Definition and Context
Graving, in biblical terms, refers to the act of carving, engraving, or inscribing images or words onto a surface. This practice is often associated with the creation of idols or decorative elements in ancient cultures, including those mentioned in the Bible. The term is frequently used in the context of prohibitions against idolatry, as well as in descriptions of craftsmanship in the construction of sacred objects.

Biblical References
The concept of graving is prominently featured in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Ten Commandments. In Exodus 20:4 , God commands, "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath." This commandment explicitly forbids the creation of graven images for the purpose of worship, underscoring the importance of worshiping God alone.

In Deuteronomy 27:15 , the curse upon those who make graven images is reiterated: "Cursed is the man who makes a carved idol or molten image—an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of a craftsman—and sets it up in secret." This passage highlights the seriousness with which God views the creation and worship of idols, emphasizing the spiritual danger of idolatry.

Craftsmanship and Artistry
While graving is often associated with idolatry, the Bible also acknowledges the skill and artistry involved in engraving for sacred purposes. In Exodus 31:2-5 , God appoints Bezalel, saying, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft." Here, graving is portrayed as a divinely inspired skill used for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

Theological Implications
The prohibition against graven images is rooted in the theological principle of God's transcendence and uniqueness. By forbidding the creation of physical representations of the divine, the Bible emphasizes that God cannot be contained or limited by human artistry. This prohibition serves as a safeguard against the human tendency to reduce the divine to manageable, controllable forms, which can lead to idolatry and a misunderstanding of God's nature.

Cultural and Historical Context
In the ancient Near East, graving was a common practice used to create idols and religious artifacts. These objects often represented deities and were central to the religious practices of surrounding nations. The biblical injunctions against graven images set the Israelites apart from their neighbors, reinforcing their identity as a people devoted to the worship of the one true God.

Conclusion
While the Bible acknowledges the skill involved in graving, it consistently warns against the creation of idols. The emphasis on worshiping God alone and the prohibition of graven images reflect a core tenet of biblical faith, underscoring the importance of maintaining a pure and undivided devotion to God.

(1.) Hebrews hatsabh. Job 19:24, rendered "graven," but generally means hewn stone or wood, in quarry or forest.

(2.) Hebrews harush. Jeremiah 17:1, rendered "graven," and indicates generally artistic work in metal, wood, and stone, effected by fine instruments.

(3.) Hebrews haqaq. Ezek. 4:1, engraving a plan or map, rendered "pourtray;" Job 19:23, "written."

(4.) Hebrews pasal points rather to the sculptor's or the carver's art (Isaiah 30:22; 40:19; 41:7; 44:12-15).

(5.) Pathah refers to intaglio work, the cutting and engraving of precious stones (Exodus 28:9-11, 21; Zechariah 3:9; Cant. 1:10, 11).

(6.) Heret. In Exodus 32:4 rendered "graving tool;" and in Isaiah 8:1, "a pen."

1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Grave.

2. (n.) The act of cleaning a ship's bottom.

3. (n.) The act or art of carving figures in hard substances, esp. by incision or in intaglio.

4. (n.) That which is graved or carved.

5. (n.) Impression, as upon the mind or heart.

GRAVE; GRAVING

grav'-ing.

See CRAFTS; ENGRAVING.

5481. charakter -- a tool for engraving
... Phonetic Spelling: (khar-ak-tare') Short Definition: an exact reproduction Definition:
an impression, representation, exact reproduction; a graving-tool. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5481.htm - 7k2747. cheret -- engraving tool, stylus
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition engraving tool, stylus NASB Word
Usage graving tool (1), letters (1). graving tool, pen. ...
/hebrew/2747.htm - 6k

4734. miqlaath -- carving
... carved figure, carving, graving. From qala'; a sculpture (probably in bas-relief) --
carved (figure), carving, graving. see HEBREW qala'. 4733, 4734. ...
/hebrew/4734.htm - 6k

A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
... The BRANCH.9. For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone
shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a vision of judgement and.htm

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and
in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hiram the inspired artificer.htm

The Golden Calf
... the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.4. And
he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving-tool, after he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the golden calf.htm

An Admirable Exhortation of S. Paul to the Ecstatic and Superhuman ...
... And what resolution? Mark, my good Theotimus, how he proceeds, graving, fixing and
stamping his conception on our hearts. Judging this, says he; and what? ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter viii an admirable exhortation.htm

Whether Prudence is a virtue?
... ii, 14) concerning Hiram, that he knew "to grave all sort of graving, and to devise
ingeniously [prudenter] all that there may be need of in the work ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether prudence is a virtue.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch
... [1003] And then did the teacher not only give directions, but also set them down
in writing, graving it there as on a column of brass in his Epistle to him? ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i this homily was.htm

Altogether Lovely
... I want an immortal spirit to be the tablet for my writing; nay, I must lay aside
my graving tool, and ask the Spirit of God to take it: I want a heart prepared ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/altogether lovely.htm

Heraclitus' Estimate of Hesiod; Paradoxes of Heraclitus; his ...
... the passage thus: "The path," says he, "of the lines of the machine called the screw
is both straight and crooked, and the revolution in the graving-tool is ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter v heraclitus estimate of hesiod.htm

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. ...
... We read of the graving of words on the gems of the high-priest's breastplate, of
the record of the various genealogies of the tribes, etc; while such passages ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 8 subjects of study.htm

The New Song
... no graving tools, no casting, how could he do it?" So when we shall come to look
at men, when we look at them in the light which eternity shall reveal, we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the new song.htm

Graving (7 Occurrences)
... (6.) Heret. In Exodus 32:4 rendered "graving tool;" and in Isaiah 8:1, "a pen.".
Noah Webster's Dictionary. ... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GRAVE; GRAVING. grav'-ing ...
/g/graving.htm - 10k

Settings (19 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV NIV). Exodus 31:5 and in graving of stone for settings,
and in graving of wood to work in all work. (YLT NAS). ...
/s/settings.htm - 12k

Design (84 Occurrences)
... mountain. (BBE). Exodus 35:33 and in graving of stones for settings, and
in graving of wood to work in any work of design. (YLT). ...
/d/design.htm - 33k

Knife (10 Occurrences)
... lit. "knives of flint;" Comp. Exodus 4:25); a razor (Ezek. 5:1); a graving
tool (Exodus 20:25); an axe (Ezek. 26:9). (2.) Hebrews ...
/k/knife.htm - 13k

Graveth (1 Occurrence)

/g/graveth.htm - 6k

Grave (128 Occurrences)
... See Margrave. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GRAVE; GRAVING. grav'-ing. See CRAFTS;
ENGRAVING. GRAVE (1). grav. See BURIAL. GRAVE (2). (Adj.). See GRAVITY. ...
/g/grave.htm - 37k

Gravings (2 Occurrences)

/g/gravings.htm - 7k

Gravest (1 Occurrence)
... and whom has thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out here a sepulchre? hewing him
out a sepulchre on high, graving a habitation for himself in the rock! ...
/g/gravest.htm - 6k

Fashioning (4 Occurrences)
... Exodus 32:4 And he received it at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool,
and made it a molten calf; and they said: 'This is thy god, O Israel, which ...
/f/fashioning.htm - 7k

Tool (13 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Isaiah 8:1 And Jehovah saith unto me, 'Take to thee a great tablet, and
write upon it with a graving tool of man, To haste spoil, enjoy prey.' (YLT). ...
/t/tool.htm - 11k

What should we learn from the golden calf incident in Exodus 32? | GotQuestions.org

Graving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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