Original Word: עֵדָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: `edah
Pronunciation: ay-DAW
Phonetic Spelling: (ay-daw')
KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm
NASB: congregation, company, assembly, band, congregation's, herd, swarm
Word Origin: [feminine of H5707 (עֵד - witness) in the original sense of fixture]

1. a stated assemblage
2. (specifically) a concourse
3. (generally) a family or crowd

assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm

Feminine of ed in the original sense of fixture; a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd) -- assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare edah.

see HEBREW ed

see HEBREW edah

Word Origin
from yaad
Definition
congregation
NASB Translation
assembly (5), band (2), company (13), congregation (126), congregation's (1), herd (1), swarm (1).

עֵדָה₁₄₀ noun feminine congregation (properly company assembled together by appointment, or acting concertedly) — ׳ע Numbers 16:2 85t.; construct עֲדַת Exodus 12:3 52t.; suffix עֲדָתִי Job 16:7 9t. suffixes; —

1 עֲדַתאֵֿל Psalm 82:1 congregation of El, of company of angels ׅ "" (בקרב אלהים; לְאֻמִּים ׳ע Psalm 7:8 congregation of peoples; צַדִּיקִים ׳ע Psalm 1:5 congregation of the righteous; "" סוֺד יְשָׁרִים Psalm 111:1; "" קהל Proverbs 5:14; כָּלעֲֿדָתִי Job 16:7 (of Job's circle of dependents); in a bad sense, מְרֵעִים ׳ע company of evil doers Psalm 22:17; עריצים ׳ע Psalm 86:14; חנף ׳ע Job 15:34; קֹרַח ׳ע company of Korah Numbers 26:9; Numbers 27:3 (P), so עֲדָתוֺ, עֲדָֽתְךָ Numbers 16:5,6,11,16; Numbers 17:5 (P), and הָעֵדָה Numbers 26:10; Numbers 27:3 (P); אֲבִירָם ׳ע Psalm 106:17, compare Psalm 106:18.

2 of animals ׳ע אַבִּירִים Psalm 68:31 (figurative of nobles); דְּבֹרִים ׳ע Judges 14:8 a swarm of bees.

3 elsewhere of Israel Hosea 7:12 עֲדָתָם i.e. the whole assemblage of them; 1 Kings 8:5 (= 2 Chronicles 5:6) ׳כל עדת ישׂ of those gathered to Solomon; 2 Chron 12:20 העדה of assembly at Shechem; Jeremiah 6:18 (text very dubious); עֲדָתוֺ Jeremiah 30:20 of restored people; עֲדָֽתְךָ Psalm 74:2 ("" שׁבט נחלתך); elsewhere in P, except possibly Numbers 20:11 (R), in technical sense, of the company of Israel of the Exodus, the congregation (115 t.), especially in the phrases יהוה ׳ע Numbers 27:17; Numbers 31:16; Joshua 22:16,17; ישׂראל ׳ע Exodus 12:3,6,19,47; Leviticus 4:13; Numbers 16:9; Numbers 32:4; Joshua 22:18,20; בני ישׂראל ׳ע Exodus 16:1,2,9,10; Exodus 17:1; Exodus 35:1,4,20; Leviticus 16:5; Leviticus 19:2 (H), Numbers 1:2,53; Numbers 8:9,20; Numbers 13:26; Numbers 14:5,7; Numbers 15:25,26; Numbers 17:6; Numbers 19:9; Numbers 25:6; Numbers 27:20; Numbers 31:12; Joshua 18:1; Joshua 22:12; הָעֵדָה Leviticus 8:4 29t. (compare Judges 20:1; Judges 21:10); ׳כלהֿע Leviticus 8:3 33t. (compare Judges 21:13); ׳נְשִׂיאֵי (ה)ע princes of the congregation Exodus 16:22; Numbers 4:34; Numbers 16:2; Numbers 31:13; Numbers 32:2; Joshua 9:15,18; Joshua 22:30; ׳כָּלהַֿנְּשִׂאִים בָּע Exodus 34:31; ׳זִקְנֵי הע elders of the congregation Leviticus 4:15 (compare Judges 21:16); ראשׁי אבות ׳הע Numbers 31:26.

