What number verse is Exodus 39:21 in the Bible?

Exodus 39:21 is the 2,686th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 39:21 sits at position 2,686.

39:2039:20

Exodus 39:21

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

The "lace of blue" (Hebrew: təḵēlet) was a highly significant material throughout the Tabernacle and priestly garments. The color blue was consistently 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 and the entire Tabernacle system. Its specific use in binding the breastplate to the ephod underscored the sacredness of this connection and the divine authority behind the entire priestly system. It emphasized that the priest's ministry was not merely a human endeavor but a divinely ordained service, linking earthly worship and representation to heavenly realities and God's sovereign will.

39:2239:22

Translation

King James Version

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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World English Bible Messianic

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.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Then they fastened the brest plate by his rings vnto the rings of the Ephod, with a lace of blewe silke, that it might bee fast vpon the broydered garde of the Ephod, and that the brest plate should not be loosed from the Ephod, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

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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.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 39:21 precisely details the meticulous process of securing the high priest's breastplate to the ephod using a blue lace, ensuring its permanent attachment. This verse is an integral part of the broader narrative in Exodus that highlights the faithful and exact execution of God's divine instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred priestly garments, underscoring the absolute necessity of adherence to His commands in worship and service.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Exodus 39:21 is situated within the latter portion of the book of Exodus (chapters 35-40), which meticulously documents the actual construction of the Tabernacle and the fabrication of the priestly vestments, fulfilling the detailed divine blueprints given earlier by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. These chapters serve as the practical implementation of the instructions found in Exodus 25-31. The recurring refrain, "as the LORD commanded Moses," which concludes this verse and many others in these chapters, functions as a powerful literary and theological device, emphasizing the unwavering obedience of the craftsmen and the divine origin of every minute detail. Specifically, this verse focuses on the final assembly of the high priest's garments, which were central to his mediatorial role and the operational holiness required for ministering before God on behalf of the Israelite nation.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, the high priest occupied a unique and sacred office, serving as the primary mediator between God and His covenant people. His garments were far more than mere attire; they were divinely prescribed vestments, each element imbued with profound symbolic and functional significance. The breastplate, often called the "breastplate of judgment" (Exodus 28:15), was a pivotal component, designed to bear twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel, symbolizing the priest's sacred duty to carry the people into God's presence. The ephod, a highly ornate, vest-like garment, provided the structural foundation for the breastplate. The "curious girdle" (KJV), more accurately rendered as the "skillfully woven band" of the ephod, was an essential part of its design, securing the ephod around the priest's waist. The "lace of blue" (Hebrew: təḵēlet) was a highly prized dye, typically associated with royalty, divinity, and the heavens, signifying the sacredness and divine origin of the priestly office and its functions. The meticulous binding described in Exodus 39:21 ensured the breastplate remained securely positioned during the priest's service, symbolizing the enduring and stable representation of Israel before the Holy One.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Command and Human Obedience, as evidenced by the repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses," highlighting the importance of precise adherence to God's revealed will. Another key theme is Holiness and Sacred Space, where every detail of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the priestly garments, is designed to facilitate a holy encounter with God, emphasizing His separateness and the reverence due to Him. The verse also speaks to the theme of Mediation and Representation, as the high priest, through his divinely appointed attire, bore the names of the tribes before God, acting as their divinely sanctioned representative. Finally, the meticulous craftsmanship and use of precious materials underscore the theme of Excellence in Worship, demonstrating that God deserves the very best in all aspects of service and devotion, reflecting the glory and majesty of the One being worshiped.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Breastplate (Hebrew, chôshen, H2833): This term (H2833) refers to the specific gorget or pouch worn by the high priest, designed to contain the Urim and Thummim and display the twelve tribal stones. Its etymology suggests a connection to containing or sparkling, highlighting its function as a receptacle for divine revelation and a display of the tribes' representation. The breastplate was not merely an adornment but a crucial functional element for the high priest's mediatorial role.
Curious Girdle (Hebrew, chêsheb, H2805): Derived from a root meaning "to think" or "to devise," this word (H2805) describes a belt or strap that is intricately woven or skillfully designed. The KJV's "curious" reflects an older meaning of "skillfully wrought" or "ingeniously made," emphasizing the high level of craftsmanship required. This girdle was integral to the ephod, securing it and providing a base for the breastplate, underscoring the divine demand for artistry and precision in sacred objects.
Loosed (Hebrew, zâchach, H2118): This primitive root (H2118) means "to shove" or "displace," implying separation or detachment. The command that the breastplate "might not be loosed" emphasizes the critical importance of its secure and permanent attachment to the ephod. This speaks to the stability and enduring nature of the high priest's representation of Israel and the unshakeable foundation of God's covenant relationship with His people.

