Engraving, as referenced in the Bible, pertains to the art of carving or inscribing designs onto various materials such as stone, metal, or wood. This skill was highly valued in ancient times and is mentioned in several contexts throughout the Scriptures, often in relation to the construction and adornment of sacred objects and places.

Biblical References and Context

1. The Tabernacle and the Temple: Engraving played a significant role in the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. In Exodus 28:9-11, God commands Moses to have two onyx stones engraved with the names of the sons of Israel: "Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones, as a jeweler engraves a seal." These stones were set in gold filigree and placed on the shoulders of the ephod worn by the high priest, symbolizing the priest's role in bearing the tribes of Israel before the Lord.

2. The Breastplate of Judgment: Further instructions for engraving are found in Exodus 28:21, where the names of the sons of Israel are to be engraved on the twelve stones of the breastplate, each representing a tribe. This meticulous work underscores the importance of precision and artistry in the service of worship and remembrance.

3. Solomon's Temple: The construction of Solomon's Temple also involved extensive use of engraving. In 1 Kings 6:18, the inner walls of the Temple were carved with figures of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, demonstrating the use of engraving to create a space of beauty and reverence for God.

4. Symbolism and Meaning: Engraving in the Bible often carries symbolic meaning. The act of engraving is permanent, signifying the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. In Isaiah 49:16, God reassures Israel of His unwavering commitment by saying, "Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me." This metaphorical use of engraving highlights God's eternal remembrance and care for His people.

5. Craftsmanship and Skill: The Bible acknowledges the skill and craftsmanship required for engraving. In Exodus 31:2-5, God appoints Bezalel, filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, including engraving. This divine endowment emphasizes the value placed on artistic skill in the service of God.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Engraving in biblical times was not only a practical skill but also a form of artistic expression that conveyed religious and cultural values. The engravings on sacred objects served as visual reminders of God's laws, promises, and the history of His people. The permanence of engraving made it an ideal medium for preserving important symbols and messages.

In summary, engraving in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that encompasses artistry, symbolism, and divine instruction. It reflects the importance of beauty and craftsmanship in worship and the enduring nature of God's relationship with His people.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Engrave.

2. (n.) The act or art of producing upon hard material incised or raised patterns, characters, lines, and the like; especially, the art of producing such lines, etc., in the surface of metal plates or blocks of wood. Engraving is used for the decoration of the surface itself; also, for producing an original, from which a pattern or design may be printed on paper.

3. (n.) That which is engraved; an engraved plate.

4. (n.) An impression from an engraved plate, block of wood, or other material; a print.

ENGRAVING

en-grav'-ing.

See CARVING; CRAFTS.

5481. charakter -- a tool for engraving
... a tool for engraving. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: charakter
Phonetic Spelling: (khar-ak-tare') Short Definition: an exact reproduction ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5481.htm - 7k

5480. charagma -- a stamp, impress
... Noun, Neuter Transliteration: charagma Phonetic Spelling: (khar'-ag-mah) Short
Definition: sculpture, a stamp, sign Definition: sculpture; engraving, a stamp ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5480.htm - 7k

6603. pittuach -- an engraving
... 6602, 6603. pittuach. 6604 . an engraving. Transliteration: pittuach Phonetic
Spelling: (pit-too'-akh) Short Definition: engravings. ... carved work, engraving, ...
/hebrew/6603.htm - 6k

2747. cheret -- engraving tool, stylus
... 2746, 2747. cheret. 2748 . engraving tool, stylus. Transliteration: cheret
Phonetic Spelling: (kheh'-ret) Short Definition: tool. ...
/hebrew/2747.htm - 6k

4387. Miktam -- a technical term in psalm titles.
... Michtam From katham; an engraving, ie (techn.) A poem -- Michtam. see HEBREW
katham. 4386, 4387. Miktam. 4388 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4387.htm - 5k

Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists
... of the old books " there was what ought never to have been removed from any of them,
the page of thicker paper with the clean-cut, chaste engraving of the ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/hymns for the use of.htm

