חָרַת (cha.rat)
cha.rat
to engrave
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb charat means to cut into a hard surface, creating an impression or design through carving. It describes the physical act of engraving, typically on stone or metal, where the tool leaves a permanent mark by removing material rather than adding it.
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Exodus 32:16. The text notes that the tablets given to Moses were "engraved" (charat) with the writing of God. This specific usage highlights the durability and divine origin of the law, suggesting an inscription that could not be easily erased or altered by human hands.
The term emphasizes permanence. Unlike writing on papyrus which can fade or tear, engraving implies a lasting record. The choice of this verb underscores the seriousness of the covenant, presenting the commandments as fixed and unchangeable truths cut directly into stone.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word charat describes a permanent mark cut into stone, leaving no room for alteration or fading. In Exodus 32:16, this verb highlights that the Ten Commandments were not merely written on a surface but engraved by God Himself. This physical act signifies the enduring nature of His covenant and truth.
For your faith, this offers a grounding assurance. When life feels unstable or circumstances shift, you can rest in the knowledge that God’s promises are fixed. They are not temporary suggestions but lasting realities carved into existence with divine intent.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- engraved1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חָר֖וּת1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 32:16
The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.
This is the only occurrence of the word, used to describe how God Himself engraved the tablets, emphasizing their divine origin and permanence.