Exodus 39:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:21 meticulously details the final step in securing the high priest's breastplate to the ephod, specifically how it was bound by a blue lace to prevent it from becoming detached. This verse is part of the larger narrative in Exodus that underscores the precise and faithful execution of God's divine instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred priestly garments, emphasizing the divine mandate for absolute adherence to His commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39:21 is situated within the concluding chapters of the book of Exodus (chapters 35-40), which chronicle the actual construction and assembly of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the sacred vestments for the priesthood. These chapters serve as the fulfillment of the elaborate divine blueprints and instructions given earlier by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, particularly in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions"). The repeated refrain "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout these chapters, including in this verse, acts as a powerful literary device, reinforcing the theme of meticulous obedience and the divine origin of every detail. This specific verse focuses on the high priest's attire, which was a central component of the Tabernacle's operational holiness, ensuring the priest could properly minister before God on behalf of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the high priest served as the primary mediator between God and His people, and his garments were not merely decorative but deeply symbolic and functional. The breastplate, known as the "breastplate of judgment" (Exodus 28:15), was a crucial element, designed to carry twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel, signifying the priest's role in bearing the people before the LORD. Below the breastplate was the ephod, a complex priestly garment that served as its foundational support. The "curious girdle" (KJV), more accurately translated as the "skillfully woven band" or "embroidered band" of the ephod, was an integral part of its structure, designed to secure it around the priest's waist. The "lace of blue" (Hebrew: _təḵēlet_) was a highly prized dye, often associated with royalty, divinity, and the heavens, and its use here underscores the sacredness and divine origin of the garments. The meticulous binding described in [Exodus 39:21](/exodus/39-21 "Exodus 39:21 - Binding the Breastplate") ensured the breastplate remained firmly in place during priestly service, symbolizing the enduring and secure representation of Israel before God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lace of Blue (Hebrew, _pəṯîl təḵēlet_):** The term _pəṯîl_ refers to a thread, cord, or string, while _təḵēlet_ denotes a specific, highly valued blue-purple dye, likely derived from a mollusk (Murex trunculus). This color was extensively used in the Tabernacle and priestly garments (e.g., the veil, the ephod, the tassels on garments in [Numbers 15:38](/numbers/15-38 "Numbers 15:38 - Tassels on Garments")). The blue color often symbolized the heavens, the divine presence, purity, and God's commandments, reminding the wearer and observer of the divine origin and heavenly nature of their service. Its use here signifies the sacredness and divine appointment of the breastplate's attachment.
* **Curious Girdle (Hebrew, _ḥēshev hā’ēphōd_):** The KJV translation "curious" is an archaic usage meaning "skillfully wrought" or "ingeniously woven," not "strange" or "odd." The Hebrew term _ḥēshev_ refers to a band or belt that is intricately woven or embroidered with artistic skill. This "girdle of the ephod" was integral to the ephod's structure, designed to hold it securely around the priest's body. Its elaborate craftsmanship highlights the high level of artistry and precision commanded by God for these sacred objects, emphasizing that nothing about God's worship was to be mundane or carelessly made.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue":** This phrase describes the physical connection between two primary components of the high priest's attire. The breastplate, a square pouch containing the Urim and Thummim and bearing the names of the tribes, had rings at its top corners. The ephod, a vest-like garment, also had rings. A cord or "lace of blue" was threaded through these corresponding rings, creating a secure attachment. This detail underscores the functional necessity of the connection, ensuring the breastplate would not swing freely or become dislodged during the priest's movements.
* **"that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod":** This specifies the precise placement of the breastplate. It was to rest directly over the "skillfully woven band" that secured the ephod around the priest's waist. This positioning was crucial for both stability and symbolic prominence, ensuring the breastplate, with its tribal stones, was centrally located over the priest's heart, symbolizing his bearing of the people before God.
* **"and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod":** This clause explicitly states the purpose of the meticulous binding: to ensure the breastplate's permanent and secure attachment. The Hebrew word for "loosed" (נָתַק, _nāthaq_) implies being torn away or separated. The divine command for this secure attachment emphasizes the enduring nature of the high priest's representation of Israel and the stability of God's covenant relationship with His people through this priestly mediation.
* **"as the LORD commanded Moses":** This concluding phrase, repeated numerous times throughout Exodus 35-40, serves as a powerful affirmation of divine authority and human obedience. It certifies that every detail, no matter how minute, was not an invention of human ingenuity but a direct, specific instruction from God. This repetition reinforces the theme of faithfulness in executing God's will precisely as revealed, highlighting the importance of obedience in worship and service.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is prominent, particularly the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses," which appears frequently in these chapters. This consistent refrain functions as an emphatic affirmation of divine authority and human obedience, underscoring that every aspect of the Tabernacle and priestly garments was by divine mandate, not human design. **Symbolism** is also central: the "lace of blue" symbolizes the heavenly, the divine, and purity, linking the earthly priestly service to God's transcendent nature. The secure binding itself is **Symbolic** of the unbreakable bond between the high priest and the people he represents, and by extension, God's steadfast covenant with Israel. Furthermore, the breastplate, with its tribal stones, functions as a **Metonymy**, where the object (breastplate) stands for the people (the twelve tribes of Israel) whom the high priest carries before God. The meticulous detail in the description also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the importance God places on precision and faithfulness in worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:21, though seemingly a minor detail, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous nature and His demand for precise obedience in matters of worship and service. It reveals that every component of the Tabernacle and priestly vestments was imbued with theological significance, designed to facilitate a holy encounter between a holy God and His people. The secure binding of the breastplate, bearing the names of Israel, to the ephod symbolizes the high priest's inseparable connection to the nation he represented, emphasizing that his ministry was entirely for their sake and that their identity was inextricably linked to his sacred office before God. This divine precision in instruction and the faithful execution by the craftsmen underscore the sanctity of God's presence and the seriousness of approaching Him on His terms.

