עֵדָה (e.dah)
e.dah
congregation
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 132 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun `edah` refers to a congregation or gathering, specifically one assembled by appointment rather than chance. Derived from a root meaning "to appoint" or "to set a time," it describes a group bound together by a shared purpose or divine directive. In the Hebrew Bible, this word appears frequently in the books of Exodus and Numbers to describe the assembled people of Israel.
It often denotes the entire community acting as a single body, such as when the whole congregation gathers at the entrance of the tent of meeting (Exodus 16:10) or when leaders address the people regarding legal matters (Leviticus 4:13). The term carries a sense of order and structure, distinguishing a formal assembly from a random crowd. Translators typically render it as "congregation," "assembly," or "community," capturing this idea of a defined group united for worship or governance.
The theological weight of `edah` lies in its emphasis on unity under God’s authority. It is not merely a collection of individuals but a constituted body responding to divine instruction. This usage highlights how ancient Israel understood itself not as isolated families, but as a single people called together by covenant.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word edah points to a gathering defined by purpose rather than chance. It describes a community assembled by divine directive, bound together for worship and obedience. This is not a random crowd but a structured body responding to God’s call.
In the wilderness narratives, this term highlights how Israel functioned as a single entity under covenant. When the congregation gathered at the Tent of Meeting, they experienced God’s presence collectively. Your faith shares in this reality; you are part of a people called together by grace.
Understanding edah reminds us that we belong to something larger than ourselves. We are united not by shared interests alone but by our common submission to God’s authority. This unity offers comfort and strength as we walk through life’s seasons.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 132 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ congregation72×
- [the] congregation of36×
- to the/ congregation2×
- the/ company2×
- in/ [the] congregation of2×
- in/ [the] company of2×
- from/ [the] congregation of2×
- company/ your2×
- company/ his2×
- and/ [the] congregation2×
- among/ [the] congregation of2×
- to/ assembly/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָ/עֵדָ֖ה15×
- הָ֣/עֵדָ֔ה14×
- עֲדַ֣ת9×
- הָ/עֵדָֽה\׃9×
- עֲדַ֥ת8×
- הָֽ/עֵדָ֔ה7×
- עֲדַ֤ת6×
- עֲדַ֧ת5×
- הָ/עֵדָ֜ה5×
- הָ/עֵדָ֗ה5×
- הָ/עֵדָ֑ה5×
- עֲדַ֖ת4×
Key Verses
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Exodus 16:10
As Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the children of Israel, they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, Yahweh’s glory appeared in the cloud.
This verse shows the congregation witnessing Yahweh's glory, linking their assembled presence directly to divine revelation.
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Leviticus 4:13
“‘If the whole congregation of Israel sins, and the thing is hidden from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done, and are guilty;
Here the term describes the entire community bearing collective responsibility for sin, requiring a communal atonement ritual.
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Leviticus 9:5
They brought what Moses commanded before the Tent of Meeting. All the congregation came near and stood before Yahweh.
The congregation comes near and stands before Yahweh, illustrating their role as a unified body in approaching God.
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Exodus 12:3
Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, ‘On the tenth day of this month, they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household;
This instruction addresses every household within the congregation, showing how corporate identity includes individual family participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does edah mean in the Bible?
How is edah different from a random crowd?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (132 verses across 12 books)
Exodus 15 verses
Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, ‘On the tenth day of this month, they shall take to them every man a…
Exodus 12:6You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month; and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel…
Exodus 12:19There shall be no yeast found in your houses for seven days, for whoever eats that which is leavened, that soul shall…
Exodus 12:47All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.
Exodus 16:1They took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin,…
Exodus 16:2The whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron in the wilderness;
Exodus 16:9Moses said to Aaron, “Tell all the congregation of the children of Israel, ‘Come close to Yahweh, for he has heard your…
Exodus 16:10As Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the children of Israel, they looked toward the wilderness, and behold,…
Exodus 16:22On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one; and all the rulers of the congregation…
Exodus 17:1All the congregation of the children of Israel traveled from the wilderness of Sin, starting according to Yahweh’s…
Exodus 34:31Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned to him; and Moses spoke to them.
Exodus 35:1Moses assembled all the congregation of the children of Israel, and said to them, “These are the words which Yahweh has…
Exodus 35:4Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which Yahweh commanded,…
Exodus 35:20All the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.
Exodus 38:25The silver of those who were counted of the congregation was one hundred talents and one thousand seven hundred…