### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root חָרַת (chârath, `{{H2801}}`) is a primitive root primarily signifying "to engrave" or "to carve." Its core meaning involves the act of incising or cutting into a hard surface, typically stone or metal, to create a lasting impression, inscription, or design. This implies a deliberate and permanent act of recording or marking. The resultant form, as seen in its sole biblical occurrence, is something "graven" or "engraved." The semantic range is narrow, focused specifically on this act of durable inscription.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root חָרַת (chârath, `{{H2801}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible in its verbal form (as a passive participle) only once, yet this single occurrence is profoundly significant:
* **[[Exodus 32:16]]**: "And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, *graven* (חָרוּת - *charut*) upon the tables."
In this pivotal passage, charut describes the divine inscription of the Ten Commandments on the stone tablets. The use of "graven" here emphasizes that the writing was not merely superficial but deeply cut into the stone. This detail underscores the divine origin and immutable nature of the Law. The tablets themselves were "the work of God," and the writing was "the writing of God," directly reinforcing the absolute authority and unchallengeable character of these commands. The act of engraving by God Himself sets these laws apart from any human decree, giving them ultimate permanence and weight.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and concepts illuminate the meaning and significance of חָרַת (chârath, `{{H2801}}`):
* **`{{H2747}}` (חֶרֶט - cheret)**: This noun, meaning "graving tool" or "stylus," is closely related to chârath semantically. Its appearance in [[Exodus 32:4]], where Aaron uses a "graving tool" to fashion the golden calf, provides a stark and powerful contrast to God's direct engraving in [[Exodus 32:16]]. While God uses the act of engraving to establish His holy and immutable Law, human hands, using a similar instrument, create an idol leading to sin and corruption. This highlights the profound difference between divine creation and human fabrication.
* **`{{H3789}}` (כָּתַב - katab)**: The general Hebrew verb for "to write." While katab describes the act of writing in general, chârath specifies a more intense, permanent form of writing—one that is carved or engraved. The choice of chârath in [[Exodus 32:16]] over katab emphasizes the enduring and unalterable nature of the divine inscription.
* **Concepts**: Permanence, divine authorship, covenant, law, inscription, record, immutability. The very act of engraving speaks to the desire for a lasting record, which, when performed by God, signifies an eternal and unchanging decree.
### Theological Significance
The singular, yet profound, occurrence of חָרַת (chârath, `{{H2801}}`) in [[Exodus 32:16]] carries immense theological weight:
* **Divine Authorship and Authority**: The fact that the commandments were "graven" by God Himself unequivocally establishes their divine origin and supreme authority. They are not human suggestions or cultural constructs, but direct, unmediated revelation from the Creator.
* **Immutability and Permanence of God's Law**: Engraving into stone signifies a lasting, unalterable record. Unlike words written on perishable materials, the divine inscription is presented as eternally valid and unchanging. This underscores the enduring nature of God's moral law for all generations. It is a testament to the constancy of God's character and His covenantal faithfulness.
* **The Nature of God's Revelation**: The Law is not superficial but deeply embedded, a fundamental aspect of God's self-revelation to humanity. It represents a profound and tangible expression of His will and character.
* **Contrast with Human Idolatry**: The juxtaposition with Aaron's use of a "graving tool" (`{{H2747}}`) to create the golden calf ([[Exodus 32:4]]) provides a powerful theological commentary. While God's engraving establishes truth and righteousness, human "engraving" without divine guidance can lead to the creation of false gods and spiritual rebellion. This highlights the crucial distinction between divine revelation that brings life and human fabrication that leads to sin and death.
### Summary
The Hebrew root חָרַת (chârath, `{{H2801}}`) signifies "to engrave" or "to carve deeply." Its sole verbal occurrence as the passive participle חָרוּת in [[Exodus 32:16]] is profoundly significant, describing the divine inscription of the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. This usage underscores the **divine authorship, absolute authority, and immutable permanence** of God's Law. The act of "engraving" by God Himself stands in stark contrast to human acts of crafting, particularly Aaron's use of a "graving tool" (`{{H2747}}`) to fashion the golden calf, thereby highlighting the distinction between divine revelation and human idolatry. Ultimately, chârath powerfully conveys the enduring and foundational nature of God's covenantal decrees.
TRV