חָרַת
𐤇𐤓𐤕
chârath
H2801 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To engrave, carve, or inscribe by incising or cutting, especially onto a hard surface such as stone, metal, or wood. The verb denotes the action of marking a surface through deliberate cutting, often for the purpose of recording information, producing art, or signifying ownership. Depending on context, it can refer to both the physical act of engraving and the resulting engraved object or inscription.
Semantic Range
to engrave (words or images), to inscribe by incision, to carve ornamentation, to cut markings, to produce a graven or inscribed object
Root / Etymology
The root חרת (cheth-resh-tav) carries the fundamental sense of cutting or incising. The verb form חָרַת derives directly from this root, indicating the act of engraving or inscribing. The word is ancient Semitic and is attested in related languages (e.g., Ugaritic, Aramaic) with similar meanings tied to cutting or engraving. There are no clear morphological complications; the root conveys tangible craftsmanship involving incision.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, חָרַת is not common and appears primarily in contexts involving the production of inscribed objects, such as seals or monuments. The term relates specifically to the physical technique rather than artistic intent, differing from terms like פָּסַל (to carve, often with reference to idol-making). During the monarchic and later periods, engraved objects often served administrative or commemorative functions, such as personal seals or boundary markers. In translation traditions (e.g., KJV or Septuagint), it is often rendered as 'graven,' but this English term may introduce anachronistic religious connotations, especially in discussions of 'graven images.' In biblical contexts, the word is neutral, focused on the act of incision itself rather than religious implications. Modern translations sometimes limit the semantic range by interpreting it only in the context of idolatry, but the base meaning is broader and technical.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to engrave; graven.
Bantu Hebrew
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+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חרת (ḥ-r-t) — cutting, incising, engraving, carving
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2801-01 |
חָר֖וּת | charut | HVqsmsa |
engraved | engraved | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2801-01 |
Exodus 32:16 | חָר֖וּת | charut | HVqsmsa |
engraved | engraved |