or חֹתָם; from חָתַם; a signature-ring; seal, signet.
Transliteration:chôwthâm
Pronunciation:kho-thawm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H2368}}` (חוֹתָם, *chôwthâm*) is derived from the verb `{{H2856}}` (חָתַם, *chatham*), meaning "to seal" or "to set a seal." Consequently, `{{H2368}}` primarily denotes the physical object used for sealing: a "seal" or "signet ring." Its semantic range encompasses concepts of authority, ownership, authenticity, security, and finality. It represents a personal mark or emblem that conveys the identity and power of its owner, often used to authenticate documents, secure property, or signify a binding agreement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H2368}}` appears 16 times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently carrying its core meaning:
* **Personal Identification and Pledge**: In [[Genesis 38:18]] and [[Genesis 38:25]], Judah gives Tamar his `{{H2368}}` (signet) and cord as a pledge, demonstrating its role as a personal identifier and a guarantee of a promise or obligation. It represents his authority and identity.
* **Divine Authority and Consecration**: In [[Exodus 28:11]], [[Exodus 28:21]], [[Exodus 28:36]], [[Exodus 39:6]], [[Exodus 39:14]], and [[Exodus 39:30]], the stones of the high priest's breastpiece and the gold plate on his turban are to be engraved "like the engravings of a `{{H2368}}`." This signifies that the names of the tribes and the inscription "Holy to the Lord" are indelibly marked, permanent, and carry divine authority and ownership, reflecting the precise and holy nature of God's design.
* **Royal Power and Misuse**: [[1 Kings 21:8]] describes Jezebel using King Ahab's `{{H2368}}` to seal letters, thereby imbuing them with royal authority and legitimacy. This act, leading to Naboth's unjust death, starkly illustrates the immense power and binding nature conferred by the seal, even when wielded for evil.
* **Divine Creation and Precision**: [[Job 38:14]] uses the metaphor of the earth taking shape "like clay under a `{{H2368}}`." This vivid imagery portrays God's meticulous, precise, and purposeful formation of the earth, akin to a potter impressing a distinct mark onto clay, emphasizing divine craftsmanship and design.
* **Divine Rejection and Restoration**: [[Jeremiah 22:24]] powerfully depicts King Coniah (Jehoiachin) as a `{{H2368}}` on God's right hand, which God will pluck off. This signifies a once-cherished, intimate, and authoritative position violently rejected due to unfaithfulness. Conversely, in [[Haggai 2:23]], Zerubbabel is chosen by God and made "like a `{{H2368}}`." This restores the image, signifying God's re-establishment of a chosen servant as a symbol of His authority, covenant faithfulness, and future plans for the Davidic line, marking him as a sign of divine favor and appointment.
* **Enduring Love and Commitment**: [[Song of Solomon 8:6]] expresses a passionate plea: "Set me as a `{{H2368}}` upon your heart, as a `{{H2368}}` upon your arm." This conveys a desire for indelible, permanent, and publicly displayed love and commitment, akin to the security, ownership, and intimate presence represented by a seal.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H2856}}` (חָתַם, *chatham*)**: The foundational verb from which `{{H2368}}` is derived, meaning "to seal." This verb highlights the *action* of sealing, emphasizing the closure, authentication, and preservation that the *chôwthâm* facilitates.
* **`{{H2857}}` (חֹתֶמֶת, *chothemet*)**: Another noun from the same root, also meaning "seal" or "signet," appearing in [[Genesis 38:25]] alongside `{{H2368}}`. This indicates a close semantic relationship, possibly referring to the same object or its impression.
* **Authority and Kingship**: The `{{H2368}}` is consistently associated with rulers (Ahab, Jezebel), high officials (Joseph, though a different Hebrew word for ring is used, the concept of a signet is present), and divine decrees. It is a potent symbol of delegated or inherent power.
* **Ownership and Identity**: The seal marks something as belonging to a specific person or entity, signifying authenticity and personal guarantee.
* **Security and Preservation**: Sealing a document or object ensured its contents were protected from tampering and its message remained unchanged, thus preserving its integrity.
* **Covenant and Promise**: In a broader sense, the concept of a seal connects to God's covenants, which are sure, unchangeable, and eternally binding.
### Theological Significance
The `{{H2368}}` serves as a profound theological metaphor for divine authority, ownership, and covenant faithfulness.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Design**: In [[Job 38:14]], God's creation is depicted as being shaped with the precision of a `{{H2368}}`, illustrating His meticulous and intentional design of the cosmos, where every detail bears His indelible mark.
* **Divine Election and Rejection**: The imagery of God's `{{H2368}}` in [[Jeremiah 22:24]] and [[Haggai 2:23]] highlights God's sovereign choice and rejection. Jehoiachin, once a cherished symbol of royal authority, is cast off due to unfaithfulness. Conversely, Zerubbabel is re-established as God's `{{H2368}}`, signifying God's enduring covenant with the Davidic line and His chosen instrument for restoration, demonstrating His ultimate control over human destiny and leadership.
* **Authentication and Witness**: The "engravings of a `{{H2368}}`" on the high priest's garments in Exodus signify divine authentication and the indelible nature of God's chosen people and His holiness. The seal makes something undeniably true or belonging to God.
* **Enduring Love and Commitment**: In the Song of Solomon, the beloved's desire to be a `{{H2368}}` on the heart and arm speaks to a profound longing for exclusive, permanent, and publicly displayed devotion, mirroring the secure and cherished nature of God's love for His people.
* **Messianic Implications**: The designation of Zerubbabel as a `{{H2368}}` points forward to the ultimate Davidic King, Jesus Christ. While the New Testament uses the Greek `{{G4972}}` (*sphragizo*) for "seal," the conceptual weight is similar: Christ is God's ultimate signet, bearing divine authority and authenticity, and believers are "sealed" by the Holy Spirit as a mark of God's ownership and a guarantee of their inheritance (e.g., [[Ephesians 1:13]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H2368}}` (חוֹתָם, *chôwthâm*) denotes a "seal" or "signet ring," an object intrinsically linked to the act of sealing (`{{H2856}}`). Its core significance lies in conveying authentication, ownership, authority, and security. Throughout the biblical narrative, it serves as a powerful symbol of personal identity, royal power, and divine design. Theologically, `{{H2368}}` illuminates God's absolute sovereignty in creation, His decisive authority in election and judgment, and the steadfast nature of His covenant promises. The persistent biblical imagery of the `{{H2368}}` underscores the certainty, finality, and personal intimacy inherent in divine actions and relationships, ultimately foreshadowing the ultimate divine authentication found in Christ.
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