חוֹתָם
𐤇𐤅𐤕𐤌
Chotam
H2369 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A seal, signet ring, or the engraved device used to impress an image or inscription on clay or wax as a mark of authority, authenticity, or ownership; also, figuratively, a mark or sign denoting confirmation or closure. Additionally, a personal name borne by two individuals in the genealogical lists.
Semantic Range
seal, signet ring, engraved device for marking, impression made by a seal, act of sealing or affixing an official mark, sign of authenticity or closure, mark of confirmation, personal name
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root חתם, which means 'to seal, affix a seal, close up.' The noun חוֹתָם (ḥōṯām) originates from this root and refers to both the physical object (seal, signet) and the act of sealing.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In ancient Israelite society, the חוֹתָם served as a practical tool for authentication of documents, letters, or property (cf. Genesis 38:18, 41:42; Exodus 28:11, 36). Seals could be worn as rings or pendants and often bore unique designs, names, or symbols, signifying personal or official authority. The use of seals is attested from the patriarchal period through the monarchic and exilic eras, with archaeological discoveries confirming their widespread adoption. The term also appears metaphorically, indicating finality or protection (e.g., Song of Songs 8:6). In genealogical contexts (1 Chronicles 7:32, 7:37), חוֹתָם is a personal name, likely derived from the common noun. English translations often render both the object and the name as 'seal,' 'signet,' or by the preserved personal name ('Hotham', 'Hothan'), though these may not capture nuances of personal authority or authenticity implied in the Hebrew. The term is distinct from alternative words for 'mark' or 'inscription' (e.g., תָּו, אוֹת), which carry broader or different connotations.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as חוֹתָם; seal; Chotham, the name of two Israelites; Hotham, Hothan.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חתם (ḥ-t-m) — to seal, affix a mark, close up, authenticate
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2368 | חוֹתָם | with his signet-seal |
| H2413 | חָטַם | I will seal up |
| H2856 | חָתַם | Seal! |
| H2857 | חֲתַם | and he sealed her |
| H2858 | חֹתֶמֶת | the seal |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2369-01 |
חוֹתָ֑ם | chotam | HNp |
Hotham | seal-signet ring | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2369-01 |
1 Chronicles 7:32 | חוֹתָ֑ם | chotam | HNp |
Hotham | seal-signet ring |
H2369-01 |
1 Chronicles 11:44 | חוֹתָ֥ם | chotam | HNp |
Hotham | seal-signet ring |