Lexical Summary chothemeth: Signet ring, seal Original Word: חֹתֶמֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance signet Feminine active participle of chatham; a seal -- signet. see HEBREW chatham NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chatham Definition signet ring NASB Translation ring (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חֹתֶ֫מֶת noun feminine signet-ring — only ׳הַח Genesis 38:25 (J; for I. חֹתָם Genesis 38:18) the signet-ring (according to BöNÄ i. 23 feminine collective the sealing-apparatus). I. חתן (√ of following; probably circumcise; compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Definition and Scopeחֹתֶמֶת designates a personal signet or seal – a small, often cylindrical object engraved with an owner’s unique emblem, name, or device. Its principal function in Scripture is to authenticate, secure, or signify ownership. Though the term appears only once, its solitary occurrence gathers to itself the rich cultural background of sealing practices in the patriarchal era and foreshadows wider biblical themes of covenant, identity, and authority. Cultural and Historical Background 1. Personal Identity: In the Bronze Age Near East, a seal functioned like a signature. It bore the power to approve transactions, close correspondence, and mark property. Worn on a cord around the neck or mounted on a ring, it was inseparable from the person’s civic and legal standing. 2. Material and Craftsmanship: Archaeology reveals seals made of semi-precious stones (agate, carnelian), metals, or fired clay. Designs contained stylized animals, deities, or geometric patterns alongside cuneiform or alphabetic inscriptions. Because engraving was costly, possession of a seal was proof of rank and resources. 3. Legal Weight: An impressed seal left in wax or wet clay served as binding testimony. Altering a sealed object was tantamount to forgery; thus, the seal owner’s presence or delegated authority was assumed whenever the imprint was discovered. Biblical Occurrence (Genesis 38:25) When Tamar is brought out to be burned for supposed immorality, she produces “the seal, cord, and staff” of Judah, declaring, “I am pregnant by the man to whom these belong” (Genesis 38:25). Several layers of biblical theology converge in this scene: • Authentication: The signet’s imprint renders Judah’s denial impossible. His identity is literally stamped upon the evidence. • Covenant Accountability: Judah had pledged a young goat as surety and left his seal as collateral. Tamar’s presentation of the items exposes his failure to honor his word, emphasizing personal responsibility within covenant relationships. • Messianic Lineage: Through this confrontation, Judah acknowledges Tamar’s righteousness (Genesis 38:26). Their union produces Perez, ancestor of David and, ultimately, the Messiah (Ruth 4:18-22; Matthew 1:3). The signet thus indirectly safeguards the redemptive lineage. Theological Significance 1. Authority and Ownership – “The king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman” (Esther 3:10). Though a different Hebrew term, the concept is identical: authority is vested in the seal holder. Judah’s seal illustrates that authority unguided by righteousness can jeopardize others; conversely, its rightful use protects and establishes. 2. Security and Preservation – Daniel 6:17 describes the stone over the lions’ den “sealed with the king’s signet.” A seal marks what is to remain untouched until proper authority reopens it. God’s covenant promises are likewise “sealed” by His own oath and Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13). 3. Covenant Relationship – Haggai 2:23 calls Zerubbabel “My servant… My signet ring,” portraying the governor as a living seal of divine choice. In Song of Songs 8:6, love is entreated to be “a seal upon your heart,” showing that true covenant love is marked by exclusivity and permanence. Christological Foreshadowing The trusted seal in Judah’s possession pre-figures the absolute trustworthiness vested in Jesus Christ. The Father has “set His seal of approval on Him” (John 6:27). Just as Judah’s seal bore witness against him, Christ’s resurrection bears witness for believers, ensuring that no accusation can stand (Romans 8:33-34). Practical Lessons for Ministry • Integrity in Transactions: Believers are to let their “Yes” be yes (Matthew 5:37). Judah’s lapse warns against careless pledges and teaches accountability. • Visible Tokens of Invisible Truths: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper operate today as covenant seals, visibly attesting to inward grace (Romans 4:11). • Shepherding Authority: Church leaders carry delegated authority “to build up and not tear down” (2 Corinthians 13:10). Like Judah’s seal, authority must be wedded to purity and humility. • Assurance of Salvation: The Holy Spirit seals the believer (Ephesians 4:30). The permanence of that seal offers confidence amid accusation, just as Tamar’s evidence silenced false judgment. Summary חֹתֶמֶת, though recorded only in Genesis 38:25, unlocks a treasury of biblical motifs: authentic identity, binding covenant, moral accountability, and divine assurance. The patriarchal signet points forward to the ultimate Seal-Bearer, Jesus Christ, and reminds the Church to wield its God-given authority in holiness and truth. Forms and Transliterations הַחֹתֶ֧מֶת החתמת ha·ḥō·ṯe·meṯ hachoTemet haḥōṯemeṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 38:25 HEB: נָ֔א לְמִ֞י הַחֹתֶ֧מֶת וְהַפְּתִילִ֛ים וְהַמַּטֶּ֖ה NAS: whose signet ring and cords and staff KJV: Discern, I pray thee, whose [are] these, the signet, and bracelets, INT: Please whose ring and cords and staff 1 Occurrence |
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circumcise, 
circumcision, circumcision-feast).