### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châqâh**, represented by `{{H2707}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **carve** or **delineate**. It is also translated as **carved work**, **portrayed**, and **set a print**. Appearing only **4 times** in **4 unique verses**, this term describes the act of creating a permanent mark, image, or boundary.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H2707}}` describes both literal and figurative markings. In Ezekiel's visions, it refers to idolatrous images **pourtrayed** upon a wall, including the "form of creeping things, and abominable beasts" [[Ezekiel 8:10]] and "men pourtrayed upon the wall" [[Ezekiel 23:14]]. In a completely different context, it denotes the sanctified **carved work** of cherubims and palm trees on the temple [[1 Kings 6:35]]. Job uses the term metaphorically, complaining to God, "thou settest a print{H2707} upon the heels of my feet" [[Job 13:27]], signifying a restrictive mark.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the theme of carving, marking, and forming:
* `{{H2710}}` **châqaq** (to engrave, decree, pourtray): This root is closely related, used for engraving or decreeing laws. It is used to describe a **lawgiver** [[Genesis 49:10]], to **graven** a name upon the palms of God's hands [[Isaiah 49:16]], and to **pourtray** the city of Jerusalem on a tile [[Ezekiel 4:1]].
* `{{H7049}}` **qâlaʻ** (to sling, to carve): This word also means to **carve** and is used in the same verse as `{{H2707}}`, where it says "And he **carved** thereon cherubims and palm trees" [[1 Kings 6:35]], describing the action that resulted in the "carved work".
* `{{H8403}}` **tabnîyth** (figure, form, likeness, pattern): This term describes the result of carving or delineation. It is the **form** of the idols that were "pourtrayed" on the wall in Ezekiel's vision [[Ezekiel 8:10]] and also refers to the **pattern** for the temple and its furnishings [[1 Chronicles 28:11]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2707}}` is seen in its distinct applications:
* **Sacred and Profane Imagery:** The word is used to describe both the holy **carved work** of cherubim and palm trees for the temple [[1 Kings 6:35]] and the profane images **pourtrayed** on the wall as part of Israel's idolatry ([[Ezekiel 8:10]], [[Ezekiel 23:14]]). This highlights how the same action of carving can serve opposite purposes.
* **A Mark of Confinement:** In Job, the word takes on a personal and metaphorical meaning. When Job states that God "settest a print" upon his heels, it is in the context of being put in the stocks `{{H5465}}` and having his paths looked upon narrowly `{{H8104}}`. It represents a mark of divine restriction and suffering [[Job 13:27]].
* **Permanent Inscription:** Whether carved in wood or portrayed on a wall, the action of `{{H2707}}` implies permanence. The images in Ezekiel are there for the prophet to see, the carvings in the temple are part of its structure, and the "print" on Job's feet is a lasting mark of his trial.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2707}}` conveys the act of making a permanent inscription or image. Though a rare term, it carries significant weight, appearing in contexts of holy temple decoration [[1 Kings 6:35]], idolatrous depiction [[Ezekiel 8:10]], and the metaphorical marking of an individual by God [[Job 13:27]]. It demonstrates how a physical act of carving or portraying can symbolize profound spiritual realities, from worship and rebellion to personal affliction.
TRV