חוֹתָם

Chotham, the name of two Israelites

Definition

חוֹתָם (Chôwthâm) is a proper noun used exclusively as the name of two individuals in the Old Testament. It is a personal name derived from the common noun meaning 'seal' or 'signet ring' (H2368). The first Chotham is listed as a son of Heber, an Asherite, in the genealogical record of 1 Chronicles 7:32. The second is Chotham the Aroerite, noted as the father of two of King David's mighty men, Shama and Jehiel, in 1 Chronicles 11:44. In both instances, the name functions solely as an identifier for these Israelite men.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only two times in the Old Testament, both within the book of 1 Chronicles. Its usage is strictly onomastic (name-related) and appears in two distinct contexts: first, within a tribal genealogy of Asher (1 Chronicles 7:32), and second, within a list of David's warriors (1 Chronicles 11:44). There are no other usages or patterns, as it is not employed as a common noun in the biblical text.

Etymology

The name חוֹתָם (Chôwthâm) is identical to the common masculine noun חוֹתָם (chôthâm, H2368), which means 'seal,' 'signet ring,' or 'signet.' It derives from the verbal root חָתַם (châtham, H2856), meaning 'to seal' or 'to affix a seal.' As a personal name, it follows a common Hebrew practice of using meaningful nouns—often related to objects of value, authority, or beauty—for individuals.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names were often significant and descriptive. Bearing a name like Chotham ('seal') likely carried connotations of authority, ownership, authenticity, or preciousness, as a seal was used to validate official documents and mark property. While we cannot know the specific reason this name was given to these individuals, it reflects a cultural practice of bestowing names with positive and tangible meanings.

חוֹתָם (chôthâm, H2368) — This is the identical common noun meaning 'seal,' from which the proper name is directly derived.

Word Details

Scripture References