חֹתֶ֫מֶת (cho.te.met)
cho.te.met
ring
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun cho·temet refers to a signet ring or seal, an object used in the ancient Near East to authenticate documents and secure possessions. It functioned as a personal identifier, pressed into soft clay or wax to leave a distinctive impression that verified ownership or authority.
This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Genesis 38:25. In that narrative, Judah asks for the pledge of his seal, cord, and staff to be returned, highlighting how these items served as tangible proof of his identity and commitment when he could not be present himself.
The term derives from a root meaning "to stamp" or "impress," emphasizing the physical act of marking. While often associated with royal authority in broader biblical contexts, here it underscores the importance of personal witness and recognition within a family crisis, where physical tokens stood in for the person’s direct testimony.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Genesis 38:25, Tamar presents Judah with his signet ring, cord, and staff as proof of paternity. This small object carried immense weight, serving as a physical guarantee of identity when words alone might have been dismissed or doubted. The seal was not merely jewelry; it was the extension of a person's authority and reputation, pressed into clay to say, "I am here, and I stand by this." For us, it reminds us that our actions leave an impression on those around us, much like a seal marks its owner.
God’s faithfulness often works through tangible means in our lives. Even when we feel hidden or misunderstood, He sees the integrity of our hearts. We are called to live with such consistency that our character speaks for us, just as Judah’s seal spoke before he arrived. May you find comfort in knowing that your life, marked by Christ, bears a lasting witness that outlasts any momentary confusion or trial.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ seal1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/חֹתֶ֧מֶת1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 38:25
When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, “I am with child by the man who owns these.” She also said, “Please discern whose these are—the signet, and the cords, and the staff.”
This is the sole occurrence of the word, where the signet ring serves as undeniable proof of Judah’s identity and responsibility in a tense family dispute.