חֶרֶט
𐤇𐤓𐤈
chereṭ
H2747 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An implement used for engraving, inscribing, or incising, typically on metal, stone, or clay; also denotes an iron stylus or chisel used by artisans or scribes for sculpting, engraving, or writing on hard surfaces. The term refers concretely to a carving or graving tool and, in some contexts, to a stylus for writing, especially in durable materials.
Semantic Range
engraving tool, chisel, graver, iron stylus, instrument for incising or carving; not a pen for ink writing
Root / Etymology
חֶרֶט derives from the root חרט, which carries the basic sense of 'to engrave, incise, or carve.' The noun represents an instrument for that purpose—an engraving tool or stylus. The root is distinct from others meaning 'to write' per se, as it emphasizes the method of inscribing by physically incising or carving, often into resistant materials such as stone or metal. The form is likely a nominal with a tool or instrument ending.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Across the Hebrew Bible, חֶרֶט refers specifically to physical tools used in the context of engraving or inscription. In Exodus 32:4, it denotes the tool Aaron uses to shape and detail the golden calf's features, indicating a craftsman's chisel or graver. In Isaiah 8:1, it describes an iron stylus (חֶרֶט אֱנוֹשׁ), highlighting its use for inscribing on a tablet—a task requiring the durability of metal. The term does not carry the broader sense of 'pen' (as implied in some English translations), which can mislead modern readers; it always indicates a tool designed for incision or engraving, not ink writing. Related terms include עֵט (ʿēt), used for 'stylus' or 'pen,' often in the context of ink writing. Over time, the translation of חֶרֶט as 'pen' (following LXX or Vulgate traditions) has obscured its original meaning; in pre-exilic and early post-exilic contexts, writing primarily involved physical incision on tablets, not ink on parchment. The word's scope is thus more limited and technical than some English versions suggest.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a primitive root meaning to engrave; a chisel or graver; also a style forwriting; graving tool, pen.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חרט (ḥ-r-ṭ) — to engrave, to incise, to carve
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2747-02 |
בְּ/חֶ֣רֶט | becheret | HR/Ncmsc |
with a stylus | with an engraving-tool of | 1 |
H2747-01 |
בַּ/חֶ֔רֶט | bacheret | HRd/Ncmsa |
with a graving tool | with the engraving-tool | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2747-01 |
Exodus 32:4 | בַּ/חֶ֔רֶט | bacheret | HRd/Ncmsa |
with a graving tool | with the engraving-tool |
H2747-02 |
Isaiah 8:1 | בְּ/חֶ֣רֶט | becheret | HR/Ncmsc |
with a stylus | with an engraving-tool of |