contracted from עוּד; concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. prince; witness.
Transliteration:ʻêd
Pronunciation:ayd
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H5707}}`, transliterated as *ʻêd*, is primarily derived from the verbal root `{{H5749}}` (*ʻûd*), meaning "to warn, to testify, to bear witness." This etymological link is crucial for understanding its core semantic range. Concretely, *ʻêd* refers to a "witness"—an individual or even an inanimate object that attests to the truth, authenticity, or occurrence of an event. Abstractly, it denotes "testimony" or "evidence"—the declaration or proof itself. The word carries a strong legal and covenantal connotation, often implying an authoritative declaration or a verifiable attestation. The definition also notes a specialized usage as "a recorder, i.e., prince," suggesting an individual of authority whose witness or record holds significant weight, though this specific nuance is less frequent than the general sense of "witness" or "testimony."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *ʻêd* appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illuminating its diverse applications:
* **Legal and Judicial Contexts:** *ʻêd* is foundational to the administration of justice. The Law frequently requires multiple witnesses to establish a charge, preventing false accusations and ensuring equitable judgment. For instance, [[Deuteronomy 19:15]] mandates that "by the mouth of two witnesses, or by the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established." This emphasizes the importance of verifiable testimony in legal proceedings.
* **Covenantal Witness:** Objects or individuals often serve as witnesses to solemn covenants and agreements, ensuring their remembrance and validity. Laban and Jacob erect a heap of stones, calling it Galeed and Mizpah, declaring it a "witness" between them ([[Genesis 31:48]]). Similarly, the altar built by the Transjordanian tribes is named "Witness" (*ʻêd*) to signify their shared identity and loyalty to the LORD ([[Joshua 22:27]]). Joshua sets up a great stone under the oak at Shechem, declaring it a "witness" against the people if they forsake the LORD ([[Joshua 24:27]]). These instances underscore the enduring nature of divine and human commitments.
* **Divine Witness:** God Himself is frequently invoked as the ultimate *ʻêd*, bearing witness to human actions, covenants, and the truth. He is the omniscient observer who sees all and testifies to the integrity (or lack thereof) of relationships and promises. In [[Malachi 2:14]], the LORD is called "witness" between a man and the wife of his youth, highlighting His role in upholding covenant fidelity. [[Jeremiah 42:5]] sees the people calling the LORD a "true and faithful witness" against them if they fail to obey His voice.
* **The "Testimony" of God's Law:** A significant abstract usage of *ʻêd* (and its related term `{{H5713}}`, *ʻeduth*) refers to the divine Law itself, particularly the Ten Commandments. The Ark of the Covenant is often called the "Ark of the Testimony" ([[Exodus 25:16]]) because it contains the tablets of the Law, which are God's enduring witness to His covenant with Israel and His righteous demands. The Tabernacle is also referred to as the "Tabernacle of the Testimony" ([[Numbers 17:7]]).
* **"Recorder" or Authoritative Witness:** In [[Job 16:8]], God is described as a "witness" against Job, one who has "recorded" or "testified" against him, illustrating the sense of an authoritative observer whose testimony is damning. This aligns with the "recorder" aspect mentioned in the base definition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H5707}}` is rich and interconnected:
* **Verbal Root `{{H5749}}` (*ʻûd*):** This is the direct verbal cognate, meaning "to testify, bear witness, warn." The noun `{{H5707}}` is the concrete outcome or agent of this action.
* **`{{H5713}}` (*ʻeduth*):** This feminine noun is closely related and often used synonymously or in parallel, specifically referring to "testimony" or "ordinance," particularly the divine Law. It often denotes the content of the witness.
* **`{{H5715}}` (*ʻedah*):** While primarily meaning "congregation" or "assembly," some scholars propose a connection to the root `{{H5749}}` in the sense of "those gathered for testimony" or "those who are summoned to witness," though this link is debated and less direct than the others.
* **Concepts of Truth (`{{H571}}` *ʼemeth*) and Justice (`{{H4941}}` *mishpat*):** The concept of a witness is intrinsically linked to the establishment of truth and the administration of justice. A true witness provides `{{H571}}` and contributes to `{{H4941}}`.
* **Covenant (`{{H1285}}` *berith*):** As seen in many biblical narratives, `{{H5707}}` frequently appears in the context of covenants, serving to validate and remember the terms of the agreement.
* **New Testament Parallels:** The Greek equivalents in the New Testament are `{{G3144}}` (*martys*), "witness," from which we derive "martyr"; `{{G3141}}` (*martyria*), "testimony" or "witness"; and `{{G3142}}` (*martyrion*), "testimony" or "proof." These terms carry forward the Old Testament's emphasis on verifiable witness, particularly in the context of the Gospel message and the suffering of those who bear witness to Christ.
### Theological Significance
The word *ʻêd* carries profound theological weight, underscoring God's character and His relationship with humanity:
* **God as the Ultimate Witness:** The most significant theological implication is God's role as the supreme and infallible *ʻêd*. He is the one who sees all, knows all, and whose testimony is utterly true and reliable. This divine witness ensures ultimate accountability and validates His covenant promises. He is the witness to Israel's faithfulness or unfaithfulness, and His testimony stands eternally.
* **The Foundation of Justice and Truth:** The requirement for multiple witnesses and the emphasis on true testimony reflect God's character as just and righteous. He establishes a system where truth can be discerned and justice administered, mirroring His own nature. False witness is thus a grave offense, a direct affront to God's truthfulness.
* **Covenantal Fidelity:** The use of ʻêd in covenant contexts highlights the seriousness of divine and human agreements. The witnesses, whether persons or objects, serve as enduring reminders of obligations and blessings, emphasizing the unbreakable nature of God's covenants and the expectation of human faithfulness.
* **The Law as Divine Testimony:** The designation of the Law as "testimony" reveals that God's commandments are not merely rules but a revelation of His character and will. They are His enduring witness to who He is and what He requires of His people, serving as a constant reminder of His covenant relationship with Israel.
* **Prophetic Witness:** Prophets often function as God's *ʻêd*, delivering His testimony to a rebellious people, calling them to repentance, and bearing witness to His impending judgment or salvation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H5707}}` (*ʻêd*) signifies both a "witness" (concrete) and "testimony" (abstract), stemming from the root meaning "to testify." It is a fundamental term in biblical thought, central to legal proceedings, the establishment of covenants, and the very nature of divine revelation. Its pervasive use underscores the biblical emphasis on verifiable truth, accountability, and the sanctity of agreements. Theologically, ʻêd powerfully portrays God as the ultimate and infallible witness, whose presence ensures justice, whose Law serves as His enduring testimony, and whose covenant fidelity is eternally guaranteed. The concept of witness, therefore, is not merely a legal formality but a profound theological principle that underpins God's interaction with His creation and His people.
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