The Hebrew word ephod (H646) refers to a special priestly garment worn by the high priest of Israel. Made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn with fine twisted linen, it was a sleeveless outer garment with two shoulder pieces joined by a decorative waistband. Two onyx stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes were mounted on the shoulders.
The ephod was among the most sacred garments in Israel's worship system. Attached to it was the breastpiece of judgment (Urim and Thummim), through which God revealed His will to Israel. The high priest bore the names of the twelve tribes on his shoulders and over his heart — symbolizing Christ who bears His people before the Father. The ephod thus points forward to Christ as our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14).