a primitive root; to carve; by implication, to delineate; also to entrench; carved work, portrayed, set a print.
Transliteration:châqâh
Pronunciation:khaw-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root חָקָה (châqâh, `{{H2707}}`) is a primitive verb carrying the fundamental sense of "to carve" or "to engrave." This core meaning implies the act of making a permanent mark, impression, or delineation upon a surface, typically a hard one like stone, wood, or a tablet. From this literal act, the semantic range extends to "to delineate" or "to portray," suggesting the creation of an image or representation through incision. Furthermore, the concept of a fixed, permanent mark leads to the implication of "to entrench," signifying establishment, fixation, or the setting down of something in an unchangeable manner. This encompasses not only physical impressions but also the abstract idea of setting forth or inscribing principles, laws, or decrees, giving them a lasting and authoritative quality. The noun forms derived from this root often refer to "carved work," "portrayals," or "set prints," highlighting the enduring result of the carving action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of חָקָה (châqâh, `{{H2707}}`) in the Hebrew Bible consistently reflect its core meaning of making a permanent, delineated mark.
In [[Isaiah 30:8]], the prophet is commanded: "Now go, write it before them in a tablet, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever." Here, "note it" (וְחֻקָּהּ) implies not merely casual writing but a deliberate, enduring inscription, emphasizing the permanence and unchangeable nature of God's prophetic word and judgment. The act of "engraving" ensures its lasting testimony.
Job's fervent wish in [[Job 19:23]] demonstrates the desire for an indelible record: "Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!" The verb "printed" (יֻחֲקוּ) here conveys the longing for his vindication and testimony to be etched permanently, beyond the ephemeral nature of spoken words, ensuring their enduring witness for future generations.
Ezekiel's prophecies frequently employ חָקָה (châqâh, `{{H2707}}`) in the sense of "to portray" or "to delineate." In [[Ezekiel 4:1]], the prophet is instructed: "Thou also, son of man, take thee a tile, and lay it before thee, and portray upon it the city, even Jerusalem." This is a visual, symbolic act where the carving or etching of the city's image on a tile serves as a prophetic sign of its impending siege and destruction. The detailed delineation is crucial for the prophetic message.
Similarly, in [[Ezekiel 8:10]], the prophet describes seeing "every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed upon the wall round about." Here, the idols are not merely painted but "portrayed" (מְחֻקֶּה), suggesting a more permanent and perhaps three-dimensional or deeply etched representation, signifying the deep entrenchment of idolatry within the hearts of the people, mirroring the permanence of the carvings themselves.
Across these contexts, חָקָה (châqâh, `{{H2707}}`) consistently highlights the creation of something fixed, enduring, and visually distinct, whether it be a divine decree, a personal testimony, or a prophetic image.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root חָקָה (châqâh, `{{H2707}}`) is intimately related to other significant Hebrew terms, most notably חָקַק (châqaq, `{{H2706}}`) and חֹק (choq, `{{H2710}}`).
* **חָקַק (châqaq, `{{H2706}}`)**: This verb is often seen as a direct cognate or even a variant form, sharing the core meaning of "to engrave," "to inscribe," but extending more frequently to the legal and administrative sense of "to decree," "to enact," or "to legislate." The connection is clear: laws and decrees were historically engraved on stone tablets or other durable materials to signify their permanence and authority. Thus, the physical act of carving leads directly to the concept of establishing unchangeable statutes.
* **חֹק (choq, `{{H2710}}`)**: This noun, derived from the same root, refers to a "statute," "decree," "ordinance," or "appointed portion." It embodies the outcome of the act of "engraving" or "enacting." A *choq* is something fixed, established, and binding, reflecting the indelible nature of that which is carved or decreed. Examples include the statutes of the Lord ([[Exodus 12:14]]) or the fixed boundaries of the sea ([[Job 26:10]]).
The semantic field also connects to general terms for writing, such as כָּתַב (katab, `{{H3789}}`), "to write." However, חָקָה (châqâh, `{{H2707}}`) carries the additional nuance of permanence and indelibility, suggesting a more profound and lasting form of inscription than mere temporary writing. It implies a deliberate act of making something fixed and unalterable.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חָקָה (châqâh, `{{H2707}}`) lies primarily in its connection to the enduring nature of God's word, decrees, and prophetic declarations. When God commands His word to be "engraved" or "noted" ([[Isaiah 30:8]]), it underscores the immutability and reliability of His pronouncements. Unlike human words which may fade or be forgotten, God's word is fixed and eternal, etched into the fabric of time and reality.
The concept of "entrenching" or "delineating" also speaks to divine sovereignty and meticulous planning. God "portrays" events through His prophets ([[Ezekiel 4:1]]) or allows the portrayal of human sin ([[Ezekiel 8:10]]), demonstrating His comprehensive knowledge and control over history and human actions. The permanence of these portrayals emphasizes the certainty of divine judgment and the inescapable consequences of idolatry.
Furthermore, the relationship between חָקָה (châqâh, `{{H2707}}`) and חֹק (choq, `{{H2710}}`) highlights the divine origin and unchangeable nature of God's law and ordinances. Just as a carving is permanent, so are the statutes of the Lord, reflecting His consistent character and unwavering justice. This root thus contributes to the biblical understanding of God as the ultimate Lawgiver and the one whose word stands forever.
### Summary
The Hebrew root חָקָה (châqâh, `{{H2707}}`) fundamentally means "to carve" or "to engrave," extending semantically to "delineate," "portray," and "entrench." Its core implication is the creation of something permanent, fixed, and indelible. In biblical contexts, this verb is employed to describe the lasting nature of divine pronouncements and prophetic messages ([[Isaiah 30:8]]), the desire for an enduring testimony ([[Job 19:23]]), and the visual representation of spiritual realities through physical acts of delineation ([[Ezekiel 4:1]], [[Ezekiel 8:10]]). The word's close relationship with חָקַק (châqaq, `{{H2706}}`) and חֹק (choq, `{{H2710}}`) underscores its connection to the establishment of fixed laws and decrees. Theologically, חָקָה (châqâh, `{{H2707}}`) powerfully conveys the immutability of God's word, the certainty of His plans, and the enduring authority of His divine ordinances, all of which are "engraved" in an unchangeable manner.
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