feminine of עֵד in its techn. sense; testimony; testimony, witness. Compare עֵדָה.
Transliteration:ʻêdâh
Pronunciation:ay-daw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H5713 (עֵדָה, *ʻêdâh*) is a feminine noun derived from the root `{{H5707}}` (עֵד, *ʻêd*), meaning "witness." Its core semantic range encompasses "testimony" or "witness," often carrying a formal, legal, or covenantal weight. Unlike a mere observation, H5713 typically refers to a declarative statement of truth, serving as evidence or a memorial. This "technical sense," as noted in the base definition, distinguishes it from a general act of seeing. It is crucial to differentiate H5713 (testimony) from `{{H5712}}` (עֵדָה, *ʻêdâh*), which, despite identical spelling in unpointed Hebrew, denotes "congregation" or "assembly" due to distinct vocalization and contextual usage. While sharing the same consonantal root, their meanings are entirely separate.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most significant occurrences of H5713 are found within the Pentateuch, particularly in the context of the Mosaic Covenant and the Tabernacle.
1. **The Tablets of Testimony:** This is perhaps the most prominent usage. The two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments are repeatedly called "the tablets of the testimony" (לוּחֹת הָעֵדֻת). For instance, in [[Exodus 25:16]], Moses is commanded to place the testimony into the ark. [[Exodus 31:18]] states that God gave Moses "two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God." This highlights the divine origin and authoritative nature of the Law as a direct witness to God's will and covenant with Israel. The Law itself is the tangible testimony of God's righteous demands.
2. **The Ark of the Testimony:** Concomitantly, the Ark of the Covenant is often referred to as "the ark of the testimony" (אֲרוֹן הָעֵדֻת), as it contained these tablets. [[Exodus 25:22]] and [[Exodus 30:6]] are examples. The ark thus becomes the focal point of God's presence and the embodiment of His covenantal witness.
3. **The Tabernacle of Testimony / Tent of Meeting:** The dwelling place of God among His people is frequently designated as "the tabernacle of testimony" (מִשְׁכַּן הָעֵדֻת) or "the tent of meeting" (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד), which also functions as a place of testimony. [[Exodus 38:21]] explicitly names it the "tabernacle of the testimony." [[Numbers 1:50]] refers to the Levites' responsibility for "the tabernacle of the testimony." The entire sanctuary structure, housing the Ark and its contents, served as a perpetual witness to God's covenant presence and His established relationship with Israel.
4. **General Declarations:** In broader contexts, H5713 can refer to a general divine declaration or warning, acting as a witness against disobedience. [[Nehemiah 9:34]] speaks of God's testimony against the kings and priests for not listening to His commandments. [[Psalm 19:7]] beautifully declares, "The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." Here, "testimony" refers to the whole body of divine revelation, which is reliable and transformative.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H5713 is closely tied to several other significant Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H5707}}` (עֵד, *ʻêd*):** The masculine singular form, meaning "witness." This is the direct root from which H5713 is derived, often referring to a person who testifies.
* **`{{H5708}}` (עוּד, *ʻûd*):** The verbal root, meaning "to witness, testify, warn, admonish." This verb undergirds the concept of giving testimony.
* **`{{H4160}}` (מוֹעֵד, *môʻēd*):** "Appointed time, appointed place, assembly." This word is related to the "Tent of Meeting" (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד), a place where God *appointed* to meet His people and give His testimony.
* **Concepts:**
* **Covenant (בְּרִית, *bərît*):** The testimony is intrinsically linked to the covenant, serving as its foundational document and perpetual reminder.
* **Law (תּוֹרָה, *tôrâh*):** The "testimony" is often synonymous with the Law, particularly the Decalogue, which encapsulates God's foundational demands.
* **Divine Revelation:** The testimony represents God's self-disclosure and communication of His will to humanity.
* **Truth (אֱמֶת, *’ĕmet*):** Testimony inherently implies a declaration of truth, especially divine truth which is unchangeable and reliable.
* **Memorial/Reminder:** The tablets and the Tabernacle serve as enduring memorials of God's covenant and Israel's obligations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5713 is profound, shaping Israel's understanding of God, law, and worship.
1. **The Authority and Nature of God's Law:** The recurring designation of the Ten Commandments as "the testimony" underscores their divine origin and absolute authority. They are not merely human statutes but God's direct witness to His character and His righteous expectations for humanity. This testimony is "sure" ([[Psalm 19:7]]), reflecting God's unchanging nature.
2. **God's Covenant Faithfulness:** The presence of the testimony within the Ark and Tabernacle signifies God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel. It is a constant reminder of His promises and His dwelling presence among His people, even amidst their failures.
3. **Israel's Accountability:** The testimony also serves as a perpetual witness against Israel when they transgress the covenant. It stands as an objective standard against which their actions are judged, highlighting their responsibility to obey God's commands.
4. **The Centrality of Revelation in Worship:** The Tabernacle, centered around the Ark of the Testimony, illustrates that true worship is predicated upon God's self-revelation and adherence to His revealed will. God meets His people where His testimony resides.
5. **Anticipation of Christ:** While an Old Testament term, the concept of divine testimony finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is presented as the faithful and true witness (`{{G3144}}`, `{{G3141}}`) of God ([[Revelation 1:5]], [[Revelation 3:14]], [[John 18:37]]). The Law, as testimony, pointed to Him, who perfectly embodied and fulfilled its righteous demands, becoming the ultimate revelation of God's character and will.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H5713 (עֵדָה, *ʻêdâh*) signifies "testimony" or "witness," particularly in a formal, legal, or covenantal sense. Its most significant occurrences are in relation to the "Tablets of Testimony" (the Ten Commandments) and the "Tabernacle of Testimony," which housed them. This word underscores the divine origin and authoritative nature of God's Law, serving as a perpetual witness to His covenant with Israel and His dwelling presence among them. Theologically, H5713 highlights God's faithfulness, Israel's accountability, and the centrality of divine revelation in the life of faith, ultimately pointing to the enduring and perfect truth of God's Word.
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