Old Testament
Exodus 39:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They also made 2 gold settings and 2 gold rings, and attached the rings to the top 2 corners of the breastplate.
Compare translations
And they made two ouches of gold, and two gold rings; and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate.
What Exodus 39:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the careful craftsmanship involved in creating the breastplate, a significant piece of the priest's attire. The artisans made two gold settings and two gold rings, which were essential for attaching the breastplate securely. These rings were placed at the top corners of the breastplate, ensuring it could be worn properly. This attention to detail highlights the importance of the breastplate in the priest's role, symbolizing their connection to God and the people. The gold represents purity and value, emphasizing the sacredness of the priestly duties. Each element of the breastplate was designed to reflect the glory of God and the seriousness of the responsibilities held by the priest. This verse reminds us that even the smallest details in our lives can hold great significance, especially when they are done with purpose and care. Just as the artisans took pride in their work, we too should approach our tasks with dedication and mindfulness, recognizing their potential impact.
How to apply Exodus 39:16 to your life
Consider how you approach your daily tasks. Are you giving them the attention they deserve? Like the artisans, we should strive for excellence in everything we do, recognizing that our efforts can reflect our values and beliefs. Take pride in your work, no matter how small it may seem. Every detail matters in the bigger picture of life and faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Exodus 39:16
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Exodus 39:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What is the significance of the breastplate in Exodus 39:16?
The breastplate mentioned in Exodus 39:16 is a vital part of the high priest's attire, symbolizing the priest's role as an intermediary between God and the people. It contained precious stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel, highlighting the priest's responsibility to carry the concerns of the people before God. The craftsmanship involved in creating the breastplate, including the gold settings and rings, underscores its sacredness and the importance of the priestly duties.
Why were gold settings and rings used for the breastplate?
Gold settings and rings were used for the breastplate to ensure it could be securely attached to the priest's garments. The use of gold signifies purity and value, reflecting the holiness of the priestly role. These elements were essential for the practical function of the breastplate, allowing it to be worn properly while also symbolizing the connection between the priest and God, as well as the importance of the priest's duties.
How does Exodus 39:16 relate to the concept of craftsmanship?
Exodus 39:16 highlights the importance of craftsmanship in the creation of sacred items. The artisans' attention to detail in making the gold settings and rings reflects a commitment to excellence and reverence for their work. This serves as a reminder that our own tasks, no matter how small, should be approached with care and dedication, as they can have significant implications in our lives and faith.
What can we learn from the details in Exodus 39:16?
The details in Exodus 39:16 teach us that every aspect of our lives can hold great significance. Just as the artisans meticulously crafted the breastplate, we should strive to approach our daily tasks with intention and mindfulness. This verse encourages us to recognize the value of our efforts and the impact they can have, reminding us that even small details contribute to a larger purpose.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.