a primitive root; properly, to carve or engrave, i.e. (by implication) to inscribe indelibly; mark.
Transliteration:kâtham
Pronunciation:kaw-tham'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H3799 (כָּתַם, kâtham) is a primitive root whose core meaning centers on the act of *carving* or *engraving*. This implies a deliberate, physical action that results in a permanent impression. The definition extends to "inscribe indelibly," emphasizing the lasting and unalterable nature of the mark created. The derived meaning of "mark" therefore refers to the enduring sign or distinguishing impression left by such an engraving. The semantic range of kâtham thus spans from the physical act of inscription to the enduring quality of the resulting mark, conveying a sense of permanence, distinctiveness, and often, officiality or authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H3799 (כָּתַם, kâtham) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, found in the book of Job.
* **[[Job 31:35]]**: "Oh that I had one to hear me! Behold, my desire is that the Almighty would answer me, and that my adversary had written a book!"
In this verse, Job, in the midst of his impassioned defense, expresses a profound wish: "Oh that I had one to hear me! Behold, my desire is that the Almighty would answer me, and that my adversary had kâtham a book!" The verb kâtham here is often translated as "written" or "signed," implying a formal, documented accusation. Job yearns for his accuser to commit their charges to a permanent record, a "book" (likely a legal document or scroll), rather than mere verbal accusations. This desire for an indelible, undeniable record underscores Job's confidence in his own innocence and his readiness for a formal legal process. The use of kâtham emphasizes the enduring, unchangeable nature of such a document, which Job would proudly bear as a sign of his vindication ([[Job 31:36]]). This singular occurrence powerfully highlights the root's core meaning of an inscription that is authoritative and permanent.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given its singular occurrence, H3799 (כָּתַם, kâtham) does not have a wide array of direct morphological derivatives. However, its meaning connects it to broader concepts of writing, inscription, permanence, and legal documentation in the biblical world.
* **General Writing:** It stands in contrast to the more common Hebrew verb for "to write," `{{H3789}}` (כָּתַב, kâthab), which can refer to any act of writing. kâtham suggests a more specific, authoritative, or permanent form of inscription, akin to signing or engraving.
* **Engraving/Carving:** Concepts related to physical engraving include `{{H2710}}` (חָרַט, chârath), "to engrave, carve," often used for tools or writing implements, and `{{H6605}}` (פָּתַח, pâthach), which can also mean "to engrave" (e.g., on seals or precious stones). These verbs share the idea of creating a lasting impression on a hard surface.
* **Permanence and Record:** The concept of an indelible mark is deeply intertwined with ideas of enduring truth, unchangeable decrees, and reliable testimony, all crucial aspects of biblical law and divine revelation.
### Theological Significance
While H3799 (כָּתַם, kâtham) appears in a human context in Job, its underlying semantic force of "indelible marking" carries profound theological resonance within the broader biblical narrative.
* **Divine Record-Keeping:** The concept of God's perfect knowledge and the divine recording of human deeds (e.g., the "book of remembrance" in [[Malachi 3:16]], or the "book of life" in [[Psalm 69:28]], [[Revelation 3:5]]) aligns with the idea of an indelible mark. Though different verbs are used, the *permanence* and *completeness* implied by kâtham are inherent in the divine record, where nothing is forgotten or erased.
* **Covenant and Law:** The Law given at Sinai was "engraved" (though using `{{H2710}}` or `{{H2711}}`) on stone tablets by the "finger of God" ([[Exodus 31:18]]), signifying its eternal, unchangeable, and authoritative nature. This act of divine inscription mirrors the indelible quality inherent in kâtham.
* **Identity and Ownership:** Throughout scripture, marks often signify ownership, identity, or covenant relationship. While not using kâtham directly, the theological idea of being "marked" or "sealed" by God (e.g., circumcision as a sign of the covenant, the Holy Spirit as a seal in [[Ephesians 1:13]]) implies an indelible claim and transformation, a permanent belonging to God.
* **Divine Justice:** Job's desire for his adversary's charges to be kâtham underscores the human longing for a fixed, undeniable record upon which true justice can be rendered. Theologically, this reflects the certainty of divine judgment, where all actions are known and accounted for, and God's decrees are immutable.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H3799 (כָּתַם, kâtham) encapsulates the powerful notion of an *indelible mark* or *engraving*. Its core meaning points to an action that creates a permanent and distinguishing impression, whether physically carved or formally inscribed. Despite its singular occurrence in the biblical text, in [[Job 31:35]], its usage is highly significant. Job's fervent wish for his adversary's accusations to be kâtham (indelibly written or signed) underscores his desire for a fixed, undeniable record upon which his vindication could be based, highlighting the root's emphasis on permanence, officiality, and the enduring nature of a documented claim. While distinct from the general word for "write" (`{{H3789}}`), kâtham implies a deeper, more authoritative form of inscription. Theologically, the concept of an indelible mark resonates with profound biblical themes: divine record-keeping, the immutable nature of God's covenant and law, and the certainty of divine judgment, where God's knowledge and remembrance of all things are absolute and unchangeable. Thus, kâtham speaks to the enduring nature of truth, accountability, and the permanence of divine decrees.
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