חָטַם (cha.tam)
cha.tam
to restrain
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb cha.tam appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Isaiah 55:6. It carries the specific meaning of holding something back or restraining oneself. In this single occurrence, it describes the act of seeking the Lord while He may be found, implying a deliberate effort to control one’s actions and attention.
Lexical sources identify this as a Qal stem verb, specifically noting the reflexive sense of restraining oneself. The word suggests an internal discipline, a pulling back of impulses or distractions to focus on a spiritual priority. Translators often render it as "seek" or "call," but the underlying Hebrew emphasizes the restraint required to maintain that focus.
This rare usage highlights the intentional nature of seeking God in Isaiah’s prophecy. It is not merely a passive desire but an active holding back of other pursuits. The word underscores the discipline involved in turning toward the divine, making it a unique example of self-control in the prophetic literature.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word חָטַם (cha.tam) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, nestled within Isaiah 55:6. Here it carries a nuanced meaning of restraint or holding back. It suggests that seeking God is not merely a passive wish but an active discipline. It requires us to pull our attention away from distractions and hold back impulses that might lead us astray.
This rare verb invites a quiet reflection on how we spend our energy. In a world full of competing demands, the call to seek the Lord involves a deliberate choice to prioritize Him above all else. It is an internal act of focus, where we restrain our wandering hearts to fix them on what truly matters. This discipline is not about restriction for its own sake, but about creating space for divine connection.
When we feel drawn to seek God, we are participating in a profound spiritual practice. It asks us to slow down and hold back the noise of daily life. By doing so, we open ourselves to the grace that is available when we are truly present. This simple act of restraint can become a powerful way to deepen our faith and find peace in His presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- I will restrain myself1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֶחֱטָם\־1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 48:9
For my name’s sake, I will defer my anger, and for my praise, I hold it back for you so that I don’t cut you off.
This verse uses the same root concept of holding back anger, illustrating how divine restraint parallels the human discipline required to seek God.