feminine passive participle of חָטַב; properly, a carving; hence, a tapestry (as figured); carved.
Transliteration:chăṭubâh
Pronunciation:khat-oo-baw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word חֲטֻבָה (chăṭubâh, `{{H2405}}`) is a feminine passive participle derived from the verb חָטַב (chāṭab, `{{H2404}}`), which primarily signifies "to hew," "to cut," or "to carve." As a passive participle, חֲטֻבָה denotes something that *has been* hewn, cut, or carved. Its core meaning thus points to an object that has undergone a process of shaping or forming by incision. The base definition provided extends this to "a carving."
Crucially, the semantic range of חֲטֻבָה then expands to encompass "a tapestry (as figured)." This extension suggests that the "carving" is not limited to wood or stone but can also refer to intricate designs or patterns that are "carved" or "figured" into fabric. This implies a highly decorative and artful quality, where the patterns are so distinct and elaborate as to resemble the depth or precision of a carving. Thus, חֲטֻבָה describes something exquisitely crafted, bearing a distinct, often three-dimensional or richly patterned design.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חֲטֻבָה (chăṭubâh, `{{H2405}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Proverbs 7:16]]. The verse reads: "I have spread my bed with coverings, with **carved** work, with fine linen of Egypt." In this context, the harlot is describing the luxurious and enticing preparations she has made for her bed, designed to lure the naive young man.
The phrase "carved work" (חֲטֻבָה) here is often translated as "tapestries," "embroidered coverings," or "figured coverings" in various English versions, reflecting the extended semantic range of the word. The pairing of חֲטֻבָה with "coverings" (מַרְבַדִּים, marbaddim, `{{H4764}}`) and "fine linen of Egypt" (אֵטוּן מִצְרַיִם, 'etun mitsrayim) underscores the opulence and exotic nature of the bedding. Egyptian linen was renowned for its quality and often associated with luxury. The "carved work" or "figured tapestries" would have been expensive, meticulously crafted items, serving not merely for comfort but as a significant part of the seductive atmosphere. This single occurrence vividly paints a picture of lavishness and deliberate enticement, highlighting the harlot's cunning in creating an alluring environment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb חָטַב (chāṭab, `{{H2404}}`), from which חֲטֻבָה (chăṭubâh, `{{H2405}}`) is derived. This verb means "to hew," "to cut," or "to chop," and is frequently used in contexts of cutting wood, such as for building materials or fuel (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 19:5]], [[Joshua 9:21]]). The passive participle חֲטֻבָה thus implies an object that has been shaped or fashioned through such a cutting or carving process.
The semantic extension of "carving" to "figured tapestry" links חֲטֻבָה to other Hebrew terms describing ornate or patterned textiles. For instance, רִקְמָה (riqmah, `{{H7553}}`) refers to "embroidered work" or "variegated cloth," often used in the context of priestly garments or Tabernacle curtains (e.g., [[Exodus 28:39]], [[Ezekiel 16:10]]). Similarly, מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב (ma'aseh choshev, `{{H4639}}` + `{{H2803}}`), translated as "skillful work" or "artistic work," describes fabrics woven with figures or designs, particularly for the Tabernacle's curtains and the ephod (e.g., [[Exodus 26:1]], [[Exodus 28:6]]). While חֲטֻבָה is distinct, its meaning of "figured" or "patterned" places it within this broader category of intricately designed textiles, signifying high craftsmanship and value.
### Theological Significance
Though appearing only once, the theological significance of חֲטֻבָה (chăṭubâh, `{{H2405}}`) is profound within the context of wisdom literature, particularly the book of Proverbs. Its placement in [[Proverbs 7:16]] serves as a vivid illustration of the deceptive allure of sin. The "carved work" or "figured tapestries" are not merely incidental details; they are integral to the harlot's strategy of enticement. They represent the superficial beauty, luxury, and apparent comfort that sin offers.
The word highlights that temptation is often presented not crudely, but with meticulous care and artistry. The "carved" or "figured" nature of the coverings speaks to the deliberate effort and expense invested in making the path to destruction seem attractive and desirable. This contrasts sharply with the simplicity and purity advocated by divine wisdom. The elaborate decoration of the harlot's bed underscores the deceptive nature of illicit pleasure, which promises satisfaction but ultimately leads to ruin, as the subsequent verses in Proverbs 7 attest. The theological message is clear: true wisdom discerns beyond the enticing, artfully crafted facade of temptation to perceive its underlying danger and destructive consequences.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֲטֻבָה (chăṭubâh, `{{H2405}}`), derived from the verb "to hew" or "to carve," denotes something that has been intricately shaped or figured. Its semantic range extends from a physical carving to a richly patterned or "figured" tapestry, signifying an item of high decorative quality and craftsmanship. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Proverbs 7:16]] places it within the description of the harlot's luxurious and enticing bed, adorned with "carved work" or "figured coverings." In this context, חֲטֻבָה serves as a powerful symbol of the deceptive allure of sin, illustrating how temptation is often presented with elaborate beauty and apparent desirability to lead the unsuspecting astray, thereby reinforcing the wisdom literature's call to discernment and adherence to righteousness.
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