Bible Strands
Exodus 39:18
and they fastened the other ends of the two chains to the two filigree settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The narrator records the artisans' procedural step in constructing the priestly vestments, specifying how the ephod's shoulder pieces were secured. The passage functions as a technical description within the tabernacle crafting sequence rather than a spoken address.
The words — The verb נָתְנ֖וּ (na.te.Nu) literally means "they put" or "they fastened," denoting the physical placement of the cord ends. The preposition עַל־ ('al-) specifies that this placement occurred "on" the two shoulder pieces of the ephod.
The thread — This fastening action fulfills the earlier command in Exodus 28:14 to make gold chains and attach them to settings. The structural connection between the ephod and breastpiece is reiterated in Exodus 39:17 and Exodus 39:19, while the imagery of adorned cords parallels Song of Solomon 1:10.
Why it lands — The verse demands recognition of the precise, intentional assembly required for the priestly garments. It calls the reader to observe how functional connections secure the vestment's purpose without decorative alteration.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Exodus 28:14 and two chains of pure gold, made of braided cord work; and attach these chains to the settings.
- Song of Solomon 1:10 Your cheeks are beautiful with ornaments, your neck with strings of jewels.