from כָּתַב; something written, i.e. a writing, record or book; register, scripture, writing.
Transliteration:kâthâb
Pronunciation:kaw-thawb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word כָּתָב (kâthâb) `{{H3791}}` is a masculine noun derived directly from the verbal root כָּתַב (kāṯaḇ) `{{H3789}}`, which means "to write," "to inscribe," or "to record." As such, its most fundamental meaning is "something written" or "that which has been written."
Its semantic range extends to encompass various forms and functions of written material:
* A general "writing" or "inscription."
* A "record" or "document," often implying an official or significant nature.
* A "book" or "scroll," referring to a compilation of writings.
* A "register" or "list," denoting an organized written account.
* "Scripture" or "divine writing," particularly in contexts of revelation.
The term emphasizes the product of the act of writing, focusing on the tangible and often authoritative nature of the inscribed word. It conveys the idea of permanence and reliability inherent in written communication in the ancient Near East.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word כָּתָב appears a limited number of times in the Old Testament, but each occurrence is contextually rich, highlighting the significance and authority often associated with written documents.
* **Official Decrees and Royal Edicts:**
* In the book of Esther, כָּתָב is frequently used to refer to the royal decrees issued by King Ahasuerus. For instance, it denotes the decree sent throughout the kingdom regarding the submission of wives [[Esther 1:22]], and crucially, the decree instigated by Haman for the destruction of the Jews [[Esther 8:8]], [[Esther 8:9]], [[Esther 8:13]]. Later, it refers to the counter-decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves [[Esther 8:8]], [[Esther 8:9]], [[Esther 8:13]]. In these instances, כָּתָב signifies an authoritative, legally binding document disseminated widely, emphasizing the power of written law and royal command.
* Similarly, in [[Ezra 4:7]], כָּתָב describes the "writing" of the accusation against the Jews sent to King Artaxerxes, indicating a formal, official communication or report.
* **Personal or Specific Documents:**
* In [[2 Kings 20:8]], King Hezekiah asks for a sign, and Isaiah gives him a כָּתָב, translated as "writing" or "document." This likely refers to a record or a promissory note concerning his miraculous recovery, underscoring the role of written confirmation.
* **Divine Revelation and Truth:**
* The most theologically profound usage is found in [[Daniel 10:21]], where כָּתָב appears in the phrase "the כָּתָב of truth" (כְּתָב אֱמֶת). Here, it refers to a divine, authoritative, and pre-existent record of God's sovereign plan and future events, revealed to Daniel by the angelic messenger. This usage elevates כָּתָב from human documentation to a celestial register of divine truth, akin to a "book of destiny" or "divine scripture," affirming the unalterable nature of God's purposes.
Across these contexts, כָּתָב consistently denotes a written item of considerable importance, whether for governance, legal matters, or divine revelation, emphasizing its authoritative and enduring quality.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding כָּתָב is enhanced by examining its relationship to other key terms and concepts in the Hebrew Bible:
* **כָּתַב (kāṯaḇ) `{{H3789}}` (Verb):** As the root, this verb "to write" is foundational. כָּתָב is the direct product of this action. The act of writing signifies intentionality, recording, and often, the establishment of a lasting record or command.
* **סֵפֶר (sēpher) `{{H5612}}` (Noun):** This is the most common Hebrew word for "book," "scroll," or "document." While כָּתָב emphasizes the *content* or *nature* of the writing (what is written), סֵפֶר often refers to the *physical object* itself (the scroll or codex that contains the writing). There is significant semantic overlap, as a סֵפֶר inherently contains כָּתָב. For example, the "Book of the Law" is סֵפֶר הַתּוֹרָה.
* **מִכְתָּב (mikhtāv) `{{H4385}}` (Noun):** Also derived from כָּתַב, this noun generally means "a writing," "an inscription," or "a letter." Its usage is very close to כָּתָב, sometimes appearing interchangeably, though כָּתָב might carry a slightly more formal or authoritative nuance in certain contexts.
* **לוּחַ (lûaḥ) `{{H3871}}` (Noun):** Meaning "tablet" or "board," this term refers to the physical medium upon which writing was done, such as the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. The כָּתָב (writing) would be inscribed upon the לוּחַ.
* **Concepts of Law, Covenant, and Prophecy:** The very existence of כָּתָב as an authoritative document is central to the biblical understanding of divine law and covenant. God's commands and promises are not merely oral but are inscribed, ensuring their permanence and reliability. This also extends to prophetic revelation, where divine messages are often recorded for future generations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of כָּתָב is profound, particularly in its association with divine truth, authority, and the enduring nature of God's word.
* **Divine Authority and Revelation:** The pinnacle of כָּתָב's theological import is its use in [[Daniel 10:21]] as "the כָּתָב of truth." This phrase points to a divine, pre-existent, and unalterable record of God's sovereign plan, purposes, and future events. It implies that God's truth is not subject to change or decay but is eternally "written" and fixed in the divine counsels. This concept is foundational to understanding the reliability and immutability of God's prophetic word and His overarching control over history.
* **The Enduring Nature of God's Word:** Just as human royal decrees were written to be unchangeable (as seen in Esther), so much more is God's word immutable and eternal. The act of writing ensures permanence and accessibility across generations. While כָּתָב itself is not used in famous passages like [[Isaiah 40:8]] ("The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever"), the concept of an enduring, written divine truth is powerfully present.
* **God's Sovereignty and Foreknowledge:** The "book of truth" in Daniel profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and history. Events unfold not by chance, but according to a divinely authored כָּתָב. This provides immense theological comfort, assuring believers that God is ultimately in control, and His perfect purposes will infallibly be brought to fruition.
* **Foundation for Scripture:** While not directly referring to the entire biblical canon, the concept inherent in כָּתָב—that God reveals His will and truth through authoritative written means—lays a theological groundwork for the inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures themselves. The Bible is God's כָּתָב to humanity, a reliable and enduring record of His self-revelation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כָּתָב (kâthâb) `{{H3791}}`, derived from the verb "to write," fundamentally means "something written." Its semantic range extends to encompass various forms of written material, including records, documents, books, and registers. In biblical usage, כָּתָב consistently denotes written items of significant authority and permanence, whether they are human royal decrees (as seen extensively in Esther) or, most profoundly, divine revelation. The phrase "the כָּתָב of truth" in [[Daniel 10:21]] represents the theological zenith of the word, pointing to a pre-existent, divine record of God's sovereign plan and future events. Theologically, כָּתָב underscores the immutability, reliability, and authoritative nature of God's word, affirming His foreknowledge and ultimate control over all history. It embodies the crucial concept of an enduring, divinely authored written word, foundational to the understanding of biblical revelation and God's covenant faithfulness.
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