Essence of the Term and Its Scope

עֵדָה (ʿēdâ) designates an assembled company bound together by covenant identity, purpose, or occasion. Found about 149 times, it regularly describes Israel gathered as one people, whether in worship, governance, warfare, or repentance. Unlike קָהָל (qāhāl), which stresses the act of assembling, עֵדָה usually highlights the community itself—an identifiable body before God and the world.

The Exodus Paradigm

From the first Passover forward, “the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel” (Exodus 12:6) embodies a redeemed people under the blood of the lamb. Exodus 12:3, 16:1–10, and 17:1 show the term framing every early collective experience—provision of manna, water from the rock, and covenant making. The phrase “congregation of Israel” becomes synonymous with national identity because redemption created a people, not merely rescued individuals.

Sacred Assembly at Sinai and in the Wilderness

The giving of the Law and construction of the tabernacle occur with the עֵדָה gathered before YHWH (Exodus 19:7–8; 35:1). Moses, Aaron, the elders, and later the Levitical priesthood serve and represent this congregation. When the nation sins corporately, atonement is prescribed “for the whole congregation of Israel” (Leviticus 4:13–21). Thus עֵדָה is both beneficiary and participant in sacrificial worship.

Governance, Representation, and Leadership

Seventy elders are chosen “to stand there with you” and “bear the burden of the people” (Numbers 11:16–17), establishing a representative principle. Tribal leaders are repeatedly called “heads of the fathers’ households of the congregation” (Numbers 1:16; 31:13). Joshua’s commissioning (Numbers 27:18–23) underscores that God grants shepherds “so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd” (verse 17).

Judicial Function of the Congregation

Civil cases, capital offenses, and issues of inheritance are brought “before the congregation” (Leviticus 24:14; Numbers 27:2). The communal court guards holiness and justice, demonstrating that accountability in Israel is communal, not merely individual. Deuteronomy 23:2–8 (cf. Nehemiah 13:1) regulates admission to “the assembly of the LORD,” showing boundaries meant to preserve covenant purity.

Military Muster and National Action

When warfare is imminent, the nation gathers as עֵדָה (Judges 20:1; 1 Samuel 17:47). The Philistine threat, Benjamite civil war, and Jehoshaphat’s prayer (2 Chronicles 20:5) portray Israel’s battles as undertaken by a consecrated corporate body. Even the unbelieving spies are called “this whole wicked congregation” (Numbers 14:35), proving that collective unbelief can forfeit blessing just as collective faith can secure victory.

Crisis and Rebellion

Key failures—Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 16), the grumbling at Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 14), and Meribah (Numbers 20:1–13)—show how an errant congregation endangers its destiny. Yet even in judgment God distinguishes a faithful remnant within the assembly (Numbers 16:26; Psalm 22:22).

Festal and Liturgical Gatherings

High holy days summon “the congregation” (Leviticus 23). Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 30) and Josiah (2 Chronicles 34–35) revive Passover observance by convening huge congregations, illustrating how spiritual renewal is catalyzed when the whole people worship in unity.

Prophetic and Poetic Perspective

The Psalms contrast “the assembly of the righteous” with that of the wicked (Psalm 1:5; 22:22; 26:5). Prophets indict the congregation for covenant breach (Micah 2:5) yet envision a future assembly purified and restored (Ezekiel 11:17). Thus עֵדָה becomes a lens for both judgment and hope.

Post-Exilic Reconstitution

Ezra and Nehemiah describe re-established worship, covenant renewal, and discipline within “the assembly” (Ezra 10:8, 12; Nehemiah 8:2). The term affirms continuity: although exiled, Israel returns still recognizable as God’s congregation.

