אֵפֻדָּה
a girding on (of the ephod); hence, generally, a plating (of metal)
Definition
The word אֵפֻדָּה refers to the 'ephod,' a sacred garment worn by priests in ancient Israel. In its primary sense, it describes the skillfully crafted, woven belt or sash that was an integral part of the high priest's ephod, serving to bind the garment securely (Exodus 28:8, 39:5). By extension, the term can also denote a metal plating or overlay, as seen in Isaiah 30:22, where idols are described as being plated with silver—a usage derived from the concept of something being 'girded on' or overlaid like the ephod's belt.
Biblical Usage
This noun is used only three times in the Old Testament. Twice it appears in Exodus (28:8, 39:5) in detailed instructions for and the execution of creating the high priest's garments, specifically referring to the woven band of the ephod. The third occurrence is in Isaiah 30:22, where it metaphorically describes the silver plating on idols, illustrating a shift from a sacred object to a profane, man-made covering.
Etymology
אֵפֻדָּה is the feminine form of the noun אֵפוֹד (ephod, H646), which is the more common term for the priestly vestment. The root is associated with the idea of binding or girding. The feminine form specifically denotes the belt or girdle component, emphasizing its function to fasten the ephod garment itself.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it connects to the priesthood, holiness, and proper worship. The ephod's belt (אֵפֻדָּה) was part of the garments 'for glory and for beauty' (Exodus 28:2) that set Aaron and his sons apart to minister before God. Its crafted detail reflects the care required in approaching a holy God. In Isaiah, its application to idols starkly contrasts true, priestly mediation with false worship, highlighting the corruption of sacred concepts.
In its original setting, the אֵפֻדָּה was not merely decorative but functional, securing the ephod which held the breastplate containing the Urim and Thummim—tools for discerning God's will. This made it a vital part of the priestly regalia associated with divine communication and representation. The later use in Isaiah subverts this sacred function, applying the term to the lavish but worthless coverings of pagan idols.
אֵפוֹד (ʼêphôwd, H646) — The full priestly garment or vestment, of which the אֵפֻדָּה is a specific part (the belt). חֲגוֹר (chăgôwr, H2290) — A more general term for a belt or girdle, used for various garments, not specifically priestly.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →