כָּתַם
𐤊𐤕𐤌
kâtham
H3799 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To carve, engrave, or inscribe, typically with permanent effect; refers specifically to the act of marking a surface by cutting or scratching, often for the purpose of making a lasting record or sign. In some contexts, signifies to set down or record by inscription.
Semantic Range
to carve (into stone or metal), to engrave, to inscribe indelibly, to mark (by cutting or scratching), to record by engraving
Root / Etymology
Root כָּתַם (ktm), an apparent Semitic root meaning 'to engrave' or 'to carve.' Related to Aramaic and other Northwest Semitic cognates with similar meanings. The precise relationship to roots meaning 'to finish' or 'to seal' (cf. Heb. חתם) is debated, though phonetic similarity suggests a remote etymological connection in the broader Semitic family. The root כָּתַם is distinct from כָּתַב ('to write'), though the concepts are related as both involve setting marks upon a surface.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb כָּתַם occurs infrequently in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., Job 19:24) and always in the sense of making a deep, lasting mark, typically by engraving on a hard surface such as rock or metal. The notion is that of permanency, as opposed to writing with ink (כָּתַב), which might fade or be erased. Unlike regular writing, כָּתַם emphasizes durability and irreversibility. The word's rare use means it does not reflect the broader semantic range that other, more common inscription-related verbs do. In some cases, later translations have rendered the term as 'to inscribe' or 'to engrave,' and in certain English traditions it was extended metaphorically to 'mark' or even 'seal,' but the original Hebrew specifically refers to the physical act of engraving. No evidence suggests the term acquired technical religious or legal significance in the biblical period, though similar terms in neighboring cultures were used in monument dedications or official decrees.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; properly, to carve or engrave, i.e. (by implication) to inscribe indelibly; mark.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
כתם (k-t-m) — to engrave, to carve, to inscribe permanently
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3799-01 |
נִכְתָּ֤ם | nikhetam | HVNsmsa |
stain | engraved one | your stain | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3799-01 |
Jeremiah 2:22 | נִכְתָּ֤ם | nikhetam | HVNsmsa |
stain | engraved one | your stain |