Bible Dictionary

Ouches

Objects & Symbols • Old Testament

Ouches were gold settings or sockets in which precious stones were mounted. The term especially describes the settings of the engraved stones on the high priest’s ephod and breastplate.

Definition

Ouches are cavities, sockets, or settings in which precious stones are mounted. In the biblical descriptions of the high priest’s garments, the term refers especially to gold settings enclosing the engraved onyx stones and the twelve stones of the breastplate. The word can also denote an enclosing structure of gold or silver. The settings may have been formed from woven or twisted wire worked around the stones in a filigree-like manner.

Biblical Usage

The term occurs chiefly in Exodus in descriptions of the high priest’s ephod and breastplate. The two onyx stones were enclosed in gold settings, and the twelve stones on the breastplate were likewise enclosed in gold. A related use appears in Psalm 45:13, describing clothing worked or embroidered with gold.

Historical Background

The word is now archaic and was used for cavities or sockets holding gems. The biblical settings were apparently not solid blocks of gold, but may have consisted of wire woven or wreathed around the stones.

Scripture References

Exodus 28:11

Historical Bible Dictionaries

Easton's Bible Dictionary

An Old English word denoting cavities or sockets in which gems were set (Ex. 28:11).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)

ouch'-ez, -iz (mishbetsoth (Ex 28:11,13,14,25; 39:6,13,16,18) the American Standard Revised Version "settings," but in Ex 39:13, "inclosings"): The secondary meaning of this now archaic word is the gold or silver setting of a precious stone. In Exodus, where it occurs 8 times, it is clear that the gold settings of the engraved stones forming the breast-plate of the high priest are intended; the onyx stones forming the fibula or brooch for holding together the two sides of the breast-plate being said to be "enclosed in ouches (settings) of gold" (Ex 39:6). Not only were these two onyx or beryl stones so set, but the 12 stones forming the front of the breast-plate were "inclosed in gold in their settings" (Ex 28:20). The same word occurs in Ps 45:13, where the king's daughter is said to have her clothing "in-wrought with gold," i.e. embroidered with gold thread or wire. Ex 39:3 tells us how this wire was produced. From this fact it may be inferred that the settings of the breast-plate were not solid pieces of gold, but were formed of woven wire wreathed round the stones, in a sort of filigree.See also STONES, PRECIOUS.W. Shaw Caldecott

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