Bible Dictionary
Ephod
The ephod was a sacred vestment associated especially with Israel’s high priest, though priests and others also wore garments called ephods. The high priest’s ephod was made of fine linen, richly worked, and connected with the breastplate bearing the Urim and Thummim.
Definition
The ephod was a sacred vestment associated chiefly with Israel’s high priest, though ordinary priests and others also wore garments called ephods. The high priest’s ephod was made of fine linen and richly worked.
Biblical Usage
The ephod formed part of the high priest’s official dress. Its two pieces covered the back and front, joined over the shoulders, fastened by a girdle, and connected with the breastplate bearing the Urim and Thummim. Samuel and David are also described as wearing an ephod.
Historical Background
The high priest’s ephod included embroidery in various colors, gold clasps or precious stones, and a richly worked girdle. The term is also associated with Ephod, father of Hanniel of Manasseh.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Something girt, a sacred vestment worn originally by the high priest (Ex. 28:4), afterwards by the ordinary priest (1 Sam. 22:18), and characteristic of his office (1 Sam. 2:18, 28; 14:3). It was worn by Samuel, and also by David (2 Sam. 6:14). It was made of fine linen, and consisted of two pieces, which hung from the neck, and covered both the back and front, above the tunic and outer garment (Ex. 28:31). That of the high priest was embroidered with divers colours. The two pieces were joined together over the shoulders (hence in Latin called superhumerale) by clasps or buckles of gold or precious stones, and fastened round the waist by a “curious girdle of gold, blue, purple, and fine twined linen” (28:6-12). The breastplate, with the Urim and Thummim, was attached to the ephod.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(a sacred vestment originally appropriate to the high priest. (Exodus 28:4) (image), father of Hanniel of the tribe of Manesseh. (Numbers 34:23)