Word Study for H2405 (חֲטֻבָה)

chăṭubâh /khat-oo-baw'/ Ask about this word

Rootfeminine passive participle of חָטַב

Meaningproperly, a carving; hence, a tapestry (as figured)

KJV usagecarved.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of chăṭubâh — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word chăṭubâh, represented by H2405, refers to a carving or something carved. Its base definition indicates it is figured, like a tapestry. It is a rare word, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, highlighting its specific application.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single biblical use of H2405 is found in the book of Proverbs. In a passage warning against temptation, an adulterous woman describes how she has prepared her bed, stating, "I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt" Proverbs 7:16. Here, the word describes ornate, decorative elements used to make the setting lavish and enticing.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide context for the imagery in its sole appearance:

H4765 marbad: This word means "a coverlet; covering of tapestry." It appears directly alongside H2405 in Proverbs 7:16 and is also used to describe the virtuous woman's handiwork in Proverbs 31:22.
H7234 râbad: A primitive root meaning "to spread; deck." This is the action verb used in Proverbs 7:16 to describe the adornment of the bed with both the coverings H4765 and the carved works H2405.

Theological Significance

While not a major theological term, the significance of H2405 is found in its specific literary context.

Imagery of Temptation: The "carved works" contribute to a vivid picture of worldly luxury and sensual appeal. They are part of the elaborate trap set to lure someone into sin Proverbs 7:16.
Craftsmanship in Context: The term denotes artistry and fine craftsmanship. However, its placement in this passage demonstrates how skill and beauty can be employed for immoral purposes, serving as a powerful element in a moral warning.

Summary

In summary, H2405 is a highly specific term for "carved works" whose meaning is derived entirely from its single use in scripture. It functions not as a theological keyword, but as a descriptive detail within a moral tale. Its presence in Proverbs 7:16 enhances the imagery of opulence and seduction, illustrating how even finely crafted objects can be part of a setting of temptation.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

חֲטֻבוֹת

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Proverbs — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.