Whether the Evil of Fault Can be in the Angels?
... Were the craftsman's hand the rule itself engraving, he could not engrave the wood
otherwise than rightly; but if the rightness of engraving be judged by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the evil of fault.htm

List of Illustrations.
... PLAN OF THE GRAVES SURROUNDING THAT OF S. PETER DISCOVERED AT THE TIME OF PAUL V.
(from a rare engraving by Benedetto Drei, head master mason to the Pope. ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/list of illustrations.htm

Published By
... Including, also, a short history of the Great Revival. Each sermon is illustrated
with a handsome, full page engraving from Gustave Dore. ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/published by.htm

He Proceeds to Show that There is no "Variance" in the Essence of ...
... latter, makes the impression on itself accord with that which surrounds it, filling
up the hollows and accommodating the projections of the engraving with its ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 8 he proceeds to.htm

The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son.
... The engraving on the upper side of this seal represents God's part in a sinner's
salvation, and corresponds to the shepherd's generous act; the engraving on ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/the lost sheep the lost.htm

Second Commandment
... distinctly forbidden. Dr. Dale says that in his college days he had an engraving
of our Lord hanging over his mantlepiece. "The calmness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/second commandment.htm

Preaching for the Poor
... I had an engraving sent to me the other day which pleased me beyond measure.
It was an engraving simply but exquisitely executed. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/preaching for the poor.htm

A Series of Letters In Defence of Divine Revelation
... Authors and Proprietors of such Copies during the times therein mentioned; and
extending the benefits thereof to the Arts of Designing, Engraving, and Etching ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/title page.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... CHAPTER I"THE IRANIAN CONQUEST. Drawn by Boudier, from the engraving in
Coste and Flandin. The vignette, drawn by Faucher-Gudin ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Engraving (7 Occurrences)
...Engraving is used for the decoration of the surface itself; also, for producing
an original, from which a pattern or design may be printed on paper. ...ENGRAVING. ...
/e/engraving.htm - 9k

Graving (7 Occurrences)
... (3.) Hebrews haqaq. Ezek. 4:1, engraving a plan or map, rendered "pourtray;" Job
19:23, "written.". ... grav'-ing. See CRAFTS; ENGRAVING. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/g/graving.htm - 10k

Engravings (11 Occurrences)
... in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in
fine linen, and in crimson, also to engrave any manner of engraving, and to ...
/e/engravings.htm - 10k

Crafts (2 Occurrences)
... CRAFTS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE 1. Brickmaking 2. Carpentering (Wood-Working) 3. Carving
(Engraving) 4. Ceramics 5. Dyeing and Cleansing 6. Embroidering ...
/c/crafts.htm - 30k

Tools (3 Occurrences)
... invented. The pencil of Isaiah 44:13 is probably a stylus, for engraving
as well as for marking out lines. For engraving on gems ...
/t/tools.htm - 14k

Engraved (62 Occurrences)
... 2. (pp) of Engrave. 3. (a.) Made by engraving or ornamented with engraving. 4.
(a.) Having the surface covered with irregular, impressed lines. ...
/e/engraved.htm - 26k

Engrave (8 Occurrences)
... in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in
fine linen, and in crimson, also to engrave any manner of engraving, and to ...
/e/engrave.htm - 9k

Carve (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The arts of engraving and carving were much
practised among the Jews. They were practised in connection ...
/c/carve.htm - 8k

Cut (616 Occurrences)
... 24. (n.) An engraved block or plate; the impression from such an engraving; as,
a book illustrated with fine cuts. 25. (n.) The act of dividing a pack cards. ...
/c/cut.htm - 45k

Grave (128 Occurrences)
... 12. (vi) To write or delineate on hard substances, by means of incised lines; to
practice engraving. 13. ... grav'-ing. See CRAFTS; ENGRAVING. GRAVE (1). grav. ...
/g/grave.htm - 37k

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