Lexical Summary
gabluth: Boundary, border
Original Word:גַּבְלֻת
Part of Speech:Noun Feminine
Transliteration:gabluth
Pronunciation:gab-LOOTH
Phonetic Spelling:(gab-looth')
KJV: end
NASB:twisted
Word Origin:[fromH1379 (גָּבַל - set bounds)]
1. a twisted chain or lace
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
end
Fromgabal; a twisted chain or lace -- end.
see HEBREWgabal
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom the same as
gebulDefinitiona twisting
NASB Translationtwisted (2).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
—
Exodus 28:22,
Exodus 39:15 (both P),
cords of twisting, i.e. (well or tightly) twisted cords.
Topical Lexicon
Definition and Biblical SettingA rare term reserved for the braided cords of pure gold that fastened the high-priestly breastpiece to the ephod (Exodus 28:22; 39:15). Each cord consisted of interwoven wires, producing both strength and ornamental beauty.
Occurrences
•Exodus 28:22 – “You are to make braided chains of pure gold, like cords, for the breastpiece.”
•Exodus 39:15 – “They made braided chains of pure gold for the breastpiece, like cords.”
Material and Construction
Gold wires were drawn, twisted, and plaited into two flexible ropes. The upper ends attached to gold rings at the breastpiece’s corners; the lower ends linked to onyx shoulder-settings on the ephod. Such cable work parallels jewelry from New-Kingdom Egypt, showing how the LORD sanctified familiar craft for holy use.
Symbolic and Theological Significance
1. Integrity of Intercession – The cords unite breastpiece and ephod, declaring that judgment and mercy meet in the high priest (Exodus 28:29-30).
2. Incorruptible Covenant – Gold’s imperishability pictures the enduring faithfulness of God toward Israel.
3. Christological Foreshadowing – As the chains held the tribal names over Aaron’s heart, so the risen Christ bears His people before the Father (Hebrews 9:24). Nothing can sever that bond (Romans 8:38-39).
Historical and Cultural Background
Twisted gold necklaces and pectoral chains occur in Egyptian tombs and Assyrian reliefs. Israelites, recently freed from Egypt, were equipped by divine command and Spirit-empowered artisanship (Exodus 31:2-6) to employ similar techniques for the tabernacle, redeeming common skill for sacred worship.
Lessons for Ministry Today
• Craftsmanship Matters – The LORD specifies both purpose and aesthetics; excellence in service reflects His glory (Colossians 3:23).
• Bound to the Pattern – Ministry must remain tethered to God’s revealed design, not human innovation (2 Timothy 1:13).
• Unity in Christ – Individual strands form one cord; believers, though many, are woven into one body (Ephesians 4:16).
Related Themes and Cross-References
Judgment stones (Exodus 28:9-12); Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30); Golden lampstand details (Exodus 25:31-40); Cords of love (Hosea 11:4); Unbreakable three-fold cord (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
Summary
Though mentioned only twice, these braided gold chains embody the perfection of divine design, the durability of covenant love, and the unbreakable mediation ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest.
Forms and Transliterations
גַּבְלֻ֖ת גבלת gaḇ·luṯ gaḇluṯ gavLut
Links
Interlinear Greek •
Interlinear Hebrew •
Strong's Numbers •
Englishman's Greek Concordance •
Englishman's Hebrew Concordance •
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