Exodus 39:15 Meaning and Explanation
“And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends, of wreathen work of pure gold.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Decorative chains of twisted pure gold were attached at the corners of the breastplate for attachment.
The Context of Exodus 39:15
The attachment mechanism for the breastplate is described.
What Does Exodus 39:15 Mean?
Gold chains of wreathen (twisted or braided) work linked the breastplate to the ephod, preventing it from slipping or shifting during the priest's movement. These chains were made of pure gold, emphasizing that the means of connecting the tribal stones to the priest's body was precious and irreplaceable.
The twisted pattern of the chains suggested strength and durability. Unlike a simple link, wreathen work—tightly braided or woven—could withstand tension and movement. This reinforced that the covenant bond between priest and people, represented by the breastplate, was secure and enduring.
Exodus 39:15 in the Original Language
wreathen (גָּבֻל) — twisted, braided, or woven together; pure gold (זָהָב טָהוֹר) — unalloyed, fully refined gold
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 39:15
What does Exodus 39:15 mean?
Decorative chains of twisted pure gold were attached at the corners of the breastplate for attachment.
What is the context of Exodus 39:15?
The attachment mechanism for the breastplate is described.