ENGRAVER. This Eng. word covers several Heb. terms whose exact meanings are difficult to distinguish, for they are often used as synonyms.

The jeweler’s engraving of the names of the tribes of Israel on onyx stones (Exod 28:11) is referred to by the two words חָרַשׁ֒, H3086, and פָּתַח֮, H7338. When the engraver cuts the words “Holy to the Lord” on a gold plate the word is פָּתַח֮, H7338, (Exod 28:36). The term כָּתַב, H4180, refers to the engraving of the Ten Commandments on stone tablets (Deut 5:22). In Exodus 32:16 there are two terms for this same engraving כָּתַב, H4180, and חָר֖וּת. Again in Jeremiah 17:1 are two terms for engraving; one is כָּתַב, H4180, and the other is חָרַשׁ֒, H3086. In this verse, the engraving tools used are mentioned. One is an iron (steel) chisel, and the other is a diamond-tipped chisel. (The Egyptians used the diamond-tipped chisel.) Emery was also employed in this work.

The finest engraving is often referred to in Scripture as that of signet rings; the archeologist confirms this verdict. The term פָּתַח֮, H7338, is also used as the general word for sculpturing of any kind in either wood or stone.

2 Corinthians 3:7 has the Gr. ἐντυπόω, G1963, when it refers to the engraving of the Ten Commandments on stone.