from an unused root meaning to set a period (compare עָדָה, עוּד); the menstrual flux (as periodical); by implication (in plural) soiling; filthy.
Transliteration:ʻêd
Pronunciation:ayd
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word עֵד (ʻêd, `{{H5708}}`) derives from an unused root, likely related to עָדָה (ʻādâ, `{{H5703}}`) or עוּד (ʻûd, `{{H5749}}`), which suggest the concept of "setting a period" or "repetition." Its primary, concrete meaning refers to "menstrual flux" or "menstrual impurity," highlighting the periodical nature of this bodily discharge. By extension and implication, especially in its plural usage, עֵד denotes "soiling," "filthiness," or "uncleanness" in a broader sense. This semantic range moves from a specific physiological state of ritual impurity to a more generalized state of defilement, often used metaphorically for moral and spiritual corruption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term עֵד (ʻêd, `{{H5708}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in prophetic literature, and both times in a metaphorical sense to describe profound moral and spiritual defilement.
1. **Lamentations 1:9**: "Her uncleanness was in her skirts; she remembered not her latter end; therefore she is come down wonderfully: she had no comforter. O Lord, behold my affliction: for the enemy hath magnified himself." Here, עֵד is translated as "uncleanness" or "filthiness." The context is the lament over the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah's desolation. The city, personified as a woman, is depicted as having her "uncleanness in her skirts," a vivid and potent metaphor for her deep-seated moral and spiritual corruption, specifically her idolatry and sin. This imagery evokes the ritual impurity associated with menstruation (Leviticus 15), suggesting that Jerusalem's sin rendered her utterly defiled and abhorrent in God's sight, leading to her downfall.
2. **Ezekiel 36:17**: "Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way before me was as the uncleanness of a separated woman." In this passage, עֵד (translated as "uncleanness" or "filthiness") explicitly compares Israel's actions and moral state to the ritual impurity of a menstruating woman (*niddah*). The prophet Ezekiel uses this strong imagery to convey the gravity of Israel's sin—their idolatry, injustice, and disobedience—which so polluted the land that it became an abomination to God. This defilement of the land necessitated their exile, as the land itself "vomited them out" (Leviticus 18:28).
In both occurrences, עֵד serves as a powerful and repulsive metaphor for sin, particularly idolatry and moral corruption, which renders individuals and even the land ritually and spiritually defiled before a holy God. The choice of this specific term underscores the depth of the defilement, evoking the most stringent purity laws of the Mosaic covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of עֵד (ʻêd, `{{H5708}}`) is deeply intertwined with the broader biblical understanding of purity and impurity, particularly within the Levitical code.
* **טָמֵא (ṭāmēʼ, `{{H2930}}`)**: This is the most common Hebrew root for "unclean" or "impure," encompassing a wide range of ritual, moral, and physical defilement. עֵד falls under this broader category of tum'ah.
* **נִדָּה (niddah, `{{H5079}}`)**: This term specifically refers to the "menstrual flow" or a "menstruous woman" and the state of ritual impurity associated with it (Leviticus 15:19-30). עֵד is a direct synonym or closely related term for this specific type of impurity, and its metaphorical use draws heavily on the *niddah* laws.
* **זוֹב (zov, `{{H2101}}`)**: Refers to various bodily discharges that cause ritual impurity, often alongside *niddah* in Levitical law (e.g., Leviticus 15).
* **Holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, qōḏeš, `{{H6944}}`)**: The concept of עֵד stands in stark contrast to God's holiness. Impurity, especially עֵד-like defilement, represents the antithesis of the sacred and necessitates separation from the holy presence of God.
* **Defilement of the Land**: The use of עֵד in Ezekiel 36:17 connects to the broader prophetic theme of the land being defiled by the sins of its inhabitants (e.g., Numbers 35:33-34, Psalm 106:38, Jeremiah 2:7). This defilement leads to the land "vomiting out" its inhabitants (Leviticus 18:24-28).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עֵד (ʻêd, `{{H5708}}`) is profound, extending beyond mere ritual impurity to encompass deep spiritual truths:
* **God's Absolute Holiness**: The use of עֵד as a metaphor for sin underscores the absolute holiness and purity of God. Just as menstrual impurity rendered one ritually separated from the sanctuary and community, so too does sin, particularly idolatry and moral depravity, render humanity utterly defiled and separated from the holy God.
* **Sin as Defilement**: עֵד powerfully illustrates sin not merely as a transgression of law but as a polluting, contaminating force. It portrays sin as an inherent uncleanness that permeates one's being and even the land, making one abhorrent in God's eyes. This visceral imagery conveys the gravity and repulsiveness of sin to a holy God.
* **Consequences of Impurity**: The metaphorical application of עֵד in Lamentations and Ezekiel highlights the severe consequences of spiritual defilement. It leads to divine judgment, national catastrophe (exile), and the disruption of the covenant relationship. The defilement of the land by Israel's עֵד-like sins necessitated their removal from it.
* **Need for Divine Cleansing**: Implicit in the portrayal of sin as עֵד is the desperate need for cleansing and purification. The Old Testament sacrificial system provided ritual means for addressing impurity, but the prophetic use of עֵד points to a deeper, spiritual cleansing that only God can provide. This foreshadows the New Covenant promise of cleansing from all sin (e.g., Ezekiel 36:25, "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.").
### Summary
The Hebrew word עֵד (ʻêd, `{{H5708}}`) literally denotes "menstrual flux" or "menstrual impurity," emphasizing its periodical nature. However, its rare but potent appearances in Lamentations 1:9 and Ezekiel 36:17 demonstrate its primary biblical function as a powerful and repulsive metaphor for profound moral and spiritual "uncleanness" or "filthiness." It vividly portrays the defilement caused by idolatry and sin, likening it to the most stringent forms of ritual impurity. This imagery underscores God's absolute holiness, the heinous nature of sin as a polluting agent, and the dire consequences of such defilement, ultimately pointing to the essential need for divine cleansing and restoration.
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