Bible Word Study
אֶדֶן
ʼeden · a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)
אֶדֶן
a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)
Definition
The Hebrew word אֶדֶן (ʼeden) refers to a foundational support or base, specifically the socket or pedestal upon which a structure or object stands. In the Bible, it most frequently describes the silver bases that supported the upright frames and pillars of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:19, 26:32). These bases provided stability and strength to the entire portable sanctuary. The term can also refer more broadly to the foundation or footing of any structure, emphasizing its role as the essential, load-bearing component.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the context of the Tabernacle's construction in the books of Exodus (36 times) and Numbers (3 times). Its usage is highly specific, detailing the precise placement of silver or bronze bases for the sanctuary's frames, pillars, and courtyard hangings (e.g., Exodus 27:10-12). This consistent, technical application underscores its importance in the meticulous instructions for building God's dwelling place.
Etymology
אֶדֶן (ʼeden) is derived from the same root as אָדוֹן (ʼadon, H113), meaning 'lord' or 'master,' conveying a sense of strength, firmness, and that which supports or undergirds. This etymological link highlights the concept of a firm, foundational support, much as a lord provides stability and order.
Semantic Range
The 'eden' bases are theologically significant as the foundational, hidden supports for the Tabernacle, God's dwelling among His people (Exodus 25:8). They symbolize the unseen strength, stability, and order provided by God Himself for His holy sanctuary. Understanding that the entire sacred structure rested on these bases enriches the reading of Exodus, emphasizing that God's presence is established on a firm, divinely ordained foundation. In its ancient Near Eastern context, a foundation stone or base was often ceremonially significant, representing permanence and stability. For Israel's portable Tabernacle, these silver sockets were a unique adaptation, providing a solid yet movable foundation, reflecting the journeying nature of God's presence with His nomadic people. יְסוֹד (yesod, H3248) — a more general term for 'foundation' of a city or building. שְׁתִיָּה (shetiyyah, H8356) — a 'foundation' or 'layer,' often of the earth. מָכוֹן (makon, H4349) — a fixed or established place, a base or foundation.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]