ephod

[ ef-od, ee-fod ]

noun

, Judaism.

1. a richly embroidered, apronlike vestment having two shoulder straps and ornamental attachments for securing the breastplate, worn with a waistband by the high priest of the ancient Israelites.

ephod

/ ˈiːfɒd /

noun

1. Old Testament an embroidered vestment believed to resemble an apron with shoulder straps, worn by priests in ancient Israel

Word History and Origins

Origin of ephod¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Hebrew ēphōd, apparently meaning “idol” in some passages

Word History and Origins

Origin of ephod¹

C14: from Hebrew ēphōdh

Example Sentences

That last location, if a reference in Second Maccabees is correct, contains the most important artifacts in religious history, including the tabernacle Moses carried through the wilderness with him and the Israelites after the biblical exodus from Egypt, and all of the tabernacle’s treasures - holy serving vessels of gold and silver; the ephod, a ceremonial breastplate worn by the Israelites’ high priest; the altar from the Holy of Holies; several pounds of gold and silver ingots; and the Ark of the Covenant.

From Washington Times

For the prophet’s function became in an increasing degree a function of mind, and not merely of traditional routine or mechanical technique, like that of the diviner with his arrows or his lots which he cast in the presence of the ephod or plated Yahweh image.

From Project Gutenberg

This same narrative dwells upon the graven images, ephod and terāphīm, as forming the apparatus of religious ceremonial in Micah’s household.

From Project Gutenberg

Afterwards, when Abiathar fled to David with the high priest’s ephod, through which the judgment of Urim and Thummim seems to have been announced, David regarded that circumstance as an indication of the Divine permission to him to make use of the sacred oracle.

From Project Gutenberg

The very presence in his camp of Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech, who escaped the massacre, with his ephod,—an official means of consulting God in all cases of difficulty,—would be a visible proof to his followers and to the community at large, that God was on his side.

From Project Gutenberg