אֵפֻדָּה
𐤀𐤐𐤃𐤄
ʼêphuddâh
H642 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A garment or piece of attire associated with the ephod; specifically denotes a covering, mantle, or possibly an ornamental attachment related to the ephod, with primary reference to garments. In some contexts may refer to ornamentation, particularly metallic plating linked to priestly or ritual garments.
Semantic Range
ceremonial vestment, priestly garment, covering related to the ephod, ornamental attachment, plating (of metal, in specialized contexts)
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew root אפד (א-פ-ד), which conveys the idea of girding, binding, or wrapping, particularly with a garment. 'אֵפֻדָּה' is a feminine form related to 'אֵפוֹד' (ephod), itself a vestment worn by priests, especially the High Priest. The specific form indicates something pertaining to, or used in connection with, the ephod.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term 'אֵפֻדָּה' appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., 1 Samuel 2:18). It is most often used in descriptions of priestly or sacred garments, or as an attire for children in connection with ritual service. While some later translations and commentaries conjecture metallic plating or ornamentation, the primary sense in biblical context is of a linen or textile covering, akin to a mantle or vestment. The term does not denote a specific item of jewelry or ritual paraphernalia independent of the ephod, but typically something derivative of or related to the ephod. Its use outside these contexts is extremely limited, reflecting its narrow ritual or ceremonial association. Later Jewish and Christian English translations sometimes render 'אֵפֻדָּה' as 'ephod' or 'robe', but this can obscure its specific relationship to the primary 'ephod' vestment and its possible feminine or diminutive nuance. This word illustrates the linguistic flexibility of Hebrew for forming related nouns, and the importance of context in assessing priestly attire in the First Temple period. In comparison, 'מְעִיל' (me'il) and 'כֻּתֹּנֶת' (kuttonet) are other general terms for priestly or everyday garments, but 'אֵפֻדָּה' retains a ceremonial or related sense.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
feminine of אֵפוֹד; a girding on (of the ephod); hence, generally, a plating (of metal); ephod, ornament.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אפד (ʾ-p-d) — to gird, bind, wrap (with a garment)
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H642-02 |
אֲפֻדָּת/וֹ֙ | afudato | HNcfsc/Sp3ms |
of his ephod | his ephod-vestment covering | 2 |
H642-01 |
אֲפֻדַּ֖ת | afudat | HNcfsc |
covering | ephod-wrapping of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H642-02 |
Exodus 28:8 | אֲפֻדָּת/וֹ֙ | afudato | HNcfsc/Sp3ms |
of the ephod | his ephod-vestment covering |
H642-02 |
Exodus 39:5 | אֲפֻדָּת֜/וֹ | afudato | HNcfsc/Sp3ms |
of his ephod | his ephod-vestment covering |
H642-01 |
Isaiah 30:22 | אֲפֻדַּ֖ת | afudat | HNcfsc |
covering | ephod-wrapping of |