The Hebrew word ʻêd, represented by H5708, is used to mean filthy. Its base definition relates to the concept of menstrual flux, a periodical event, which by implication means soiling. This specific term appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, highlighting its very narrow and potent application.
The single use of H5708 is found in a profound statement of human unworthiness in Isaiah 64:6. The verse declares, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags". In this context, ʻêd is used to create a stark and graphic simile. It conveys the idea that even the most well-intentioned human acts of righteousness H6666 are, in comparison to divine holiness, like a soiled and defiled garment. The word serves to underscore the depth of human iniquity H5771 and spiritual impurity.
Several related words in the passage help to define the context of this defilement:
- H2931 ṭâmêʼ (foul in a religious sense; defiled, [phrase] infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean.): This word appears alongside H5708 in Isaiah 64:6, establishing the overall state of being an "unclean thing." It sets a general context of religious defilement, which H5708 then specifies with the image of a "filthy" garment.
- H6666 tsᵉdâqâh (rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity); justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness).): This is the word for "righteousnesses" which are described as being like filthy rags. It represents the very best of human actions and virtue, making the comparison to H5708 exceptionally stark.
- H899 beged (a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage; apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe.): This word for "rags" or "garment" is what H5708 modifies in Isaiah 64:6. It provides the physical object—the clothing—that is described as being "filthy."
- H5771 ʻâvôn (perversity, i.e. (moral) evil; fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin.): This term for "iniquities" appears in the same verse, explaining the cause of this spiritual condition. The people's iniquities are the reason their righteous acts are like filthy rags.
The theological impact of H5708 is concentrated in its single, powerful appearance.
- Insufficiency of Human Righteousness: The word is central to the biblical concept that human-generated righteousness H6666 is fundamentally inadequate and unacceptable on its own. By comparing these acts to "filthy rags," the text asserts that they are stained by iniquity H5771.
- Radical Depravity: ʻêd provides a graphic depiction of the state of fallen humanity. It suggests that sin's defilement is so complete that it pollutes not just overt sins, but even actions that appear virtuous. The entire person is described as an "unclean H2931 thing."
- Foundation for Grace: This stark confession of inadequacy serves as a theological foundation for the need for a righteousness that comes from outside of humanity. The imagery of being taken away by iniquity Isaiah 64:6 illustrates the desperate condition from which salvation is required.
In summary, H5708 ʻêd is a highly specific and potent term for filthy. Though used only once, its appearance in Isaiah 64:6 delivers a critical theological message. It defines the very best of human efforts—our "righteousnesses"—as defiled and worthless when measured against a divine standard. This word powerfully illustrates the concept of human spiritual inadequacy and the profound separation caused by iniquity, making it a key reference for understanding the biblical view of sin and righteousness.
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