עֵ֫דֶר (e.der)
e.der
Eder
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The Hebrew word ‘eder carries the simple, concrete meaning of “flock” or “herd.” In the Old Testament, it appears only three times, functioning primarily as a proper name rather than a common noun for livestock. This limited usage gives the term a specific historical weight, attaching the image of a gathered group to particular people and places in Israel’s past.
Lexical sources identify two distinct referents for this name. First, it denotes a Merarite Levite, the son of Mushi and brother to Mahli and Jerimoth, who is listed among David’s officials in 1 Chronicles 23:23. Second, ‘eder names a town located in the extreme southern region of Judah, near the border of Edom, as recorded in Joshua 15:21. The site of this southern town remains unknown today.
While the word itself is straightforward, its application to both a person and a place suggests a cultural association between identity and community or lineage. Translators typically retain the name ‘eder without attempting to translate it as “flock” in these contexts, preserving the specific historical reference over the literal semantic meaning.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eder appears in Scripture as both a place name and a personal name, anchoring us in the tangible history of Israel’s tribes. In Joshua, it marks a specific city on the southern border, reminding us that God cares about the details of land and community. In Chronicles, it identifies a Levite family line, showing how individual identities were woven into the broader tapestry of worship.
While the root meaning suggests a gathered group or flock, these verses preserve the name as a proper noun. This invites us to see our own lives not as abstract concepts, but as part of a larger, purposeful story. Just as Eder was remembered in the records of God’s people, your place in the community of faith is equally significant and cherished.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Eder3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/עֵ֖דֶר2×
- וְ/עֵ֛דֶר1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 15:21
The farthest cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the border of Edom in the South were Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur,
This verse establishes Eder as a fortified town on Judah's southern border, highlighting its role in the territorial inheritance of Israel.
-
I Chronicles 23:23
The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth, three.
Here Eder is listed among the sons of Mushi, identifying him as a Levite official involved in the organization of temple service under David.
-
I Chronicles 24:30
The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites after their fathers’ houses.
This occurrence reiterates Eder's lineage within the Merarite clan, emphasizing the continuity of family roles in Israel's religious structure.