כְּתָב (ke.tav)
ke.tav
inscription
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The noun ketav refers to a physical inscription or document, often carrying legal weight. In the Hebrew Bible, it typically denotes a written decree, record, or official correspondence rather than general literature. The word appears nine times, with a notable concentration in the books of Daniel and Ezra, where it describes the formal edicts issued by Persian kings.
Its meaning centers on the permanence and authority of the written word. When Esther’s letter is described as ketav, or when Cyrus issues a decree for the temple reconstruction, the term highlights that these are not casual notes but binding commands recorded in writing. This distinction separates official state documentation from other forms of communication.
Translators usually render ketav as "writing," "decree," or "letter" depending on context. The sources emphasize its role in administrative history, showing how written records functioned as instruments of power and memory in the ancient Near East. The word underscores the importance of preserving truth and authority through tangible text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ketav points to something permanent and authoritative. In ancient times, a written decree could not be easily changed or ignored. When kings issued orders, they were recorded to ensure they stood for generations. This stability offers comfort because it reminds us that God’s promises are just as fixed. Unlike fleeting words, divine truth is inscribed in the heart and preserved through Scripture.
We see this weight in Daniel 5, where mysterious writing appears on the wall. The message was clear, undeniable, and final. It showed that no human power could override what was already written by God. For believers today, this highlights the reliability of the Bible. We can trust that what God has spoken remains true, offering a solid foundation for our faith.
Knowing that God’s word is like a secure inscription helps us face uncertainty. When life feels unstable, we can rest in the permanence of His commands. This assurance invites us to listen closely to Scripture, knowing it carries the authority of heaven itself.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- writing/ the5×
- and/ writing/ the1×
- according to/ [the] writing of1×
- [is] writing/ the1×
- [is] writing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּתָבָ/א֙2×
- כִּ/כְתָ֖ב1×
- כְּתָבָ֣/ה1×
- כְּתָבָ֜/א1×
- כְתָבָ֤/ה1×
- כְתָבָ֖/א1×
- כְתָֽב\׃1×
- וּ/כְתָבָ֥/א1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 5:24
Then the part of the hand was sent from before him, and this writing was inscribed.
This verse identifies the origin of the mysterious text as a divine act, showing that ketav serves as God's direct communication of judgment.
-
Daniel 5:25
“This is the writing that was inscribed: ‘MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.’
Here the specific words MENE TEKEL are presented as the content of the inscription, emphasizing that the written message carries precise prophetic meaning.
-
Daniel 5:8
Then all the king’s wise men came in; but they could not read the writing, and couldn’t make known to the king the interpretation.
The inability of wise men to read the ketav highlights its supernatural nature and the seriousness of God's message to Babylon.