(Aramaic) corresponding to כָּתַב; {to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)}; write(-ten).
Transliteration:kᵉthab
Pronunciation:keth-ab'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H3790}}` (kᵉthab) functions as the direct counterpart to the Hebrew `{{H3789}}` (kātav), sharing its fundamental semantic range. At its core, `{{H3790}}` signifies the act of "graving" or "inscribing," implying a permanent mark or record. By extension and primary usage, it means "to write." This encompasses a broad spectrum of written communication: to describe, to inscribe (as a permanent record), to prescribe (as a law or command), or to subscribe (as to a document or decree). The emphasis is consistently on the creation of a tangible, enduring record, whether on a scroll, tablet, or wall.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, `{{H3790}}` is found exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its occurrences illuminate various facets of written communication in ancient Near Eastern contexts:
* **Official Correspondence and Decrees:** In Ezra, `{{H3790}}` frequently refers to royal letters and decrees. For instance, [[Ezra 4:7]] mentions a letter "written in Aramaic," highlighting the script itself. [[Ezra 4:8]] and [[Ezra 6:25]] use the verb form, describing the act of "writing" official correspondence. The "written" nature of these documents (e.g., [[Ezra 4:11]], [[Ezra 4:23]], [[Ezra 5:5]], [[Ezra 6:2]]) underscores their legal authority and binding nature within the Persian administration.
* **Binding Laws and Edicts:** In Daniel, `{{H3790}}` is crucial in describing royal edicts. [[Daniel 6:8]], [[Daniel 6:9]], [[Daniel 6:10]], [[Daniel 6:12]] all refer to the "written" decree of King Darius regarding prayer, emphasizing its unchangeable, legally binding status under the law of the Medes and Persians.
* **Divine Inscription:** Perhaps the most striking and theologically significant use of `{{H3790}}` is in [[Daniel 5]], detailing the mysterious "writing on the wall" during Belshazzar's feast. Here, `{{H3790}}` refers to the supernatural inscription (e.g., [[Daniel 5:7]], [[Daniel 5:8]], [[Daniel 5:15]], [[Daniel 5:17]], [[Daniel 5:24]], [[Daniel 5:25]]), a direct divine message of judgment. This usage elevates the concept of "writing" to a medium of direct, undeniable divine communication and pronouncement.
* **Recording of Revelation:** [[Daniel 7:1]] describes Daniel "writing down" his dream and visions, indicating the act of transcribing prophetic revelation for preservation and future understanding.
Across these contexts, `{{H3790}}` consistently conveys the idea of a fixed, authoritative, and often public record, whether human or divine in origin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic `{{H3790}}` is intrinsically linked to its Hebrew cognate, `{{H3789}}` (kātav), which carries the same core meaning of "to write" or "to inscribe." This close relationship underscores the shared cultural importance of written communication in both Hebrew and Aramaic-speaking societies.
Other related concepts and terms include:
* `{{H5612}}` (sēpher): "book," "scroll," "document." This noun frequently refers to the physical product of the act of `{{H3790}}`.
* `{{H5608}}` (sāphar): "to count," "to recount," "to tell," and by extension, "to write." This verb shares a semantic field related to communication and record-keeping.
* `{{H1697}}` (dābār): "word," "matter," "thing." While often referring to spoken words, dābār can also denote written communication, especially in the context of divine revelation or legal pronouncements.
These terms collectively highlight the ancient Near Eastern emphasis on the creation, preservation, and authority of written records, whether for administrative, legal, historical, or religious purposes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3790}}` is profound, particularly through its use in the book of Daniel:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Communication:** The "writing on the wall" in [[Daniel 5]] stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to communicate directly, supernaturally, and undeniably with humanity. This divine inscription serves as a direct pronouncement of judgment, bypassing human intermediaries and demonstrating God's immediate involvement in human affairs.
* **Authority of the Written Word:** Just as human kings issued binding "written" decrees (Daniel 6), God's own "written" word (whether inscribed directly or recorded by prophets) carries ultimate authority. This concept foreshadows the authoritative nature of God's written revelation in Scripture, which is unchangeable and eternally binding.
* **Permanence of God's Decrees and Judgments:** The act of "graving" or "inscribing" implies permanence. What is written, particularly by divine hand, is fixed and unalterable. This resonates with the biblical truth that God's plans, decrees, and judgments are immutable and will ultimately come to pass.
* **Accountability:** The divine writing in [[Daniel 5]] served as an irrefutable record of Belshazzar's actions and a pronouncement of his impending doom. This underscores the theological principle of human accountability before a righteous God, whose judgments are inscribed and executed with precision.
* **Preservation of Revelation:** Daniel's act of "writing down" his visions (Daniel 7) signifies the divine intention for revelation to be preserved accurately across generations, ensuring that God's truth and prophetic insights endure for His people.
### Summary
`{{H3790}}` (kᵉthab) is an Aramaic term meaning "to write," "to inscribe," or "to grave," serving as the direct equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H3789}}`. Its usage in Ezra and Daniel primarily pertains to official letters, royal decrees, and, most notably, the direct divine inscription in [[Daniel 5]]. The word conveys the crucial concepts of permanence, authority, and official communication. Theologically, `{{H3790}}` underscores God's sovereign ability to communicate directly and undeniably, the immutable authority of divine decrees, the enduring nature of God's judgments, and the importance of written revelation for human accountability and the preservation of truth. It highlights the profound significance of the written word as a medium for both human governance and divine revelation.
TRV