ephod

The ephod is a term from the Hebrew Bible referring to a priestly vestment used in ancient Israelite worship. It is most closely associated with the ceremonial dress of the Israelite priests, especially the high priest, and is described in the books of Exodus and Leviticus as part of the official priestly attire.

Description and construction: The ephod is depicted as an apron-like outer garment made of fine linen, often richly adorned with embroidery in blue, purple, and scarlet. It was worn over a tunic and cinched with a belt. The ephod includes shoulder pieces that extend to support a breastplate (the hoshen), which was attached to the ephod by gold chains or other fastenings.

Breastplate and sacred implements: The hoshen (breastplate) was a square piece containing twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Some biblical interpretations assign the Urim and Thummim—the means of divine consultation—to the breastplate, though the exact nature and use of these devices are not definitively described.

Function and significance: Wearing the ephod signified priestly authority and participation in liturgical rites, offerings, and special ceremonies. The combination of the ephod and the hoshen symbolizes central aspects of Israelite worship and the mediation of the divine presence through the priesthood.

Other uses and later references: In some biblical narratives, the term ephod refers more broadly to priestly garments or ritual objects, and in later periods it appears in stories that portray the ephod as an object of idolatrous or cultic use, illustrating evolving religious practices and tensions.

Scholarly notes: The primary biblical sources are Exodus 28–29 and Leviticus 8, with later narrative references in Judges and other books. Details of construction and function vary among interpretations, and the exact role of the Urim and Thummim remains debated.