Exodus 39:20-21 Meaning: Why the Breastplate Could Not Come Loose
20They made two more 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.
21They 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 Yahweh commanded Moses.
20And 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.
21And 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.
20And 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.
21And 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.
20and 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;
21and 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.
20And they made two rings of gold, and put them upon the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod underneath, to the front thereof, just by the coupling thereof, above the girdle of the ephod.
21And they bound the breastplate with its rings to the rings of the ephod with lace of blue, that it might be above the girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as Jehovah had commanded Moses.
Meaning in one sentence
Learn why the high priest's breastplate was tied with blue cord and gold rings.
Context
The book of Exodus draws to a close with the careful construction of the tabernacle and the garments for the priests. These verses describe the final step in assembling the high priest's breastplate to his ephod, the outer garment he wore when serving before God. The breastplate held the Urim and Thummim, tools for seeking God's will, and carried the names of Israel’s twelve tribes. Gold rings and a blue cord were used to bind it securely so it would not swing loose. The workmen followed every detail exactly as God had commanded Moses, showing that even the smallest connections mattered in the place where God would meet His people.
Key Words
Three Hebrew words carry weight in these verses. The verb rakas, translated “bound,” appears only here in the book of Exodus. It means to fasten something so it stays put. This was no casual knot; it was a deliberate, secure tie. The petil tekelet, a “cord of blue”, used a rare, costly dye extracted from a Mediterranean shellfish. Blue often symbolized the heavens or God’s presence in Israel’s worship. And the phrase “not come loose” comes from the Hebrew verb zachach, meaning to be pushed aside or displaced. Together, these details emphasize that the breastplate was intentionally made secure. For Christians, this speaks of the steadfast love of God, who keeps us close to Him through Christ, our great High Priest.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have read these verses as more than a sewing pattern. Many Protestant commentators, like Matthew Henry, see in the high priest’s garments a picture of Christ, who carries His people on His heart. The careful attachment of the breastplate to the ephod symbolizes the unbreakable bond between Christ and the church. Catholic tradition similarly honors these vestments as foreshadowing the priesthood of Christ, with the breastplate representing divine love held close. Other readers focus on the obedience of the craftsmen: every detail done exactly as God commanded teaches the value of faithful worship in every part of life. Across the board, the point is connection, God providing a way for His people to be represented before Him securely.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers dismiss these verses as irrelevant technical instructions. But the careful binding of the breastplate using specific materials underscores a profound truth: God cares about the security of His relationship with His people. The breastplate, holding the names of the tribes, had to stay in place because it represented Israel constantly before God. The blue cord and gold rings were not optional extras; they were part of a divine design meant to ensure that nothing would separate the priest from the means of seeking God’s will. This teaches us that even the small details in our faith, habits of prayer, reading Scripture, gathering with others, serve to keep us connected to God.
Living This Out
What does this mean for your week? Consider one small practice that keeps you connected to God securely. Maybe it is a morning prayer, a verse you memorize, or a weekly gathering with believers. These are your blue cords and gold rings, simple but intentional ties that hold you close to God. The high priest did not rely on chance to keep the breastplate in place; he used what God provided. You can do the same. This week, strengthen one of these connections, trusting that God values the ties that keep you secure in Him.
Main takeaway: God’s precise design for the high priest’s garments reminds us that He secures our place before Him with careful love.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
The high priest wore a special chest over his heart. It had the names of God's people on it. A blue cord tied it tightly so it wouldn't fall off. God wanted it to stay close.
For ages 9, 12
In the Old Testament, God gave very specific instructions for the high priest’s clothes. This blue cord and gold rings might seem like small details, but they remind us that God cares about the things that hold us close to Him. The high priest carried the names of the tribes on his heart, and the cord made sure they stayed right there. Today, we don't wear such clothes, but we can still wear God’s people on our hearts in prayer and care. That is a kind of blue cord God gives us, love that holds people close.
Questions People Ask
Why was the breastplate tied with a blue cord?
The blue cord (tekelet) was used to secure the breastplate to the ephod so it would not come loose. Blue was a costly dye and often associated with heaven or God’s presence. This color may have symbolized the heavenly origin of the high priest’s ministry, connecting God’s people to Him.
What do the gold rings represent?
The gold rings held the cord that bound the breastplate to the ephod. Gold often symbolizes purity, value, and divinity in Scripture. The rings show that even the connectors in God’s design are precious. They are part of a secure system that keeps the holy things in their proper place.
How does this passage apply to Christians today?
Christians see in these verses a picture of the secure relationship God offers through Christ. The high priest carried Israel’s names on his heart; Jesus, our great High Priest, carries us before God. The careful binding reminds us that God does not want us to come loose from Him. We can trust that He provides the means to stay connected, through prayer, Scripture, and community.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study