### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tᵉʻûwdâh**, represented by `{{H8584}}`, signifies an **attestation**, **precept**, or **testimony**. It is a rare term, appearing only **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning is rooted in providing a witness or establishing a binding standard, whether through divine instruction or established usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The uses of `{{H8584}}` fall into two distinct contexts. In Isaiah, it is presented as a sacred, authoritative text, paired directly with the **law** `{{H8451}}`. The prophet is told to "Bind up the **testimony**{H8584}, seal{H2856} the law{H8451} among my disciples{H3928}" [[Isaiah 8:16]]. It serves as a benchmark for truth, as those who do not speak according to it are said to have no **light** `{{H7837}}` in them [[Isaiah 8:20]]. In contrast, the book of Ruth describes a cultural practice as a **testimony**: the act of a **man** `{{H376}}` plucking off his **shoe** `{{H5275}}` to **confirm** `{{H6965}}` a transaction concerning **redeeming** `{{H1353}}` [[Ruth 4:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the function of this testimony:
* `{{H8451}}` **tôwrâh** (law): Defined as "a precept or statute... law," this word is used in parallel with **tᵉʻûwdâh** in Isaiah, indicating that both serve as a divine standard for God's people ([[Isaiah 8:16]], 8:20).
* `{{H2856}}` **châtham** (to seal): This word means "to close up; especially to seal." Its use in [[Isaiah 8:16]] shows that the testimony is something to be preserved and protected as an authoritative source of truth.
* `{{H1353}}` **gᵉʼullâh** (redemption): This term, meaning "redemption," describes the context for the testimony in Ruth. The public act of removing a shoe was the testimony that legally confirmed the right of redemption had been fulfilled [[Ruth 4:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8584}}` is expressed through its function as a binding witness.
* **Standard for Truth:** In Isaiah, the testimony is presented as a measure of spiritual authenticity. Adherence to its words is the test of whether one has divine light [[Isaiah 8:20]].
* **Preservation of Revelation:** The command to "bind up" and "seal" the testimony highlights the importance of safeguarding God's word for His disciples, ensuring its availability and authority for future generations [[Isaiah 8:16]].
* **Legal Confirmation:** The use in Ruth demonstrates that a testimony could also be a recognized social custom. This public act served as an undeniable witness, giving legal finality to important matters like redemption and exchange within the community of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` [[Ruth 4:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8584}}` is a term that encompasses both divine and legal attestation. While infrequent, its occurrences show that a "testimony" could be God's authoritative word, which serves as a spiritual standard, or a legally recognized action that validates a social agreement. It underscores the biblical importance of having a clear, verifiable witness for matters of both faith and law.
TRV