חָקַק
Properly, to hack , i.e. engrave (Judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive times) or (gen.) prescribe
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does חָקַק (ḥāqaq) mean in the Bible?
חָקַק (ḥāqaq) is a Hebrew word meaning "properly, to hack , i.e. engrave (Judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive times) or (gen.) prescribe". properly, to hack, i. Signifies permanent and visible covenant remembrance. This term runs through the canonical themes of Covenant.
Meaning
To engrave or inscribe laws permanently; metaphorically, to establish or decree with binding authority
properly, to hack, i.e. engrave (Judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive times) or (gen.) prescribe BDB: cut in Usage: appoint, decree, governor, grave, lawgiver, note, pourtray, print, set.
Why This Word Matters
Signifies permanent and visible covenant remembrance. Isaiah 49:14-21
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
Poel 3×
Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 2×
Pual intensive passive — intensive action received by the subject 1×
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Old Testament Witnesses
Showing 8 of 19 occurrences in the biblical text.