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חוֹתָם

𐤇𐤅𐤕𐤌

chôwthâm

H2368 noun

SILEX Entry

Root חתם to seal, affix a mark, close up, authenticate

Definition

An object, typically a ring or cylinder, bearing an engraved design that serves as the personal seal or signet of an individual for authenticating documents or property. The word denotes both the instrument (seal, signet-ring) and, by extension, the imprint or impression produced by such a device. Used metaphorically for finality or confirmation, especially in legal and administrative contexts.

Semantic Range

seal, signet, signet-ring, the impression made by a seal, instrument of authentication, stamp of authority, symbolic mark of ownership or authority

Root / Etymology

From the root חתם meaning 'to seal, to affix a mark, to close up.' The noun חוֹתָם derives from the action of sealing, referencing both the object used to make the impression (seal, signet-ring) and the act itself. The form חוֹתָם/חֹתָם reflects a standard nominal pattern.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the ancient Near East, including among the Israelites, the חוֹתָם was a common instrument for officials and individuals of status, used to authenticate documents, designate ownership, or render objects tamper-evident (e.g., sealing containers, doors). In biblical texts, its use appears from patriarchal narratives (e.g., Genesis 38:18) through exilic and post-exilic periods. The חוֹתָם is regularly depicted as a personal item (often worn on a cord or ring) and also as part of administrative practice. While English often translates as 'seal' or 'signet,' neither term fully captures the range of personal, legal, and ceremonial significance the term possessed in the ancient context. Unlike the generic term for 'ring' (טַבַּעַת), חוֹתָם specifically designates the purpose of authenticating or sealing. In post-biblical Hebrew and later Jewish usage, חותָם extends metaphorically to refer to God's mark or a conclusive sign, but this is not a primary biblical usage. In later translation traditions, including some English versions, such terms are rendered as 'seal,' 'signet-ring,' or occasionally 'signet,' but the connotations of official personal authority may be lost. Usage persists in the Dead Sea Scrolls and later Hebrew texts, often in an extended metaphorical sense.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

or חֹתָם; from חָתַם; a signature-ring; seal, signet.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

חתם (ḥ-t-m) — to seal, affix a mark, close up, authenticate

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H2369 חוֹתָם seal-signet ring
H2413 חָטַם I will seal up
H2856 חָתַם Seal!
H2857 חֲתַם and he sealed her
H2858 חֹתֶמֶת the seal

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H2368-02 חֹתָ֗ם chotam HNcmsa a signet authenticating seal 9
H2368-04 כַּֽ/חוֹתָ֑ם kachotam HRd/Ncmsa as a seal as a seal-signet 2
H2368-01 בְּ/חֹתָמ֑/וֹ bechotamo HR/Ncmsc/Sp3ms with his seal with his signet-seal 1
H2368-05 כַֽ/חוֹתָ֜ם khachotam HRd/Ncmsa as a seal signet-seal 1
H2368-03 חֹתָֽמְ/ךָ֙ chotamekha HNcmsc/Sp2ms your seal your signet-seal 1

Occurrences in Scripture

14 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H2368-03 Genesis 38:18 חֹתָֽמְ/ךָ֙ chotamekha HNcmsc/Sp2ms your seal your signet-seal
H2368-02 Exodus 28:11 חֹתָ֗ם chotam HNcmsa a signet authenticating seal
H2368-02 Exodus 28:21 חוֹתָם֙ chotam HNcmsa a-seal authenticating seal
H2368-02 Exodus 28:36 חֹתָ֔ם chotam HNcmsa of a seal authenticating seal
H2368-02 Exodus 39:6 חוֹתָ֔ם chotam HNcmsa of a signet authenticating seal
H2368-02 Exodus 39:14 חֹתָם֙ chotam HNcmsa a signet authenticating seal
H2368-02 Exodus 39:30 חוֹתָ֔ם chotam HNcmsa a signet authenticating seal
H2368-01 1 Kings 21:8 בְּ/חֹתָמ֑/וֹ bechotamo HR/Ncmsc/Sp3ms with his seal with his signet-seal
H2368-02 Jeremiah 22:24 חוֹתָ֖ם chotam HNcmsa signet authenticating seal
H2368-04 Haggai 2:23 כַּֽ/חוֹתָ֑ם kachotam HRd/Ncmsa as-a-signet as a seal-signet
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