Carving

karv'-ing: Carving, or engraving, was extensively used among the peoples of Bible lands. There were no materials used in the arts which were not subjected to the graver's skill. Carved objects of wood, stone, ivory, clay, bronze, gold, silver and glass discovered today show how skillful the ancient carvers were. Carving was principally done in bas- relief, although Exod 28:11 shows that incised lines were also used. The signets and scarabs are examples of this class of carving. Several Hebrew words have been translated "carved" in the King James Version. Pecel or pecil is found in Judg 18:18; 2 Chr 33:7; 2 Chr 33:22; 2 Chr 34:3; 2 Chr 34:1; chaqah in 1 Kgs 6:35. The translation "graven" appears in the Revised Version (British and American) of all these passages. In 1 Kgs 6:29; 1 Kgs 6:32; 1 Kgs 6:35, qala appears; in 1 Kgs 6:18; 1 Kgs 6:32, miqla`ath; in 1 Kgs 6:29 and Ps 74:6, pittuach; in Exod 31:5; Exod 35:33, charosheth (see Carpenter); chaTubhah in Prov 7:16 is better translated "striped" as in the Revised Version (British and American). For further notes on carving, see Crafts.

James A. Patch