אֵד (ed)
ed
mist
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ed refers to a fine mist or vapor rising from the earth. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the creation narrative of Genesis 2:6. In these verses, the text describes how this moisture ascended to water the ground before rain existed.
This word captures a specific atmospheric condition distinct from heavy rainfall. It suggests a gentle, pervasive dampness that sustains life in arid environments. The imagery emphasizes God’s provision of water through subtle means rather than dramatic storms.
Translators often render ed as "mist" or "vapor," highlighting its role in the early earth’s ecosystem. This usage underscores the biblical theme of divine care for creation, showing how even small natural phenomena serve larger purposes. The word’s rarity makes these few occurrences particularly significant for understanding Genesis’ account of origins.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ed describes a gentle mist rising from the earth to nourish the ground. It appears only twice in Scripture, anchoring us in Genesis 2:6 where God provides for creation before rain exists. This subtle imagery reminds us that life often depends on quiet, consistent care rather than dramatic events.
In our daily walk, this concept encourages patience. Just as the mist slowly waters the soil, God’s provision often comes in small, steady ways. We can trust that these gentle moments are sufficient for sustaining our spiritual growth and meeting our needs over time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ mist/ its1×
- and/ water1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/אֵדֽ/וֹ\׃1×
- וְ/אֵ֖ד1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 2:6
but a mist went up from the earth, and watered the whole surface of the ground.
This verse establishes the word's unique role in describing pre-rain agricultural sustenance through rising moisture.
-
Job 36:27
For he draws up the drops of water, which distill in rain from his vapor,
Here the term links to the broader cycle of water distilling from vapor, showing God's control over atmospheric processes.