English · KJV
H2747

חֶרֶט

chereṭ /kheh'-ret/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom a primitive root meaning to engrave
Meaninga chisel or graver; also a style forwriting
KJV usagegraving tool, pen.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of chereṭ — 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 chereṭ, represented by H2747, refers to a graving tool or pen. It is derived from a primitive root that means to engrave. This term appears only 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, showing its specific and dual application as a tool for both shaping materials and for writing.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The two appearances of H2747 are in very different contexts. In the first instance, Aaron receives gold from the Israelites and "fashioned it with a graving tool" to create the molten calf, an act of idolatry Exodus 32:4. Here, the tool is used for metalwork and sculpture. In contrast, the LORD commands Isaiah to "Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man's pen" Isaiah 8:1. In this case, the tool is an instrument for inscribing a prophetic message.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide context for the actions performed with a chereṭ:

  • H6696 tsûwr (to fashion): This verb describes the act of shaping the molten calf with the graving tool Exodus 32:4. Its meaning includes to fashion or confine, as seen when God is said to beset a person behind and before Psalms 139:5.
  • H3789 kâthab (to write): This is the action Isaiah performs with the pen Isaiah 8:1. It is a common word for recording or inscribing, used for commands like writing the law upon one's heart Proverbs 3:3 and for God's promise to write His law in the hearts of His people Jeremiah 31:33.
  • H3947 lâqach (to take): This verb is used to initiate the action in both verses. Aaron had to take the gold from the people before fashioning it Exodus 32:4, and Isaiah was commanded to take a great roll before writing Isaiah 8:1.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H2747 comes from its contrasting uses, showing how a tool can serve divine or rebellious ends.

  • Instrument of Idolatry: In Exodus, the graving tool is directly involved in the creation of an idol, facilitating a profound act of covenant-breaking by the Israelites Exodus 32:4. It represents human skill being used for a purpose contrary to God's will.
  • Instrument of Revelation: In Isaiah, the pen is used at God's command to record His specific, prophetic word on a great roll Isaiah 8:1. It functions as a tool to make divine revelation tangible and permanent for God's people.

Summary

In summary, H2747 is a term for a tool used for engraving, whether in metal or on a writing surface. Its two appearances in Scripture are significant for their stark contrast. The word chereṭ is used to describe the tool that shaped the golden calf in an act of rebellion Exodus 32:4 and the pen that recorded God's prophecy in an act of obedience Isaiah 8:1. It powerfully demonstrates how the same type of instrument can be employed for purposes of immense spiritual consequence.

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 noun across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — 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.

  • חֶרֶט
  • חֶרֶט

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H6696 צוּר a primitive root; to cramp, i.e. confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile); adver H3789 כָּתַב a primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe); describe, record, presc H3947 לָקַח a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, in

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

Appears in 2 verses across 2 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Exodus and Isaiah (1 verse each); never once in the other 37.

1
Exodus
1
Isaiah

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.