אָפַד
𐤀𐤐𐤃
ʼâphad
H640 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To put on, bind, or gird oneself with an ephod or special garment, specifically referencing the act of donning the distinctive clothing associated with priestly or cultic function. In context, usage refers most often to equipping oneself with an ephod, which was a ritual vestment, thus indicating preparation for liturgical service or oracular activity.
Semantic Range
to put on the ephod, to gird oneself with the ephod vestment, to clothe (oneself or another) with an ephod
Root / Etymology
The verb אָפַד is generally considered to be a denominative from the noun אֵפוֹד (ephod), a term referring to a particular ceremonial garment or vestment worn in ancient Israelite religious practice. As a denominative, the root meaning of אֵפוֹד ('ephod') is transferred into verbal form, indicating the act of putting on or equipping with an ephod.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb is quite rare and is attested only a handful of times in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., 1 Samuel 2:18; 2 Samuel 6:14; elsewhere in the niphal form in Judges 17:5; 18:17). It always refers to the act of wearing or equipping an ephod, a garment associated with Israelite priestly or cultic roles, especially among the Levites and in oracular contexts (e.g., seeking divine guidance, 1 Samuel). The action is distinct from general 'girding' (e.g., חָגַר), being tied specifically to the ritual function of the ephod. The clothing described (ephod) was not exclusively priestly in practice but could also be worn by other figures in liturgical or oracular roles. English translations often render the verb as 'gird,' 'put on,' or 'bind,' but without noting the particular ritual garment involved. Translation traditions sometimes generalize or obscure the distinctive cultic meaning of אָפַד by using broader English verbs for clothing, but in biblical usage, the verb is restricted in sense and not a synonym for general dressing or arming oneself. Over time, as knowledge and practice of the ephod faded after the First Temple period, the term itself fell out of use and was not productively continued in later Jewish tradition.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root (rather a denominative from אֵפוֹד); to gird on (the ephod); bind, gird.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אפד (ʾ-p-d) — to put on, gird, bind with the ephod
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H640-01 |
וַ/יֶּאְפֹּ֥ד | vayeepod | HC/Vqw3ms |
and fastened | and he put on the ephod | 1 |
H640-02 |
וְ/אָפַדְתָּ֣ | veafadeta | HC/Vqq2ms |
and you shall gird | and you shall don the ephod | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H640-02 |
Exodus 29:5 | וְ/אָפַדְתָּ֣ | veafadeta | HC/Vqq2ms |
and you shall gird | and you shall don the ephod |
H640-01 |
Leviticus 8:7 | וַ/יֶּאְפֹּ֥ד | vayeepod | HC/Vqw3ms |
and fastened | and he put on the ephod |