כְּתֹ֫בֶת (ke.to.vet)
ke.to.vet
imprint
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ketovet refers to an imprint or inscription made upon a surface. In the Bible, it appears only once, in Leviticus 19:28, where it describes a permanent mark placed on the human body. The context links this practice to mourning rituals for the dead, distinguishing Israelite worship from the surrounding cultures.
Lexical sources suggest this word likely denotes tattooing or scarification. It is not used for written text on paper or stone, but rather for a physical alteration of the skin. This specific usage highlights how ancient Israelites were called to maintain a distinct identity, avoiding bodily markings associated with pagan grief practices.
The rarity of the term underscores its significance as a boundary marker. By forbidding ketovet, the law separated the community from neighboring nations who marked their bodies to honor deceased relatives. This single occurrence serves as a clear instruction on maintaining religious and cultural distinctiveness through physical appearance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ketovet describes a permanent mark or imprint made on the skin. In Leviticus 19:28, it refers to the practice of tattooing or cutting the flesh as part of mourning rituals for the dead. This instruction was given to set Israel apart from surrounding nations who marked their bodies to honor deceased relatives.
For believers today, this passage reminds us that our identity is found in God alone, not in external symbols or cultural trends. While the specific prohibition targeted pagan grief practices, the underlying principle calls us to live with integrity and distinctiveness as followers of Yahweh. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, called to reflect His holiness rather than conforming to worldly customs.
This rare word highlights how God cares about every detail of our lives, including how we present ourselves to the world. It invites us to consider whether our actions and appearances honor Him or draw attention away from His grace. May we walk in a way that reflects our belonging to Christ alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ [the] inscription of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/כְתֹ֣בֶת1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 19:28
“‘You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh.
This verse explicitly forbids tattooing or making permanent marks on the body as part of mourning rituals for the dead, distinguishing Israelite worship from surrounding pagan practices.