Ephod

The name Ephod originates from the Hebrew word 'êphôd (אֵפוֹד), which translates to 'a covering.' Historically, the term carries significant weight in both personal and ceremonial contexts within the Bible. While its primary definition relates to a physical garment, its etymology suggests a deeper symbolic meaning of protection and divine covering, tying it to themes of spiritual authority and sacred duty. The name’s linguistic roots are firmly embedded in ancient Hebrew culture, where it served as a descriptor for one of the most important elements of the Jewish high priest's attire.

In the Bible, Ephod holds a unique position, with a Divine Proximity Index of 70.3/100, indicating a strong but not exclusive association with God. It is mentioned as the name of the father of Hanniel, a leader of the tribe of Manasseh during the Israelites’ wilderness journey (Numbers 34:23). This familial connection places Ephod within the broader narrative of Israel’s tribal leadership and the distribution of the Promised Land, emphasizing the name’s historical and genealogical importance.

The name Ephod is mentioned in seven biblical verses, primarily in the context of two distinct roles. First, as the father of Hanniel in Numbers 34:23, it highlights Ephod’s role in the tribal leadership structure of ancient Israel. Hanniel, as a leader of Manasseh, played a critical part in the allocation of the Promised Land, making Ephod a significant ancestral figure in this key moment of Israelite history.