חֹתֶמֶת
𐤇𐤕𐤌𐤕
chôthemeth
H2858 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A seal or signet, typically a small engraved object (often a cylinder or ring) pressed into clay or wax to mark ownership, authorize a document, or indicate authenticity. The term refers both to the physical object (seal, signet ring, impression of the seal) and, occasionally, to the imprint or impression left by such an object. Used in administrative, legal, and personal contexts throughout the ancient Near East.
Semantic Range
seal, signet ring, engraved object used for sealing, quality or manner of seal inscriptions, impression made by seal
Root / Etymology
From the root חתם (ḥ-t-m), meaning 'to seal, affix a seal, close up.' The word חֹתֶמֶת is the feminine substantive form, indicating a 'seal' or 'signet.' While the core root focuses on the act of sealing or closing, the derived noun refers to the object used to accomplish this action. Most commonly associated with personal or official identification and authentication.
Historical & Contextual Notes
חֹתֶמֶת appears rarely in the Hebrew Bible; most prominently in Exodus 28:11, 21, 36 and Exodus 39:6, 14, 30, where it describes the engraved stones set into the high priest's breastpiece, 'engraved like the engraving of a signet.' In these passages, the term signifies the quality and form of the inscription, comparable to seal engravings in administrative and personal practice across the late Bronze and Iron Ages. The use of seals and signets was widespread in the ancient Near East for marking ownership or authenticity on documents, containers, and treasured items. Unlike חותָם (ḥôtām, more commonly meaning 'seal' or 'impression'), חֹתֶמֶת is rare and contextually specific, usually referring to the engraved object or the quality of its inscription. English versions often render both terms as 'seal' or 'signet,' but the biblical texts emphasize the artistic or authoritative characteristics of the engraving. Post-biblical Jewish texts also use derivatives of this root in legal contexts, referring to the verification of documents ('sealing' as authentication). Later traditions may conflate the terms, but the biblical usage is more precise.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
feminine active participle of חָתַם; a seal; signet.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חתם (ḥ-t-m) — to seal, to close up, to affix a seal
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2368 | חוֹתָם | with his signet-seal |
| H2369 | חוֹתָם | seal-signet ring |
| H2413 | חָטַם | I will seal up |
| H2856 | חָתַם | Seal! |
| H2857 | חֲתַם | and he sealed her |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2858-01 |
הַ/חֹתֶ֧מֶת | hachotemet | HTd/Ncfsa |
the signet | the seal | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2858-01 |
Genesis 38:25 | הַ/חֹתֶ֧מֶת | hachotemet | HTd/Ncfsa |
the signet | the seal |