Foreshadowing the New Covenant Community

The New Testament writers frequently cite Old Testament congregational scenes to define the church. Hebrews 2:12 quotes Psalm 22:22—“I will proclaim Your name to My brothers; I will sing Your praises in the assembly”—applying עֵדָה language to believers gathered around the risen Christ. Stephen (Acts 7:38) calls Israel in the wilderness “the assembly,” linking Moses’ congregation to the ekklēsia founded by Jesus.

Ministry Principles for Today

• Redemption produces community; salvation is personal yet never solitary.
• Corporate worship, discipline, and mission remain central to God’s work.
• Spiritual leadership serves, protects, and represents the congregation before God.
• Holiness, unity, and obedience invite blessing; unbelief invites corporate chastening.
• The church, like Israel’s ancient congregation, is called to manifest God’s glory before the nations (1 Peter 2:9–10).

From the Passover night to the eschatological hope of perfect fellowship, עֵדָה reveals that God’s redemptive plan is inherently congregational, gathering a people who will hear His word, keep His covenant, and declare His praise forever.

בַּעֲדַ֥ת בַּעֲדַת־ בַּעֲדָתָ֑ם בָּעֵדָ֑ה בעדה בעדת בעדת־ בעדתם הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה הָ֨עֵדָ֤ה הָֽעֵדָ֔ה הָֽעֵדָה֙ הָעֵדָ֑ה הָעֵדָ֔ה הָעֵדָ֖ה הָעֵדָ֗ה הָעֵדָ֜ה הָעֵדָ֡ה הָעֵדָ֣ה הָעֵדָ֤ה הָעֵדָ֧ה הָעֵדָֽה׃ הָעֵדָה֙ הָעֵדָה֮ העדה העדה׃ וְכַ֣עֲדָת֔וֹ וְעֵדָֽה׃ וַעֲדַ֣ת וַעֲדָת֖וֹ וכעדתו ועדה׃ ועדת ועדתו לַעֲדַ֨ת לַעֲדָתָֽם׃ לָֽעֵדָ֑ה לָעֵדָ֑ה לָעֵדָ֤ה לעדה לעדת לעדתם׃ מֵעֲדַ֣ת מעדת עֲדַ֖ת עֲדַ֛ת עֲדַ֣ת עֲדַ֤ת עֲדַ֥ת עֲדַ֧ת עֲדַ֨ת עֲדַֽת־ עֲדַת֙ עֲדָ֣תְךָ֔ עֲדָתְךָ֨ ׀ עֲדָתִֽי׃ עֲדָתֽוֹ׃ עֲדָתוֹ֮ עֵדָ֖ה עֵדָ֛ה עדה עדת עדת־ עדתו עדתו׃ עדתי׃ עדתך ‘ă·ḏā·ṯə·ḵā ‘ă·ḏā·ṯî ‘ă·ḏā·ṯōw ‘ă·ḏaṯ ‘ă·ḏaṯ- ‘ăḏaṯ ‘ăḏaṯ- ‘ăḏāṯəḵā ‘ăḏāṯî ‘ăḏāṯōw ‘ê·ḏāh ‘êḏāh aDat aDatecha adaTi adaTo ba‘ăḏaṯ ba‘ăḏaṯ- ba‘ăḏāṯām bā‘êḏāh ba·‘ă·ḏā·ṯām ba·‘ă·ḏaṯ ba·‘ă·ḏaṯ- bā·‘ê·ḏāh baadat baadaTam baeDah eDah hā‘êḏāh hā·‘ê·ḏāh haeDah la‘ăḏaṯ la‘ăḏāṯām lā‘êḏāh la·‘ă·ḏā·ṯām la·‘ă·ḏaṯ lā·‘ê·ḏāh laaDat laadaTam laeDah mê‘ăḏaṯ mê·‘ă·ḏaṯ meaDat vaaDat vaadaTo veChaadaTo veeDah wa‘ăḏaṯ wa‘ăḏāṯōw wa·‘ă·ḏā·ṯōw wa·‘ă·ḏaṯ wə‘êḏāh wə·‘ê·ḏāh wə·ḵa·‘ă·ḏā·ṯōw wəḵa‘ăḏāṯōwInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts