cho.tam denotes a seal or signet, especially in engraved inscriptions and as a personal or symbolic emblem.

The term most often occurs in descriptions of engraving names or words with the pattern of a seal, particularly on stones and gold objects. It also denotes a personal item used in sealing or given as a pledge, and it is used figuratively for a person set as a signet or for a seal placed on the heart and arm.

1. Pattern for engraved inscriptions · dominant

   In Exodus 28:11 and Exodus 28:21, the noun is associated with names engraved on stones for the sons of Israel; the APB renders the relevant description as “engravings of a signet.” Exodus 28:36 and Exodus 39:30 similarly place the engraving on a gold object bearing “Holiness to the LORD,” while Exodus 39:6 and Exodus 39:14 repeat the engraved-name setting. Job 38:14 also uses the term in the clause about clay being changed “under the seal.”

   Exodus 28:11Exodus 28:21Exodus 28:36Exodus 39:6Exodus 39:14Exodus 39:30
2. Personal seal used or given as an item · occasional

   In Genesis 38:18, the construct form occurs among the pledged personal possessions: “Your signet and your cord and your staff.” In 1 Kings 21:8, the construct form belongs to the action of sealing letters in Ahab's name; the APB renders the clause “sealed them with his seal.”

   Genesis 38:181 Kings 21:8
3. Figurative emblem of placement or value · common

   In Haggai 2:23, the APB renders the declaration that Zerubbabel will be set “as a signet.” Jeremiah 22:24 compares Coniah to a signet on the right hand, and Song of Songs 8:6 twice asks for a seal to be set on the heart and arm; these clauses use the object as a figure of close placement.

   Haggai 2:23Jeremiah 22:24Song of Songs 8:6

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB uses “signet” in the engraved, pledged, and figurative clauses, while it uses “seal” for the letters in 1 Kings 21:8, the clay in Job 38:14, and the heart and arm in Song of Songs 8:6. Job 41:7 does not clearly show the term's specific contribution.