The term "engraven" in the Bible refers to the act of inscribing or carving words, images, or symbols onto a surface, often for the purpose of permanence and significance. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, symbolizing the enduring nature of God's word, covenant, and commandments.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the act of engraving is frequently associated with the creation of idols and the crafting of sacred objects. For instance, in Exodus 32:4, Aaron fashions a golden calf, which is described as being "engraven" with a tool. This act of engraving is indicative of the Israelites' disobedience and idolatry, contrasting sharply with the divine commandments given to them.

The most significant use of engraving in the Old Testament is found in the context of the Ten Commandments. In Exodus 31:18, it is stated that God gave Moses "two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, inscribed by the finger of God." The engraving of the commandments on stone tablets signifies their divine origin and unchanging nature. This act underscores the permanence and authority of God's law.

Additionally, the high priest's garments included an engraved element. In Exodus 28:36, God commands the engraving of a plate of pure gold with the words "Holy to the LORD," which was to be fastened to the turban of the high priest. This engraving served as a constant reminder of the holiness required in approaching God.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the concept of engraving is less frequent but carries profound theological implications. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 3:3, contrasts the old covenant, written on tablets of stone, with the new covenant, written on the hearts of believers. He writes, "You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." Here, the metaphor of engraving is used to illustrate the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, emphasizing the internalization of God's law.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The act of engraving in the Bible often symbolizes the permanence and authority of God's word and covenant. It serves as a reminder of the divine origin and unchanging nature of God's commandments. The engraved tablets of the law represent the foundation of Israel's covenant relationship with God, while the engraving on the high priest's garments signifies the holiness required in worship.

In the New Testament, the shift from external engravings on stone to internal engravings on the heart highlights the new covenant's emphasis on internal transformation and personal relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. This internalization of God's law fulfills the prophetic promise found in Jeremiah 31:33, where God declares, "I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts."

Conclusion

The concept of "engraven" in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the enduring and authoritative nature of God's word and covenant. Whether inscribed on stone or on the human heart, the act of engraving signifies the permanence and transformative power of God's divine revelation.(p. p.) of Engrave.

He Orders the Sign of the Saviour's Cross to be Engraven on his ...
... Book IV. Chapter XXI."He orders the Sign of the Saviour's Cross to be
engraven on his Soldiers' Shields. And not only so, but ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xxi he orders the sign.htm

2 Cor. Iii. 7, 8
... But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, came with glory,
so that the children of Israel could not look steadfastly upon the face of ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily vii 2 cor iii.htm

The Passage in Corinthians.
... But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious,
so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 24 the passage in corinthians.htm

Of the Building of this Temple
... fitted to them on each quarter; they were parted into three parts; every interval
had a border fitted to support [the laver]; upon which was engraven, in one ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 of the building.htm

The Fourth Commandment
... Exodus 20:8-11. This commandment was engraven in stone by God's own finger,
and it will be our comfort to have it engraven in our hearts. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 4 the fourth commandment.htm

Mormonites, or the Church of the Latter-Day Saints.
... I was also told where there were deposited some plates, on which was engraven an
abridgment of the records of the ancient prophets that had existed on this ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/mormonites or the church of.htm

The Knowledge that God Is, Combined with the Knowledge that He is ...
... There are two common notions engraven on the hearts of all men by nature,"that God
is, and that he must be worshipped, and these two live and die together ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xi the knowledge that.htm

Concerning the Garments of the Priests, and of the High Priest.
... On these were engraven the names of the sons of Jacob, in our own country letters,
and in our own tongue, six on each of the stones, on either side; and the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 concerning the garments.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... I wonder, seeing ye have it naturally engraven in your hearts to establish your
own righteousness, that ye labour not to have more of it to fill your eye withal ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vi who walk not.htm

Herod Ejects Antigonus, the Son of Aristobulus Out of Judea, and ...
... I have sent you my decree, of which I will that ye take care that it be engraven
on the public tables, in Roman and Greek letters, and that it stand engraven ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 herod ejects antigonus.htm

Engraven (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Engraven (3 Occurrences). ... Exodus 32:16 And the tables were
God's work, and the writing was God's writing, engraven on the tables. ...
/e/engraven.htm - 7k

Engraver (3 Occurrences)

/e/engraver.htm - 8k

Innocence (10 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:15 since they exhibit proof that a knowledge of the conduct which the Law
requires is engraven on their hearts, while their consciences also bear ...
/i/innocence.htm - 12k

Requires (21 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:15 since they exhibit proof that a knowledge of the conduct which the Law
requires is engraven on their hearts, while their consciences also bear ...
/r/requires.htm - 12k

Exhibit (7 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:15 since they exhibit proof that a knowledge of the conduct which the Law
requires is engraven on their hearts, while their consciences also bear ...
/e/exhibit.htm - 9k

Diamond (5 Occurrences)
... its hardness), otherwise unknown, the sixth, ie, the third in the second row, in
the breastplate of the high priest, with the name of Naphtali engraven on it ...
/d/diamond.htm - 9k

Discussion (29 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:15 since they exhibit proof that a knowledge of the conduct which the Law
requires is engraven on their hearts, while their consciences also bear ...
/d/discussion.htm - 15k

Michtam (12 Occurrences)
... stelograph." The root of the word means to stamp or grave, and hence it is regarded
as denoting a composition so precious as to be worthy to be engraven on a ...
/m/michtam.htm - 11k

Mutual (7 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:15 since they exhibit proof that a knowledge of the conduct which the Law
requires is engraven on their hearts, while their consciences also bear ...
/m/mutual.htm - 8k

Ministration (33 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 3:7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones,
was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold ...
/m/ministration.htm - 15k

Engraven: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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