feminine active participle of חָתַם; a seal; signet.
Transliteration:chôthemeth
Pronunciation:kho-the-meth
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H2858 (חֹתֶמֶת, *chôthemeth*) is a feminine active participle derived from the verb H2856 (חָתַם, *chatham*), meaning "to seal" or "to close." While the root verb H2856 and the more common noun H2368 (חוֹתָם, *chotham*) refer to the act of sealing or the seal/signet itself, H2858 carries a more specific nuance. It describes something "like a seal" or "like a signet engraving," emphasizing the *manner* or *quality* of an impression, specifically one that is precise, indelible, and indicative of authenticity or ownership. It refers not merely to the object of a seal, but to the characteristic impression or work that a seal produces.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H2858 appears exclusively in the book of Exodus, in descriptions pertaining to the high priest's ephod and breastplate:
* [[Exodus 28:11]]: "With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet [`{{H2858}}`], you shall engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel; you shall set them in settings of gold."
* [[Exodus 39:14]]: "And the stones were according to the names of the sons of Israel, twelve according to their names, like the engravings of a signet [`{{H2858}}`], each one with its name, for the twelve tribes."
In both instances, H2858 functions as an adverbial phrase, "like the engravings of a signet." This specific usage highlights the precise, permanent, and individualized nature of the engraving of the twelve tribes' names upon the onyx stones of the ephod and the precious stones of the breastplate. The comparison to a signet engraving underscores several key aspects:
1. **Precision and Detail:** Signet engravings were meticulously crafted, ensuring clear identification.
2. **Permanence:** Engravings in stone, especially those made for a signet, were intended to last indefinitely.
3. **Authority and Identity:** A signet was a mark of authority and personal identity. Here, the names of the tribes are indelibly marked as belonging to God and represented before Him.
The singular occurrence of H2858 in this highly specific context emphasizes the divine instruction for the sacred garments, ensuring the high priest bore the names of the people before the Lord with utmost care and enduring significance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H2858 is deeply connected to the broader concept of "sealing" in the biblical world.
* **H2856 (חָתַם, *chatham*):** The root verb, meaning "to seal," "to close up," "to set a seal upon." This verb is used for sealing documents for security or authentication (e.g., [[Jeremiah 32:10]]), sealing a tomb (e.g., [[Daniel 6:17]]), or sealing prophetic visions (e.g., [[Daniel 9:24]]).
* **H2368 (חוֹתָם, *chotham*):** The more common noun for "seal" or "signet ring." This object was used to make an impression, signifying ownership, authority, or finality (e.g., [[Genesis 38:18]], [[Esther 8:8]]).
* **Concepts of Sealing:** Beyond the specific words, the act of sealing in the ancient Near East conveyed:
* **Authenticity and Validation:** A seal guaranteed the genuineness of a document or object.
* **Ownership and Possession:** A sealed item belonged to the one whose seal it bore.
* **Security and Protection:** A sealed container or door was protected from unauthorized access.
* **Finality and Irrevocability:** A sealed decree was often unchangeable.
* **Divine Mark:** In theological contexts, sealing can signify God's ownership, protection, and the Spirit's indwelling (e.g., `{{G4973}}` in the New Testament).
While H2858 specifically describes the *style* of engraving, its connection to the broader concept of sealing imbues it with the profound implications of divine recognition, indelible identity, and enduring representation.
### Theological Significance
The specific use of H2858 in the context of the high priest's garments carries significant theological weight. The engraving of the names of the twelve tribes "like the engravings of a signet" on the ephod stones and breastplate signifies:
1. **God's Indelible Remembrance:** Just as a signet leaves a permanent mark, the names of Israel's tribes were permanently etched and borne before the Lord by the high priest. This symbolizes God's unfailing remembrance and intimate knowledge of each individual within His covenant people. Their identity is not fleeting but eternally present before Him.
2. **Divine Ownership and Representation:** The precision and permanence of the "signet-like" engraving underscore that Israel belongs to Yahweh. The high priest, bearing these names, represents the entirety of God's chosen people before the divine presence, a representation that is authentic, enduring, and divinely sanctioned.
3. **Covenant Faithfulness:** The meticulous detail commanded for these sacred objects reflects God's own meticulous care and faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. Every tribe, every individual, is accounted for and held in divine regard.
4. **Foreshadowing of Christ's Ministry:** In a broader theological trajectory, this imagery can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, our Great High Priest, who bears His people not merely on His shoulders or breastplate, but on His very heart, having secured an eternal and perfect representation for them through His atoning work. The "signet-like" precision speaks to the perfection of His intercession and the absolute security of those whom He represents.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H2858 (חֹתֶמֶת, *chôthemeth*) is a rare but potent term, appearing only twice in the Old Testament. It functions as a descriptor for an engraving style, specifically "like the engravings of a signet." Its singular usage in [[Exodus 28:11]] and [[Exodus 39:14]] highlights the divine command for the precise, permanent, and individualized engraving of the names of the twelve tribes upon the high priest's sacred garments. This "signet-like" quality emphasizes authenticity, indelible identity, and enduring representation before God. Theologically, it underscores God's meticulous remembrance, His ownership of His covenant people, and the enduring nature of their presence before Him, prefiguring the perfect and eternal intercession of Christ. The word, though limited in occurrence, profoundly illuminates the divine care and meticulousness in God's relationship with His chosen people.
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