What is an…
ephod

Hebrew: אֵפוֹד —transliteration: ephod —meaning: a girdle

This is a sacred garment worn originally by the high priest (Exodus 28:4), and afterward by ordinary priests (1 Samuel 22:18), and characteristic of his office (1 Samuel 2:18, 28; 14:3).

These are the garments which they shall make: a breastpiece and an ephod and a robe and a tunic of checkered work, a turban and a sash, and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, in order for him to minister as priest to Me. —Exodus 28:4

This type of ephod was part of the priestly system established at Sinai, emphasizing separation, purity, and direct access to God (restricted to priests).

It was worn by Samuel, and also by David (2 Samuel 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 (Exodus 28:31).

That of the high priest was embroidered with various colors. 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.

Symbolism

The ephod embodied priestly authority, holiness, and the bridge between God and people. The elaborate craftsmanship (guided by Bezalel and Oholiab, filled with God's spirit—Exodus 35) reflected the value placed on skilled, Spirit-empowered work in worship.

Gideon's ephod

After victory over the Midianites, Gideon collected roughly 40-50 pounds of gold from earrings and made an ephod, which he set up in his city. All Israel prostituted themselves to it (worshiped it). This large gold object suggests a statue or monument rather than clothing; some propose it was a gold overlay for an image, echoing practices where idols were clothed in fine garments.

Yet Gideon said to them, “I would make one request of you, that each of you give me an earring from his spoil.” (For they had gold earrings because they were Ishmaelites.) And they said, “We will surely give them.” So they spread out a garment, and every one of them threw an earring there from his spoil.

And the weight of the gold earrings that he requested was 1,700 shekels of gold, besides the crescent ornaments and the pendants and the purple robes which were on the kings of Midian, and besides the neck bands that were on their camels’ necks.

Then Gideon made it into an ephod and placed it in his city, Ophrah, and all Israel played the harlot with it there, so that it became a snare to Gideon and his household. —Judges 8:24-27

More information

Article Version: April 6, 2026