Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family. New Living Translation Gideon made a sacred ephod from the gold and put it in Ophrah, his hometown. But soon all the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping it, and it became a trap for Gideon and his family. English Standard Version And Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his city, in Ophrah. And all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family. Berean Standard Bible From all this Gideon made an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his hometown. But soon all Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household. King James Bible And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house. New King James Version Then Gideon made it into an ephod and set it up in his city, Ophrah. And all Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and to his house. New American Standard Bible Gideon made it into an ephod, and placed it in his city, Ophrah; but all Israel committed infidelity with it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household. NASB 1995 Gideon made it into an ephod, and placed it in his city, Ophrah, and all Israel played the harlot with it there, so that it became a snare to Gideon and his household. NASB 1977 And Gideon made it into an ephod, and placed it in his city, Ophrah, and all Israel played the harlot with it there, so that it became a snare to Gideon and his household. Legacy Standard Bible Then Gideon made it into an ephod and placed it in his city, Ophrah, and all Israel played the harlot with it there, so that it became a snare to Gideon and his household. Amplified Bible Gideon made [all the golden earrings into] an ephod [a sacred, high priest’s garment], and put it in his city of Ophrah, and all Israel worshiped it as an idol there, and it became a trap for Gideon and his household. Christian Standard Bible Gideon made an ephod from all this and put it in Ophrah, his hometown. Then all Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household. Holman Christian Standard Bible Gideon made an ephod from all this and put it in Ophrah, his hometown. Then all Israel prostituted themselves with it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household. American Standard Version And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel played the harlot after it there; and it became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house. English Revised Version And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went a whoring after it there: and it became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then Gideon used the gold to make an idol and placed it in his hometown, Ophrah. All Israel chased after it there as though it were a prostitute. It became a trap for Gideon and his family. Good News Translation Gideon made an idol from the gold and put it in his hometown, Ophrah. All the Israelites abandoned God and went there to worship the idol. It was a trap for Gideon and his family. International Standard Version Gideon crafted the booty into an ephod and enshrined it in his home town of Ophrah. Then all of Israel committed spiritual adultery with it there, and it became a snare for Gideon and his household. NET Bible Gideon used all this to make an ephod, which he put in his hometown of Ophrah. All the Israelites prostituted themselves to it by worshiping it there. It became a snare to Gideon and his family. New Heart English Bible Gideon made an ephod of it, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel prostituted themselves after it there; and it became a snare to Gideon, and to his house. Webster's Bible Translation And Gideon made of it an ephod, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither astray after it: which thing became a snare to Gideon, and to his house. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFrom all this Gideon made an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his hometown. But soon all Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household. World English Bible Gideon made an ephod out of it, and put it in Ophrah, his city. Then all Israel played the prostitute with it there; and it became a snare to Gideon and to his house. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Gideon makes it into an ephod, and sets it up in his city, in Ophrah, and all Israel go whoring after it there, and it is for a snare to Gideon and to his house. Young's Literal Translation and Gideon maketh it into an ephod, and setteth it up in his city, in Ophrah, and all Israel go a-whoring after it there, and it is to Gideon and to his house for a snare. Smith's Literal Translation And Gideon will make it into an ephod, and he will put in his city, Ophrah: and all Israel will commit fornication after it there: and it will be to Gideon and to his house for a snare. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Gedeon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city Ephra. And all Israel committed fornication with it, and it became a ruin to Gedeon and to all his house. Catholic Public Domain Version And Gideon made an ephod from these, and he kept it in his city, Ophrah. And all of Israel committed fornication with it, and it became a ruin to Gideon and to all his house. New American Bible Gideon made an ephod out of the gold and placed it in his city, Ophrah. All Israel prostituted themselves there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household. New Revised Standard Version Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his town, in Ophrah; and all Israel prostituted themselves to it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Gideon took some of them and made a little idol, and set it up in his town, Ophrah; and all Israel went astray after it there; and it became a stumbling block to Gideon and to all his household, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Gedun took some of them and he made an idol, and he stood it in his town in Uphra, and the children of Israel went astray after it there, and it was a stumbling block to Gedun and to his household OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah; and all Israel went astray after it there; and it became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Gedeon made an ephod of it, an set it in his city in Ephratha; and all Israel went thither a whoring after it, and it became a stumbling-block to Gedeon and his house. