אָפַד (a.phad)
a.phad
to gird
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb a phad is a rare term found in only two verses, specifically within the priestly instructions of Exodus and Leviticus. Its core meaning is to gird or bind, but it carries a very specific application: putting on the ephod. In these texts, the word does not describe general clothing but the precise act of securing the sacred garment around the waist.
This specificity highlights the ceremonial nature of the priesthood. The ephod was not merely an apron; it was a complex vestment worn by the high priest and other ministers during service. To a phad is to prepare for that role, binding the garment so it stays in place while performing duties in the tabernacle or temple.
Because the word appears only twice, its usage is tightly bound to the ritual context of the Old Testament priesthood. It reminds readers that worship involved careful preparation and specific attire. The act of girding the ephod symbolized readiness and order, marking the transition from ordinary life into a sacred office.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word a phad appears only twice in Scripture, both times describing the careful act of girding the high priest’s ephod. This was not a casual adjustment of clothing but a deliberate preparation for sacred service. In Exodus and Leviticus, we see Aaron being clothed with precision, each garment secured so he could stand before God without distraction or disorder.
For you, this word points to the dignity of approaching God with reverence. Worship is not haphazard; it involves intentionality and respect for the holiness of the One we serve. Just as the priest prepared his garments with care, you are invited to prepare your heart—removing distractions, focusing on God’s presence, and stepping into His service with a spirit of order and devotion.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ you will gird [the] ephod1×
- and/ he girded [the] ephod1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יֶּאְפֹּ֥ד1×
- וְ/אָפַדְתָּ֣1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 29:5
You shall take the garments, and put on Aaron the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod, and the breastplate, and clothe him with the skillfully woven band of the ephod.
This verse lists the garments being put on Aaron, highlighting that the ephod is one essential piece in the full ritual preparation for priesthood.
-
Leviticus 8:7
He put the tunic on him, tied the sash on him, clothed him with the robe, put the ephod on him, and he tied the skillfully woven band of the ephod on him and fastened it to him with it.
Here the text explicitly mentions tying the skillfully woven band of the ephod, showing the specific action of securing the garment that the word a phad describes.