The meaning of “עֵד”
Understanding ʻêd reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
contracted from עוּד witness. - concretely, a witness - abstractly, testimony - specifically, a recorder, i.e. prince 1)...
עֵד
contracted from עוּד witness. - concretely, a witness - abstractly, testimony - specifically, a recorder, i.e. prince 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 31:50 | “If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.” Word: עֵד (ʻêd) | |
| Numbers 35:30 | “Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.” Word: עֵד (ʻêd) | |
| Ruth 4:10 | “Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.” Word: עֵד (ʻêd) | |
| Psalms 35:11 | “False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.” Word: עֵד (ʻêd) | |
| Jeremiah 32:25 | “And thou hast said unto me, O Lord God, Buy thee the field for money, and take witnesses; for the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.” Word: עֵד (ʻêd) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Witness
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Witness, testimony
The Hebrew ed (עֵד) means witness—one who testifies to what they have seen or known. 'At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall the matter be established' (Deuteronomy 19:15).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Witness, martyr
The Greek martus (μάρτυς) means witness—the source of 'martyr,' as many witnesses died for their testimony. Jesus told the disciples 'ye shall be witnesses unto me' (Acts 1:8).