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Gideon's Ephod…26The weight of the gold earrings he had requested was 1,700 shekels, in addition to the crescent ornaments, the pendants, the purple garments of the kings of Midian, and the chains from the necks of their camels. 27From all this Gideon made an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his hometown. But soon all Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household. Cross References Exodus 32:1-4 Now when the people saw that Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him!” / So Aaron told them, “Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.” / Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron. ... 1 Kings 12:28-30 After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves. Deuteronomy 7:25 You must burn up the images of their gods; do not covet the silver and gold that is on them or take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it; for it is detestable to the LORD your God. Hosea 8:4-6 They set up kings, but not by Me. They make princes, but without My approval. With their silver and gold they make themselves idols, to their own destruction. / He has rejected your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence? / For this thing is from Israel—a craftsman made it, and it is not God. It will be broken to pieces, that calf of Samaria. 2 Kings 17:16 They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal. Isaiah 2:8 Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made. 1 Samuel 8:7-8 And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. / Just as they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking Me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. 2 Chronicles 11:15 And Jeroboam appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat demons and calf idols he had made. Psalm 106:39 They defiled themselves by their actions and prostituted themselves by their deeds. Jeremiah 2:28 But where are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them rise up in your time of trouble and save you if they can; for your gods are as numerous as your cities, O Judah. Acts 7:39-41 But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. / They said to Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us! As for this Moses who led us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.’ / At that time they made a calf and offered a sacrifice to the idol, rejoicing in the works of their hands. Romans 1:23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. 1 Corinthians 10:7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” Galatians 4:8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. Revelation 9:20 Now the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk. Treasury of Scripture And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare to Gideon, and to his house. an ephod Judges 17:5 And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest. Judges 18:14,17 Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Laish, and said unto their brethren, Do ye know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what ye have to do… Exodus 28:6-12 And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work… Ophrah Judges 8:32 And Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the sepulchre of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. Judges 6:11,24 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites… Deuteronomy 12:5 But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come: a whoring Exodus 23:33 They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee. Psalm 73:27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. Psalm 106:39 Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. a snare Judges 8:33 And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baalberith their god. Deuteronomy 7:16 And thou shalt consume all the people which the LORD thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that will be a snare unto thee. Jump to Previous Astray A-Whoring Cause City Ephod Harlot House Israel Maketh Ophrah Placed Played Prostitute Prostituted Sin Snare Themselves Thereof Thither WhoringJump to Next Astray A-Whoring Cause City Ephod Harlot House Israel Maketh Ophrah Placed Played Prostitute Prostituted Sin Snare Themselves Thereof Thither WhoringJudges 8 1. Gideon pacifies the Ephraimites4. Succoth and Penuel refuse to deliver Gideon's army 10. Zebah and Zalmunna are taken 13. Succoth and Penuel are destroyed 17. Gideon revenges his brothers's death on Zebah and Zalmunna 22. He refuses government 24. His ephod the cause of idolatry 28. Midian subdued 29. Gideon's children, and death 33. The Israelites' idolatry and ingratitude From all this Gideon made an ephod Gideon collected gold from the spoils of war, which he used to create an ephod. In biblical terms, an ephod is a priestly garment, often associated with the high priest (Exodus 28:6-14). Gideon's creation of an ephod suggests a desire to establish a religious symbol or center, possibly to consolidate spiritual authority. This act reflects a deviation from the prescribed worship practices centered around the Tabernacle. which he placed in Ophrah, his hometown But soon all Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there and it became a snare to Gideon and his household Persons / Places / Events 1. GideonA judge of Israel who led the Israelites to victory over the Midianites. Despite his initial faithfulness, he later made an ephod that led Israel into idolatry. 2. Ephod A priestly garment, often associated with seeking divine guidance. Gideon's ephod, however, became an object of idolatry. 3. Ophrah Gideon's hometown, where he placed the ephod. It became a center of idolatrous worship. 4. Israel The nation that God delivered through Gideon, but which fell into idolatry by worshiping the ephod. 5. Snare The ephod became a spiritual trap for Gideon and his household, leading them away from God. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryEven good intentions can lead to idolatry if they replace God as the object of worship. Gideon's ephod was meant to honor God but became a snare. Spiritual Leadership and Responsibility Leaders must be vigilant about their actions and the potential impact on their followers. Gideon's decision had national consequences. The Subtlety of Sin Sin can enter our lives subtly, often through things that seem harmless or even good. We must guard our hearts and intentions. Legacy and Influence Our actions can have long-lasting effects on our families and communities. Gideon's ephod affected his household and all of Israel. Repentance and Return When we recognize idolatry or sin in our lives, we must turn back to God, seeking His forgiveness and guidance. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Judges 8Who was Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, in the Bible? What does "ephod" mean? Judges 8:22–23: How do Gideon’s actions after insisting he would not rule Israel align with his refusal of kingship? Judges 8:27: Is there any external confirmation of an ephod causing widespread idolatry and leading an entire community astray?(27) Made an ephod.--The high priest's ephod is described in Exodus 28:6-14. It was a sleeveless coat of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, with two ouches of onyx on the shoulders, bound by a rich girdle. Over this was worn the splendid jewelled breastplate, the choshen, with the Urim and Thummim. This ephod, with its "oracular gems," was by far the most splendid and sacred adjunct of worship which the Israelites possessed, and hence was regarded with extreme reverence (1Samuel 21:9; 1Samuel 23:9; 1Samuel 30:7), and it seems clear that Gideon's object was to provide a counter-attraction to it in an ephod of equally precious materials. It is a mistake to suppose (as Gesenius and others do, following the Peshito and Arabic versions) that ephod here means an idol or some unauthorised symbol of Jehovah, like the later "calves." Ewald, too (Alterthmer, p. 232), assumes that the "ephod" was really "a gilded household idol." But we may hope that Gideon, though guilty of a great sin, had not sunk quite so low as Jeroboam did. On the other hand, we cannot believe, with the Rabbis, that his ephod was only intended as a memorial of his victory. Thereof.--This does not necessarily imply that he devoted the whole of his mass of gold to this object. In Hosea 2:13, "decking herself with earrings" is one of the signs of the "days of Baalim." Hence, perhaps, an earring is called in Chaldee kaddisha. . . . Verse 27. - Gideon made an ephod thereof. There is great difference of opinion among commentators as to the significance of this statement. The ephod (Exodus 28:4, 6-30) was that part of the high priest's dress (1 Samuel 14:3; 1 Samuel 21:9) which covered the breast in front, and the upper part of the back behind, the two parts being clasped together by two large onyx stones, one on each shoulder, and kept together by the curious girdle, just above which was fastened the breastplate of judgment. In a modified form the "linen ephod" was worn by all priests; but it was especially worn by the high priest when he inquired of God by Urim and Thummim (1 Samuel 23:9; 1 Samuel 30:7). Hence it was also connected with idolatrous worship, as we see by ch. Judges 17:5, and Hosea 3:4, being probably used for purposes of divination, as we know that idolatrous kings of Israel, instead of inquiring of the Lord, inquired of the false gods (2 Kings 1:2, 3). What, then, was Gideon's purpose in making this costly ephod? We may infer from his proved piety that at all events his intention was to do honour to the Lord, who had given him the victory. Then, as he was now at the head of the State, though he had declined the regal office, and as it was the special prerogative of the head of the State to "inquire of the Lord" (Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 22:13; 1 Samuel 23:2, 4, etc.; 1 Samuel 28:6, etc.), he may have thought it his right, as well as a matter of great importance to the people, that he should have the means ready at hand of inquiring of God. His relations with the great tribe of Ephraim may have made it inconvenient to go to Shiloh to consult the high priest there, and therefore he would have the ephod at his own city of Ophrah, just as Jephthah made Mizpeh his religious centre (ch. Judges 11:11). Whether he sent for the high priest to come to Ophrah, or whether he made use of the ministry of some other priest, we have no means of deciding. The people, however, always prone to idolatry, made an idol of the ephod, and Gideon, either because it was a source of gain or of dignity to his house, or thinking it was a means of keeping the people from Baal-worship (ver. 33), seems to have connived at it. This seems to be the explanation best supported by the little we know of the circumstances of the case. A snare, i.e. as in Judges 2:3, that which leads a person to eventual destruction. See Exodus 10:7, where Pharaoh's servants say of Moses, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? See also Exodus 23:33; Exodus 34:12; Deuteronomy 7:16; 1 Samuel 18:21, etc. Observe in this verse how the narrative runs on far beyond the present time, to return again at ver. 28 (see note to Judges 2:1-6; Judges 7:25; Judges 8:4).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew [From all this] Gideonגִדְע֜וֹן (ḡiḏ·‘ō·wn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1439: Gideon -- a judge of Israel made וַיַּעַשׂ֩ (way·ya·‘aś) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make an ephod, לְאֵפ֗וֹד (lə·’ê·p̄ō·wḏ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 646: A girdle, the ephod, highpriest's shoulder-piece, an image which he placed וַיַּצֵּ֨ג (way·yaṣ·ṣêḡ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3322: To place permanently in Ophrah, בְּעָפְרָ֔ה (bə·‘ā·p̄ə·rāh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 6084: Ophrah -- an Israelite, also two places in Israel his hometown. בְעִירוֹ֙ (ḇə·‘î·rōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement But soon all כָֽל־ (ḵāl) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc prostituted themselves וַיִּזְנ֧וּ (way·yiz·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 2181: To commit adultery, to commit idolatry by worshiping it אַחֲרָ֖יו (’a·ḥă·rāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 310: The hind or following part there, שָׁ֑ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither and it became וַיְהִ֛י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be a snare לְמוֹקֵֽשׁ׃ (lə·mō·w·qêš) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4170: A bait or lure, a snare to Gideon לְגִדְע֥וֹן (lə·ḡiḏ·‘ō·wn) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1439: Gideon -- a judge of Israel and his household. וּלְבֵית֖וֹ (ū·lə·ḇê·ṯōw) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house Links Judges 8:27 NIVJudges 8:27 NLT Judges 8:27 ESV Judges 8:27 NASB Judges 8:27 KJV Judges 8:27 BibleApps.com Judges 8:27 Biblia Paralela Judges 8:27 Chinese Bible Judges 8:27 French Bible Judges 8:27 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 8:27 Gideon made an ephod of it (Jd Judg. 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