חֲתַם
𐤇𐤕𐤌
chătham
H2857 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To seal, affix a seal, confirm by means of a seal, close or secure a document or object with an official imprint, often indicating authentication, authorization, or to prevent tampering. Primarily refers to the act of pressing a signet or seal into clay or wax, especially in administrative or legal contexts, to confirm or safeguard written records or decrees. In a derived sense, can mean to conclusively secure or finalize a matter.
Semantic Range
to seal (with a signet), to affix a seal, to secure or close with authority, to authenticate or confirm a document, to finalize or make secure by sealing
Root / Etymology
From the root חתם (ḥ-t-m), meaning 'to seal, affix a seal.' This Aramaic verbal form corresponds directly to its Hebrew counterpart חָתַם (ḥātam). The root is ancient Semitic, attested in various languages, always carrying the core idea of sealing or closing securely, especially by an authoritative mark.
Historical & Contextual Notes
חֲתַם appears in Aramaic texts of the Hebrew Bible, especially in administrative or royal contexts in the books of Daniel and Ezra, reflecting the importance of seals in Persian-period documentary culture. The concept goes beyond physical closure, denoting confirmation or validation of authority—crucial in a period with increasing use of written decrees and legal documents. The act of sealing signified both authenticity and prohibition against unauthorized access or alteration. The English term 'seal' captures the essential action but may miss the formal role of the seal as an authoritative tool of state or individual identity in ancient administration. This term is distinct from Hebrew words for 'sign' (אות) or 'inscription' (כתוב), focusing specifically on the physical and legal concept of sealing. Usage of חֲתַם reflects broader Ancient Near Eastern sealing practices rather than uniquely Israelite forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) a root corresponding to חָתַם; to seal; seal.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חתם (ḥ-t-m) — to seal, to affix a seal, to close securely
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2368 | חוֹתָם | with his signet-seal |
| H2369 | חוֹתָם | seal-signet ring |
| H2413 | חָטַם | I will seal up |
| H2856 | חָתַם | Seal! |
| H2858 | חֹתֶמֶת | the seal |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2857-01 |
וְ/חַתְמַ֨/הּ | vechatemah | AC/Vqp3ms/Sp3fs |
and-sealed-it | and he sealed her | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2857-01 |
Daniel 6:18 | וְ/חַתְמַ֨/הּ | vechatemah | AC/Vqp3ms/Sp3fs |
and-sealed-it | and he sealed her |