Verse Breakdown

"And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue": This clause describes the physical act of connecting the breastplate to the ephod. The breastplate, a square pouch, had rings at its upper corners, and corresponding rings were on the ephod. A cord or "lace" made of blue material was threaded through these rings, creating a secure and deliberate attachment. This detail highlights the functional necessity of the connection, ensuring the breastplate remained stable and properly positioned during the high priest's movements and sacred duties.
"that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod": This specifies the precise anatomical placement of the breastplate. It was to rest directly over the "skillfully woven band" that secured the ephod around the high priest's waist. This positioning was vital for both the stability of the garment and the symbolic prominence of the breastplate, ensuring it was centrally located over the priest's heart, visually symbolizing his role in bearing the names of the tribes of Israel before the LORD.
"and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod": This clause explicitly states the purpose and desired outcome of the meticulous binding: to ensure the breastplate's permanent and secure attachment, preventing any separation or displacement. The Hebrew term for "loosed" implies being torn away or disconnected. This divine injunction for secure attachment underscores the enduring nature of the high priest's representation of Israel and the stability of God's covenant relationship with His people, mediated through this sacred office.
"as the LORD commanded Moses": This concluding phrase, a recurring motif throughout Exodus 35-40, serves as a powerful affirmation of divine authority and human obedience. It certifies that every detail of the Tabernacle's construction and the priestly garments, no matter how minute, was not a product of human invention or aesthetic preference but a direct, specific instruction from God Himself. This repetition reinforces the central theme of faithfulness in executing God's will precisely as revealed, highlighting the paramount importance of obedience in all aspects of worship and service.

Literary Devices

Exodus 39:21 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. Repetition is a prominent feature, particularly the concluding phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses," which serves as an emphatic refrain throughout these chapters. This consistent repetition functions as a powerful affirmation of divine authority and human faithfulness, underscoring that every aspect of the Tabernacle and priestly garments was by direct divine mandate, not human design. Symbolism is also central to the verse: the "lace of blue" itself is Symbolic of the heavens, divinity, and purity, linking the earthly priestly service to God's transcendent nature and the divine origin of His commands. The secure binding of the breastplate is Symbolic of the unbreakable bond between the high priest and the people he represents, and by extension, God's steadfast and enduring covenant with Israel. Furthermore, the breastplate, bearing the names of the tribes, functions as a Synecdoche or 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 immense importance God places on precision, order, and faithfulness in all matters pertaining to His worship.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Exodus 39:21, though seemingly a technical detail, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous nature and His unyielding demand for precise obedience in matters of worship and sacred service. It reveals that every component of the Tabernacle and priestly vestments was imbued with deep theological significance, meticulously 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, reflecting a God who is both transcendent in His holiness and immanent in His desire for precise relationship.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and the priestly garments, culminating in verses like Exodus 39:21, serve as a powerful and enduring reminder that God is a God of order, precision, and holiness. He is concerned not only with the grand purposes and trajectories of our lives but also with the seemingly small details of our obedience and service. This verse challenges us to deeply consider the diligence, integrity, and reverence with which we approach our spiritual responsibilities and our daily walk with God. Are we faithful in the "small things" of our faith, recognizing that these often reflect the true 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 and His revealed will, ensuring our service and worship are stable, consistent, and truly reflective of His commands and character. This calls for a heart that genuinely desires to honor God in every aspect, recognizing that true worship encompasses both the spirit and the truth, expressed through careful and obedient adherence to His divine instructions.

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 and reflect His character?
How does the emphasis on meticulous obedience in this verse challenge my understanding of what it means to truly worship God in spirit and truth?
What "laces of blue" (symbolic of divine connection, purity, and purpose) do I need to ensure are securely fastened in my spiritual walk to prevent being "loosed" or detached from God's will and presence?

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 profound symbolic reasons and practical functionality. Symbolically, the breastplate contained twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of 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, powerfully symbolizing his role as their representative, intercessor, and mediator before God. Practically, the breastplate also contained the Urim and Thummim, sacred objects used for discerning God's will (Exodus 28:30). Ensuring it was not "loosed" guaranteed the integrity, stability, and reliability of the priest's sacred function and the divine communication that occurred through him, preventing any disruption to the sacred service.

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

Answer: The "lace of blue" (Hebrew: təḵēlet) was a highly significant material throughout the Tabernacle and priestly garments. The color blue was consistently 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 and the entire Tabernacle system. Its specific use in binding the breastplate to the ephod underscored the sacredness of this connection and the divine authority behind the entire priestly system. It emphasized that the priest's ministry was not merely a human endeavor but a divinely ordained service, linking earthly worship and representation to heavenly realities and God's sovereign will.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Exodus 39:21, with its emphasis on the secure and precise binding of the breastplate to the ephod, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. The high priest of Israel, bearing the names of the tribes on his breastplate, imperfectly and temporarily represented the people before God. This earthly priest's service was limited by his mortality and sin, and his garments were subject to decay. However, Jesus, as the perfect and eternal High Priest, flawlessly fulfills and transcends this Old Testament type. He does not merely carry our names on a physical breastplate; He bears us, His elect people, in His very being, having united us to Himself through His once-for-all, perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-12). The secure binding of the breastplate, ensuring it would "not be loosed" from the ephod, powerfully foreshadows the unshakeable and eternally efficacious nature of Christ's intercession for us. He is permanently seated at the right hand of God, continually making intercession for all who draw near to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25). 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, even unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). His priestly work is not subject to being "loosed" or undone; it is eternally secure, providing a permanent, perfect, and confident access to God for all who believe (Hebrews 10:19-22).

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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

1 Corinthians 1:25
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
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 1:27
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;