Ephod (1)
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Ephod (1) in the Bible?
A sacred vestment originally designed for the high priest, made of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, with two onyx stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. The ephod was worn by persons other than the high priest in certain circumstances.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the ephod clarifies the visual and symbolic hierarchy of the priesthood in ancient Israel, illustrating how material culture was used to represent tribal unity and divine mediation within the biblical narrative.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Ephod (1) were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ephod (1) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ephod (1) clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Ephod (1)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ephod-1/