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χάραγμα

cháragma

G5480 noun

SILEX Entry

Root χαρακ- to engrave, to stamp, to inscribe

Definition

An impression or imprint made by engraving, stamping, or branding; refers primarily to a mark, inscription, or symbol produced by cutting or pressing onto a surface. Used metaphorically for an identifying sign, distinction, or emblem imposed on a person or object, often with connotations of ownership, allegiance, or status. In official or economic contexts, denotes a seal, inscription, or image indicating authority or authenticity.

Semantic Range

engraved mark, stamped impression, inscription, brand or mark of ownership, official seal or symbol, identifying sign (including religious or cultic context), image or figure produced by engraving

Root / Etymology

From the root χαρακ- (charak-), related to χάραξ ('pointed stake' or 'palisade'), with -μα (-ma) denoting the result of an action; thus, 'the thing engraved, the mark.' Cognate with verbs meaning 'to engrave, to inscribe.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

χάραγμα appears in Koine Greek to describe physical marks formed by engraving or stamping, such as impressions on coins, seals, or inscriptions on objects. In official documents, it could indicate an authentication mark or image. In Revelation, χάραγμα is employed for the 'mark of the beast,' referring to a symbolic or literal sign imposed on individuals as an indicator of allegiance or participation in an imperial (Roman) cultic system or economic practice; this usage draws on the broader Greco-Roman world, where marks, brands, or insignia denoted ownership (as in branding slaves) or participation in specific economic or religious systems. LXX usage is limited, with similar vocabulary for idols and inscriptions. The English 'graven image' or 'mark' covers the range partially but sometimes narrows the sense. Classical Greek employs related terms for images or engravings, but χάραγμα is more specifically the result—the actual mark—rather than the process. The semantic field contrasts with εἰκών (icon; image) in emphasizing the physical act and result of inscription, not resemblance alone.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as χάραξ; a scratch or etching, i.e. stamp (as a badge of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue):--graven, mark.

Root Family

χάραγμα (charagma) — engraved mark, stamped impression, inscription, branded sign

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G5480-01 χάραγμα charagma N ACC N SG mark an engraved mark 7
G5480-02 χαράγματι charagmati N DAT N SG graven image to an engraved mark 1

Occurrences in Scripture

8 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G5480-02 Acts 17:29 χαράγματι charagmati N DAT N SG graven image to an engraved mark
G5480-01 Revelation 13:16 χάραγμα charagma N ACC N SG a mark an engraved mark
G5480-01 Revelation 13:17 χάραγμα charagma N ACC N SG mark an engraved mark
G5480-01 Revelation 14:9 χάραγμα charagma N ACC N SG mark an engraved mark
G5480-01 Revelation 14:11 χάραγμα charagma N ACC N SG mark an engraved mark
G5480-01 Revelation 16:2 χάραγμα charagma N ACC N SG mark an engraved mark
G5480-01 Revelation 19:20 χάραγμα charagma N ACC N SG mark an engraved mark
G5480-01 Revelation 20:4 χάραγμα charagma N ACC N SG mark an engraved mark
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