מִכְתָּב

מִכְתָּב

a thing written, the characters, or a document (letter, copy, edict, poem)

Definition

The Hebrew noun מִכְתָּב (miktâb) refers to a written document or inscription, encompassing a range of specific forms. It can denote the very characters of writing, as seen in the divinely engraved tablets of the law (Exodus 32:16, Deuteronomy 10:4). It also refers to official documents like royal edicts and letters, such as the decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1, 2 Chronicles 36:22) or the letter from Elijah to King Jehoram (2 Chronicles 21:12). Furthermore, it can describe a literary composition, exemplified by King Hezekiah's written poem after his recovery (Isaiah 38:9).

Biblical Usage

מִכְתָּב is used eight times in the Old Testament, primarily in historical and legal contexts. It appears in the Pentateuch to describe the physical inscription of the Ten Commandments. In the Chronicles and Ezra, it denotes authoritative, often royal, written communications (edicts, letters). Its single poetic use is in Isaiah 38:9, where it labels Hezekiah's psalm. The word consistently implies a formal, intentional, and enduring written record.

Etymology

Derived from the root כָּתַב (kāṯaḇ, H3789), meaning 'to write.' מִכְתָּב is a noun formed with the מִ- prefix, indicating the concrete result or product of the verbal action—'a thing written.' This root is common in Semitic languages, connecting to the act of inscribing or recording.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the concept of divine and human communication through written scripture. Its use for the 'writing of God' on the stone tablets (Exodus 32:16) underscores the permanence and authority of God's revealed law. In the context of royal decrees (Ezra 1:1), it shows God's sovereignty working through human documents to fulfill His prophetic promises. Understanding מִכְתָּב enriches the study of scripture's own nature as authoritative, enduring written witness. In ancient Israelite culture, writing was a specialized skill, and a מִכְתָּב represented authority, permanence, and formal communication. Unlike today's abundance of text, a written document was a significant artifact—whether divine law on stone, a royal decree on scroll, or a commemorative poem. It carried legal and covenantal weight, making its preservation vital. סֵפֶר (sēp̄er, H5612) — a broader term for any written document, often a book or scroll. כְּתָב (kᵉṯāḇ, H3791) — a very close synonym, also meaning 'writing' or 'script,' sometimes used interchangeably.

Word Details