Lexical Summary et: stylus, pen Original Word: עֵט Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pen From iyt (contracted) in the sense of swooping, i.e. Side-long stroke; a stylus or marking stick -- pen. see HEBREW iyt NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a stylus NASB Translation pen (2), stylus (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs עֵט noun masculineJeremiah 8:8 stylus (√ dubious; Köii. 1, 83 (after older authorities) compare Arabic  ,  sink, penerate); — ׳ע only construct: 1 of iron, for use on stone or metal Jeremiah 17:1 (בְּצִמֹּרֶן שָׁמִיר with diamond-point), Job 19:24 (see also חֶרֶט). 2 probably = reed-pen (used o roll, compare Jeremiah 36:2,23 etc.), שֶׁקֶר סֹפְרִים ׳ע Jeremiah 8:8, figurative, סוֺפֵר מָהִיר ׳לְשׁוֺנִי ע Psalm 45:1 (compare NowArchaeology i. 290 BenzArchaeology 290). Topical Lexicon Overview and Range of Meaning The term designates a writing implement, whether a reed pen, metal stylus, or chisel, employed to inscribe words on materials ranging from papyrus to stone. Across its four canonical appearances the word becomes a vehicle for exploring the authority of written testimony, the artistry of inspired praise, the deceitfulness of corrupted scribes, and the indelible nature of sin apart from grace. Physical Writing Implements in the Ancient Near East Metal styluses and reed pens were common from the second millennium B.C. onward. An iron stylus could cut clay or soft stone, while a diamond-tipped point (cf. Jeremiah 17:1) etched harder surfaces. These tools preserved covenants, royal decrees, commercial contracts, and religious texts. Thus, whenever Scripture references the pen, it evokes the entire ancient infrastructure that ensured accuracy, permanence, and public accessibility of recorded words. Indicative Usage in Wisdom and Poetry • Job 19:24 pictures Job’s longing that his vindication be “engraved in rock forever with an iron chisel and lead,” underscoring the yearning for a testimony that cannot be erased. Prophetic Critique of False Religion • Jeremiah 8:8 exposes religious malpractice: “How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the Law of the LORD is with us,’ when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception?”. Here the instrument meant to transmit God’s law becomes a symbol of distortion, indicting leaders who misused their literary authority. Theological Themes: Permanence, Revelation, and Heart Transformation 1. Permanence of Testimony: Whether Job’s imagined rock inscription or Judah’s etched guilt, the pen stresses durability. Once inscribed, words stand as enduring witness—either to redemption or judgment. Historical Significance for Biblical Transmission Scribes employing such pens copied scrolls that would become the Hebrew Bible, preserving divine revelation with meticulous care. Even the prophetic denunciation of corrupt scribes in Jeremiah underscores the normative expectation of faithful copying; without dependable pens and trained scribes, the covenant community could not have retained a unified, authoritative canon. Ministry Implications: Teaching, Preaching, and Discipleship • Preachers are reminded that their tongues should function “as the pen of a skillful writer,” crafting words that both honor the King and accurately reflect His written word. Typological Connection to the New Covenant and Christ The psalmist’s pen praises a royal bridegroom whose throne is “forever and ever” (Psalm 45:6). The New Testament identifies this king as the Son of God (Hebrews 1:8). Thus the ancient pen ultimately points to the One who embodies and fulfills every written promise. His gospel, once recorded by apostolic pens, continues to be proclaimed until every heart is etched with His saving name. Forms and Transliterations בְּעֵ֥ט בְּעֵט־ בעט בעט־ עֵ֖ט עֵ֤ט ׀ עט ‘êṭ bə‘êṭ bə‘êṭ- bə·‘êṭ bə·‘êṭ- beet etLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 19:24 HEB: בְּעֵט־ בַּרְזֶ֥ל וְעֹפָ֑רֶת NAS: That with an iron stylus and lead KJV: with an iron pen and lead INT: stylus an iron and lead Psalm 45:1 Jeremiah 8:8 Jeremiah 17:1 4 Occurrences |
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