Exodus 39:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And they made two ouches of gold, and two gold rings; and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Gold rings were set into gold bezels at the corners of the breastplate to anchor the attachment chains.
The Context of Exodus 39:16
The corner attachments for the breastplate chains are specified.
What Does Exodus 39:16 Mean?
These gold rings at the corners of the breastplate were attachment points where the chains could be secured. The ouches (bezels) held the rings firmly, creating a durable connection point that would not weaken under the weight and movement of the high priest's daily ministry.
The repeated emphasis on gold—in the ouches, in the rings, in the chains—reinforced that nothing connecting the tribal names to the priest's body was makeshift or temporary. Everything was crafted to last and to honor the sacred trust the people had placed in their high priest.
Exodus 39:16 in the Original Language
ouches (מִשְׁבְצוֹת) — gold settings or frames that secure the rings; rings (טַבַּעַת) — circular fasteners
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 39:16
What does Exodus 39:16 mean?
Gold rings were set into gold bezels at the corners of the breastplate to anchor the attachment chains.
What is the context of Exodus 39:16?
The corner attachments for the breastplate chains are specified.