עֵדוּת
Edut
Testimony, witness, evidence
Edut (עֵדוּת) is a Hebrew word meaning “testimony, witness, evidence,” pronounced “eh-DOOT.” Derived from the root ע-ו-ד, edut appears 61 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H5715).
| Hebrew | עֵדוּת |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Edut |
| Pronunciation | eh-DOOT |
| Meaning | Testimony, witness, evidence |
| Root Letters | ע-ו-ד |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 61× |
| Key Verse | Psalm 19:7 |
| Strong's Number | H5715 |
| Category | Kingdom & Authority |
The Ark of the Covenant — the most sacred object in all of Israel — had a name that reveals its ultimate purpose. It was called the 'Aron HaEdut,' the Ark of the Testimony (Exodus 25:22). The stone tablets inside were the 'luchot ha'edut,' the tablets of testimony. Why testimony? Because edut (עֵדוּת) means more than a story someone tells — it means evidence, witness, proof. The Torah is not merely God's instruction; it is God's testimony — His sworn witness statement about who He is, what He values, and how reality works. Psalm 19:7 declares that God's edut is 'sure' (ne'emanah — from the same root as 'amen'), meaning it is reliable, trustworthy evidence. Every time you open your Bible, you are not reading religious literature — you are examining the testimony of the Creator. And like any testimony, it demands a verdict.
Key Bible Verse: Psalm 19:7
“The testimony (edut) of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”
What Is the Root of Edut in Hebrew?
Edut comes from the root ע-ו-ד (ayin-vav-dalet), meaning 'to bear witness, testify, return again.' It carries legal weight — edut is sworn testimony usable as evidence. The related word 'ed' means 'witness.'
What Does Edut Mean in the Bible?
Edut appears 61 times in the Hebrew Bible. It refers to the stone tablets (the 'Testimony' in the Ark), God's laws as witness (Psalm 19:7, 119:88), and the Tabernacle itself — the 'Mishkan HaEdut' (Numbers 1:50).
How Is Edut Used in Modern Hebrew?
In modern Hebrew, 'edut' still means 'testimony' in legal contexts. Israeli courts follow the biblical principle of requiring corroborating witnesses. The phrase 'l'ha'id edut' (to give testimony) is used in courtrooms and everyday speech.
How to Use Edut in Prayer & Worship
Treat God's Word as edut — reliable testimony of who He is. When doubts arise, return to the testimony of Scripture. Share your own edut with others, because Revelation 12:11 says believers overcome 'by the word of their testimony.'
Frequently Asked Questions About Edut
How do you say “Testimony” in Hebrew?
“Testimony” in Hebrew is Edut (עֵדוּת), pronounced “eh-DOOT.” Edut comes from the root ע-ו-ד (ayin-vav-dalet), meaning 'to bear witness, testify, return again.' It carries legal weight — edut is sworn testimony usable as evidence. The related word 'ed' means 'witness.'
What does Edut mean in the Bible?
Edut (עֵדוּת) means “Testimony, witness, evidence” in Biblical Hebrew. Edut appears 61 times in the Hebrew Bible. It refers to the stone tablets (the 'Testimony' in the Ark), God's laws as witness (Psalm 19:7, 119:88), and the Tabernacle itself — the 'Mishkan HaEdut' (Numbers 1:50).
How do you pronounce Edut?
Edut is pronounced “eh-DOOT.” The word comes from the Hebrew root ע-ו-ד.
Why is the Ark called the 'Ark of the Testimony'?
The Ark held the stone tablets inscribed by God. These were the 'edut' — evidence of the covenant between God and Israel. Just as a legal document witnesses an agreement, the tablets witnessed God's promises and Israel's obligations. The Ark was a container for divine evidence.
How is testimony used in the Psalms?
Psalm 119 uses 'edut' 23 times, always referring to God's laws as trustworthy witnesses. 'Your testimonies are my delight' (119:24). The psalmist treats God's commands as reliable evidence of His character — testimony you can stake your life on.
What is the role of witnesses in biblical law?
The Torah requires two or three witnesses to establish any matter (Deuteronomy 19:15). Jesus sent disciples in pairs, Paul cited witnesses for the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:5-8), and Revelation speaks of 'two witnesses.' Truth must be confirmed, verified, and publicly attested.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H5715: Edut
- Bible Gateway — Psalm 19:7 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for ע-ו-ד
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