* [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do Not Add or Subtract")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better than Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Pattern of Heavenly Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and the priestly garments, culminating in verses like Exodus 39:21, serve as a powerful reminder that God is a God of order, precision, and holiness. He cares not only about the grand purposes of our lives but also about the seemingly small details of our obedience and service. This verse challenges us to consider the diligence and integrity with which we approach our spiritual responsibilities. Are we faithful in the "small things" of our faith, knowing that these often reflect the depth of our commitment and reverence for God? Just as the breastplate was securely fastened so it would not be "loosed," our lives of faith should be firmly bound to God's Word, ensuring our service and worship are stable, consistent, and reflective of His commands. This calls for a heart that desires to honor God in every aspect, recognizing that true worship involves both the spirit and the truth, expressed through careful adherence to His revealed will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service do I tend to overlook "small details," and how might a greater attention to precision honor God more fully?**
* **How does the emphasis on obedience in this verse challenge my understanding of what it means to truly worship God?**
* **What "laces of blue" (symbols of divine connection and purpose) do I need to ensure are securely fastened in my spiritual walk to prevent being "loosed" from God's will?**

### FAQ
**Why was the breastplate's secure attachment to the ephod so important?**

Answer: The secure attachment of the breastplate to the ephod was crucial for both symbolic and practical reasons. Symbolically, the breastplate contained twelve precious stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. Its firm attachment meant that the high priest literally "carried" the names of the children of Israel over his heart when he entered the holy place, symbolizing his role as their representative and intercessor before God. Practically, the breastplate also contained the Urim and Thummim, objects used for discerning God's will ([Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - Urim and Thummim")). Ensuring it was not "loosed" guaranteed the integrity and stability of the priest's sacred function and the divine communication that occurred through him.

**What is the significance of the "lace of blue" used for binding?**

Answer: The "lace of blue" (_təḵēlet_) was a highly significant material in the Tabernacle and priestly garments. The color blue was often associated with the heavens, divinity, and purity, serving as a constant visual reminder of God's transcendent nature and the heavenly origin of the divine commands. Its use in binding the breastplate emphasized the sacredness of the connection and the divine authority behind the entire priestly system. It underscored that the priest's ministry was not merely human endeavor but a divinely ordained service, linking earthly worship to heavenly realities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:21, with its emphasis on the secure and precise binding of the breastplate to the ephod, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. The high priest of Israel, bearing the names of the tribes on his breastplate, imperfectly represented the people before God. This earthly priest's service was temporary, and his garments were subject to decay. However, Jesus, as the perfect and eternal High Priest, perfectly fulfills this role. He does not merely carry our names on a breastplate; He bears us, His people, in His very being, having united us to Himself through His once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ Our High Priest")). The secure binding of the breastplate, ensuring it would "not be loosed," powerfully foreshadows the unshakeable and eternal efficacy of Christ's intercession for us. He is permanently seated at the right hand of God, continually making intercession for those who draw near to God through Him ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). Just as the Old Testament high priest ministered "as the LORD commanded Moses," Jesus perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and every divine command, His obedience being absolute and flawless ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). His priestly work is not subject to being "loosed" or undone; it is eternally secure, providing a permanent and perfect access to God for all who believe ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.