Lexical Summary Ephod: Ephod Original Word: אֵפֹד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ephod The same as 'ephowd shortened; Ephod, an Israelite -- Ephod. see HEBREW 'ephowd NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as ephod Definition an Isr. NASB Translation ephod (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֵפֹד proper name, masculine father of a chief of Manasseh Numbers 34:23. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Ephod (אֵפֹד) is a personal name borne by one Israelite in the canonical text. The form matches the word for the priestly garment (“ephod” — Strong’s 646), suggesting that the family who first bore the name may have honored the sanctuary service or expressed hope that the Lord would “enwrap” them with His presence. Biblical Occurrence Numbers 34:23: “Hanniel son of Ephod, a leader from the tribe of Manasseh.” Historical Setting: Leaders for the Allotment of Canaan After Israel’s forty years in the wilderness, God commanded Moses to appoint one prince from each tribe to help Eleazar and Joshua divide the land west of the Jordan (Numbers 34:16-29). Ephod’s son Hanniel represented Manasseh, indicating that Ephod himself belonged to the generation that left Egypt but did not enter Canaan. His family nevertheless took part in securing the inheritance that had been promised to the patriarchs. Tribal Context: Manasseh’s Dual Territory The tribe of Manasseh inherited land on both sides of the Jordan (Numbers 32:33; Joshua 17:1-11). Hanniel, as “son of Ephod,” served with the western allotment group, showing that Ephod’s clan identified with the segment that settled within Canaan proper rather than among the Transjordanian half-tribe. The presence of Ephod’s lineage on the western side balanced the tribe’s representation and underscored the unity of Joseph’s descendants despite geographical separation. Genealogical Significance Although Ephod appears only in this verse, the biblical pattern credits fathers for the achievements of their sons (for example, Exodus 6:20; 1 Chronicles 2:54-55). Hanniel’s appointment suggests that Ephod was regarded as a man of integrity whose household produced leadership material. His name is thereby preserved in sacred history as part of Israel’s foundational generation. Ministry Themes 1. Legacy of Faith: Ephod’s memory endures through the faithful service of Hanniel, illustrating the impact parents have on future ministry (compare 2 Timothy 1:5). Intertextual Observations • The juxtaposition of a man named “Ephod” with the priestly garment evokes the intertwining of worship and daily life: the same term that designates sacred vestments also identifies a lay family committed to God’s plan. Typological Reflection Just as Hanniel son of Ephod helped apportion Israel’s inheritance, Jesus Christ, the true Priest-King, secures an imperishable inheritance for His people (Hebrews 9:15; 1 Peter 1:3-4). Ephod’s household thus foreshadows the greater ministry of mediation and distribution of blessing fulfilled in the Messiah. Summary Ephod, though mentioned only once, stands in Scripture as the father of a tribal leader chosen to implement the divine allocation of the Promised Land. His name bridges the realms of priestly symbolism and lay obedience, reminding believers that every family, whether prominent or obscure, can contribute to the unfolding purposes of God. Forms and Transliterations אֵפֹֽד׃ אפד׃ ’ê·p̄ōḏ ’êp̄ōḏ eFodLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 34:23 HEB: חַנִּיאֵ֖ל בֶּן־ אֵפֹֽד׃ NAS: Hanniel the son of Ephod. KJV: Hanniel the son of Ephod. INT: Hanniel the son of Ephod |
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