Shoulder-Piece
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Shoulder-Piece in the Bible?
The shoulder-pieces were two onyx stones set in gold filigree mounts, attached to the front straps of the high priest's ephod, each engraved with the names of six tribes of Israel.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the shoulder-pieces clarifies the visual representation of the high priest's role as a mediator, carrying the identity of the entire nation before the divine presence as described in the biblical text.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Shoulder-Piece were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Shoulder-Piece in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Shoulder-Piece clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Shoulder-Piece." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/shoulderpiece/