חָטַב (cha.tav)
cha.tav
to chop
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb chataw describes the physical act of cutting or gathering wood, particularly for fire. It appears six times in the Old Testament, with notable occurrences in Joshua, Psalms, and Jeremiah. In these contexts, the word focuses on the labor-intensive process of preparing fuel, whether by chopping down trees or collecting branches.
Its usage highlights the practical realities of ancient life, where wood was essential for cooking, heating, and construction. For instance, in Jeremiah 17:23, the command to refrain from carrying burdens on the Sabbath includes avoiding work related to gathering wood, linking this mundane task to broader themes of obedience and rest. The word’s straightforward meaning underscores the value placed on diligent preparation and the tangible needs of daily survival.
While its range of meaning is limited to cutting or carving wood, chataw serves as a reminder of the importance of resourcefulness and care in managing one’s environment. By focusing on this specific action, the text invites reflection on how even simple acts can carry deeper spiritual significance when aligned with divine instruction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chataw describes the physical act of chopping wood. It appears in contexts where people gather fuel for fire or prepare materials for construction. This simple labor was essential for daily survival in ancient Israel, providing warmth and a means to cook food. The text reminds us that even routine tasks have value when done with diligence.
In Jeremiah 17:23, this work is linked to Sabbath rest. The command to avoid chopping wood on the holy day shows how ordinary activities connect to spiritual obedience. It invites us to consider how our daily efforts align with God’s instructions for rest and trust.
When we face mundane responsibilities, we can find meaning in them. Chataw teaches that faithful stewardship of resources honors God. Whether preparing a meal or maintaining a home, these acts reflect care for our environment and those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cutters of2×
- to/ cut1×
- like/ cutters of1×
- carved1×
- and/ cutters of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְ֝חֻטָּב֗וֹת1×
- לַ/חְטֹ֣ב1×
- כְּ/חֹטְבֵ֖י1×
- חֹטְבֵ֨י1×
- חֹטְבֵ֥י1×
- וְ/חֹטְבֵ֥י1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 19:5
as when a man goes into the forest with his neighbor to chop wood and his hand swings the ax to cut down the tree, and the head slips from the handle and hits his neighbor so that he dies—he shall flee to one of these cities and live.
This verse uses the word to describe a fatal accident during wood-chopping, highlighting the physical danger and seriousness of this common labor.
-
Jeremiah 46:22
Its sound will go like the serpent, for they will march with an army, and come against her with axes, as wood cutters.
Here the term appears in a metaphor comparing an invading army to woodcutters with axes, emphasizing their destructive efficiency against Egypt.
-
Joshua 9:21
The princes said to them, “Let them live.” So they became wood cutters and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to them.
The Gibeonites are assigned this task as servants, showing how chopping wood became a permanent duty for those who deceived Israel.