### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term ʻêdûwth (`{{H5715}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root ʻûd (`{{H5749}}`), which conveys the idea of "to repeat," "to bear witness," or "to testify." It is closely related to the masculine noun ʻêd (`{{H5707}}`), meaning "witness." Fundamentally, ʻêdûwth signifies "testimony," "witness," or "evidence." Its semantic range extends to encompass:
* A solemn declaration or attestation of truth.
* An object, place, or event that serves as a lasting memorial or perpetual witness to an agreement or truth.
* Most profoundly, the divine law or covenant itself, understood as God's authoritative and binding testimony to His people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻêdûwth (`{{H5715}}`) appears frequently in the Old Testament, predominantly within the Pentateuch, where it takes on profound theological significance, particularly in the context of the Mosaic Covenant and the Tabernacle.
Its most prominent usage is in specific phrases related to the divine revelation at Sinai and its physical manifestations:
* **The "Tablets of the Testimony" (לוּחֹת הָעֵדֻת):** This refers directly to the two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments (e.g., [[Exodus 31:18]], [[Exodus 32:15]]). These commandments are God's direct and authoritative witness to His covenant with Israel, serving as the foundational terms of their relationship.
* **The "Ark of the Testimony" (אֲרוֹן הָעֵדֻת):** The Ark of the Covenant is frequently called this (e.g., [[Exodus 25:22]], [[Numbers 7:89]]) because it contained the Tablets of the Testimony. This designation underscores the Ark's role as the central repository of God's revealed will and the visible symbol of His covenantal presence.
* **The "Tabernacle of Testimony" (מִשְׁכַּן הָעֵדוּת):** The Tabernacle itself is named this (e.g., [[Exodus 38:21]], [[Numbers 1:50]], [[Numbers 17:7]]) because it housed the Ark of the Testimony, thereby serving as the dwelling place where God's covenantal witness resided among His people.
Beyond these specific cultic and covenantal references, ʻêdûwth can also denote a more general witness or evidence, though less frequently. For instance, in [[Joshua 24:27]], a large stone is set up as a "witness" (ʻêdûwth) to the covenant renewed between God and Israel at Shechem, testifying against the people if they should forsake the Lord. In [[1 Samuel 12:6]], Samuel refers to the Lord as the one who established Moses and Aaron, serving as a testimony to God's faithfulness in past acts. While ʻêd (`{{H5707}}`) is more common in judicial contexts for a human witness, ʻêdûwth can imply the substance or declaration of such testimony.
### Related Words & Concepts
ʻêdûwth (`{{H5715}}`) is intricately linked to several other significant biblical terms and concepts:
* **ʻêd (`{{H5707}}`):** This masculine noun, meaning "witness," is the direct cognate. While ʻêd refers to the one who testifies, ʻêdûwth refers to the "testimony" itself, the content or declaration.
* **ʻûd (`{{H5749}}`):** The verbal root from which both ʻêd and ʻêdûwth are derived. It signifies the act of bearing witness, testifying, or warning. Thus, ʻêdûwth is the product or result of this act.
* **choq (`{{H2706}}`), mishpat (`{{H4941}}`), mitswah (`{{H4687}}`), torah (`{{H8451}}`):** These terms all relate to various aspects of divine law, statutes, judgments, and instruction. ʻêdûwth often appears alongside or refers to the same body of divine revelation, but it uniquely emphasizes the *attestation* or *confirmation* aspect of the law – that it is God's confirmed and binding declaration.
* **Covenant (בְּרִית, berith, `{{H1285}}`):** The concept of testimony is foundational to the biblical understanding of covenant. The "testimony" (the Law) defines the terms, obligations, and promises of the covenant, serving as the enduring witness to the relationship between God and His people.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of ʻêdûwth (`{{H5715}}`) is profound, revealing key aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity:
* **God's Self-Revelation and Authority:** The designation of the Law as God's "testimony" underscores that it is not merely a set of arbitrary rules, but a direct, authoritative, and truthful declaration of God's own character, His will, and His expectations for His covenant people. It is the divine witness to Himself.
* **Foundation of the Covenant:** The "Tablets of Testimony" at the heart of the Ark and Tabernacle signify that the Mosaic Covenant is fundamentally grounded in God's revealed word. This testimony forms the basis of Israel's relationship with Yahweh, demanding their obedience and shaping their identity.
* **Divine Presence and Immanence:** The "Tabernacle of Testimony" and "Ark of Testimony" illustrate that God's presence among His people is intrinsically linked to His revealed word. God dwells where His testimony resides, making His presence tangible and accessible through the covenant.
* **Reliability and Perpetuity:** As God's testimony, the ʻêdûwth is inherently true, reliable, and unchanging. It serves as a perpetual witness, reminding generations of Israel of their covenant obligations and God's enduring faithfulness.
* **Instruction and Warning:** The testimony functions as divine instruction for righteous living and a solemn warning against disobedience. It attests to the consequences of straying from God's path, highlighting His justice and holiness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻêdûwth (`{{H5715}}`) signifies "testimony" or "witness," deriving from the root ʻûd (`{{H5749}}`) and related to ʻêd (`{{H5707}}`). Its most significant use in the Old Testament refers to God's divine Law, particularly the Decalogue, as His solemn and binding declaration to Israel. This is powerfully manifested in terms such as the "Tablets of Testimony," the "Ark of Testimony," and the "Tabernacle of Testimony," all of which emphasize the centrality of God's revealed will within His covenant relationship. Theologically, ʻêdûwth highlights God's authoritative self-revelation, the foundational nature of His covenant with Israel, the reality of His presence among His people, and the unquestionable truthfulness and reliability of His divine word as a perpetual witness, guide, and warning.
TRV