to testify
ud is used for giving solemn warning or testimony, often against someone, and for formally calling or providing witnesses.
The term most often marks a solemn warning or charge directed against people, frequently calling them back from disobedience or announcing consequences. It also occurs in settings of formal testimony and witness-taking, including accusations, documented transactions, and testimony offered for or between persons.
Senses in use
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Solemnly warn or charge against · dominant
In Deuteronomy 4:26, the first-person perfect occurs as heaven and earth are called against the hearers before a warning of perishing from the land. In 2 Kings 17:13, the action is carried out through prophets while the clause calls Israel and Judah to return from their bad way; Nehemiah 13:21 likewise joins the warning to a stated consequence if the conduct continues. The APB renders these clauses with wording such as “warned,” “testified against,” and “solemnly warn.”
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Give testimony in a formal accusation or proceeding · common
In 1 Kings 21:10, the third-person plural jussive directs two men to speak against Naboth before his punishment, and 1 Kings 21:13 reports that action before the people. In Jeremiah 32:10, the first-person form stands among writing, sealing, and weighing silver for a deed, while Jeremiah 32:44 places the action with buying fields and sealing deeds. The APB presents these settings as people who “testify against” someone or as witnesses called for a transaction.
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Bear witness for or between persons · occasional
In Job 29:11, an eye that saw Job is said to give testimony for him. In Malachi 2:14, the LORD is described as bearing witness between a man and the wife of his youth; Isaiah 8:2 similarly calls faithful witnesses in support of the speaker. The APB renders the clauses with “testified for myself,” “borne witness between,” and “call faithful witnesses.”
In the Anselm Project Bible: Across the occurrences, the APB variously uses “testify,” “testified against,” “warn,” “solemnly warn,” and witness language. These renderings show the clauses' presentation rather than a fixed English equivalent for the Hebrew term.