Exodus 28:6
And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשׂ֖וּ
And they shall make
H6213
וְעָשׂ֖וּ
And they shall make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽאֵפֹ֑ד
the ephod
H646
הָֽאֵפֹ֑ד
the ephod
Strong's:
H646
Word #:
3 of 12
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
זָ֠הָב
of gold
H2091
זָ֠הָב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
4 of 12
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
תְּכֵ֨לֶת
of blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֨לֶת
of blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
5 of 12
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
תּוֹלַ֧עַת
H8438
תּוֹלַ֧עַת
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
7 of 12
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
שָׁנִ֛י
of scarlet
H8144
שָׁנִ֛י
of scarlet
Strong's:
H8144
Word #:
8 of 12
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
וְשֵׁ֥שׁ
linen
H8336
וְשֵׁ֥שׁ
linen
Strong's:
H8336
Word #:
9 of 12
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
Historical Context
The ephod's exact design is debated, but it included front and back pieces joined at the shoulders, possibly extending from chest to mid-thigh. It was worn over the robe but under the breastplate, forming the foundational priestly garment.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that Christ 'wears' your name before God continually?
- How does knowing you're 'carried' in Christ's priestly service affect your security?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The ephod (אֵפוֹד, efod)—a vest-like garment of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen with cunning work (skilled design). The ephod was the high priest's most distinctive outer garment, bearing the onyx stones with tribal names (v.9-12). This garment literally displayed the priest's representative role—he carried God's people. Christ's representative priesthood means our names are eternally displayed before the Father, never forgotten, always remembered.