes these rings from those previously mentioned on the ephod's shoulder pieces (Exodus 39:18) and the breastplate itself (Exodus 39:19). These specific rings were designated for the lower attachment of the breastplate, reinforcing the meticulous detail of the divine blueprint. The material, "golden," reiterates the purity, preciousness, and divine origin of the design.
"and put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath": This specifies the precise anatomical location of these rings—on the lower, lateral edges of the ephod. The term "underneath" indicates their position relative to the main body of the ephod, implying they were placed where the breastplate would hang down, below the armholes and main body of the garment.
"toward the forepart of it": This clarifies the orientation, indicating that the rings were positioned on the front-facing side of the ephod. This ensured that the breastplate, which bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, would be worn correctly over the High Priest's heart and be visible to all.
"over against the [other] coupling thereof": This refers to the corresponding attachment points on the breastplate. The breastplate also had rings at its lower corners (Exodus 39:19), and these rings on the ephod were positioned directly opposite them. This precise alignment was crucial for the blue cords that would secure the breastplate, ensuring a stable and integrated connection. The "coupling" emphasizes the secure and unified connection between the two garments.
"above the curious girdle of the ephod": This final detail precisely locates the rings in relation to the "curious girdle" (the intricately woven waistband of the ephod). Placing them "above" the girdle meant they were situated just above the point where the ephod was cinched around the High Priest's waist. This ensured that the breastplate would hang properly and securely over the High Priest's heart, resting upon the girdle, thereby fulfilling its symbolic function of bearing the people before the Lord.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in Exodus 39:20, and indeed throughout the detailed descriptions of the Tabernacle and priestly garments, is Precision/Detailing. The verse functions as an architectural blueprint, specifying not merely the existence of rings but their number, material, exact placement ("on the two sides," "underneath," "toward the forepart," "over against," "above the curious girdle"), and functional relationship to other components. This meticulous Enumeration and Specification serve to underscore the divine origin of the design, implying that God's commands are to be followed with absolute exactitude, leaving no room for human improvisation or deviation. Furthermore, the Repetition of terms like "gold" and "ephod" across the chapter reinforces the sacredness, value, and consistent nature of the materials and the garment itself. The very act of describing such minute details elevates the seemingly mundane task of craftsmanship to a sacred act of obedience, emphasizing that every single component, no matter how small, contributes to the overall holiness and functionality of God's dwelling place and the service performed within it.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Exodus 39:20, though seemingly a minor detail in the grand narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, profoundly illustrates the theological principle of divine precision and the necessity of human obedience in worship. God's meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle and priestly garments underscore His holy nature and the sanctity required in approaching Him. Every component, from the grandest curtain to the smallest golden ring, was part of a divinely ordained system designed to facilitate communion between a holy God and His people. The secure attachment of the breastplate, bearing the names of Israel, to the ephod through these rings symbolizes the High Priest's role in bearing the people before God, a constant reminder of their identity and their need for mediation. This level of detail teaches us that true worship is not arbitrary but is to be conducted according to God's revealed will, reflecting His glory, order, and perfect design.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The painstaking detail in Exodus 39:20, concerning the precise placement of two golden rings, might seem excessive to a modern reader, yet it carries profound implications for our lives of faith. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and excellence, especially in matters pertaining to His worship and our service to Him. Just as every ring and thread in the High Priest's garments had a specific purpose and placement, so too does every aspect of our lives, when dedicated to God, contribute to a larger, divine design. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of diligence, faithfulness, and meticulousness in all our endeavors, whether in our professional lives, family responsibilities, or spiritual disciplines. It encourages us to approach our service to God not with casual indifference but with the utmost care, understanding that even the "small" details matter in His eyes. Our obedience in seemingly minor areas can reflect a profound reverence for God's holiness and His sovereign plan, demonstrating a heart that seeks to honor Him in all things.

Questions for Reflection

In what areas of my life do I tend to overlook "small details," and how might a greater attention to precision honor God and reflect His character?
How does the meticulousness of God's instructions for the Tabernacle inform my understanding of His character and His expectations for worship and service today?
Considering the functional importance of these rings in connecting sacred items, how can I ensure that various aspects of my faith (e.g., prayer, study, service, community) are properly "coupled" and integrated for a holistic and effective walk with God?

FAQ

Why does the Bible include such minute details about the construction of the Tabernacle and priestly garments?

Answer: The meticulous details in Exodus, including those in Exodus 39:20, serve several crucial purposes. Firstly, they underscore God's absolute holiness and His demand for purity and order in worship. Every instruction was divinely given, emphasizing that human beings cannot approach God on their own terms but must adhere to His revealed will. Secondly, these details highlight the Israelites' faithful obedience, demonstrating their commitment to fulfilling God's commands precisely. This obedience was a testament to their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Thirdly, the intricate design and precious materials foreshadowed the glory and perfection of Christ, the ultimate High Priest, and the heavenly realities that the earthly Tabernacle merely shadowed (as explained in Hebrews 8:5). Every component had symbolic meaning, pointing to deeper spiritual truths about God's character, His plan of salvation, and the nature of true worship.

What was the "curious girdle of the ephod," and why was it significant?

Answer: The "curious girdle" (Hebrew: ḥēsheḇ) was an integral and highly decorative part of the ephod, serving as its intricately woven waistband. It was made of the same rich materials as the ephod itself—gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine twined linen (as described in Exodus 28:8). The term "curious" in the KJV signifies "skillful" or "artistic," emphasizing the high level of craftsmanship involved in its creation. Its significance was twofold: functionally, it secured the ephod around the High Priest's body, ensuring the garment fit properly and the breastplate remained securely in place over his heart. Symbolically, like all elements of the priestly garments, it represented the divine standard of excellence required for sacred service, reminding the High Priest of the dignity and precision demanded by his office as he ministered before the Lord.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The intricate details of the ephod and its golden rings in Exodus 39:20, designed to securely attach the breastplate bearing the names of Israel, find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The High Priest of the Old Covenant, wearing the ephod and breastplate, symbolically bore the tribes of Israel into God's presence, serving as a mediator for their sins and needs. This role points directly to Christ, our great High Priest, who perfectly and eternally fulfills this mediatorial function. Unlike the earthly high priest who wore the names of Israel on his shoulders and heart, Jesus, through His incarnation, sinless life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, literally takes His people upon Himself. He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and through His perfect sacrifice, He bears the sins of His elect and presents them blameless before the Father. The secure attachment of the breastplate to the ephod, ensuring the names of Israel remained close to the High Priest's heart, foreshadows Christ's unbreakable bond with His church. He intercedes for us eternally, bearing our names not on a garment, but on His very heart, in the heavenly sanctuary (as profoundly described in Hebrews 7:25 and Hebrews 9:24). The precision and perfection demanded for the earthly garments highlight the absolute perfection and efficacy of Christ's priestly ministry, which perfectly satisfies God's righteous demands and provides eternal access to His glorious presence for all who believe, forever securing their place in His heart.

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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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