Original Word: מִכְתָּם
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: miktam
Pronunciation: mik-tahm'
Phonetic Spelling: (mik-tawm')
KJV: Michtam
Word Origin: [from H3799 (כָּתַם - stain)]

1. an engraving, i.e. (techn.) a poem

Michtam

From katham; an engraving, i.e. (techn.) A poem -- Michtam.

see HEBREW katham

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
a technical term in psalm titles.

מִכְתָּם noun [masculine] Mikhtam, a technical term in Psalm titles, meaning unknown (ᵐ5 στηλογθαφια: compare Bae^{Ps. p. xiii f.}); always with לְדָוִד֯׃לְדָוִד ׳מ Psalm 16:1; Psalm 60:1; ׳לְדָוִד מ Psalm 56:1; Psalm 57:1; Psalm 58:1; Psalm 59:1.

Occurrences and Historical Setting

The title מִכְתָּם appears six times, always in psalm headings attributed to David: Psalms 16, 56, 57, 58, 59 and 60. Five of these songs (Psalms 56–60) stem from seasons when David was threatened by enemies—whether Saul’s pursuit (Psalms 56, 57, 59), the treachery of court officials (Psalm 58) or national defeat (Psalm 60). Psalm 16, by contrast, arises from quieter reflection yet anticipates resurrection hope. Together the collection offers a window into David’s inner life across danger, disillusionment and confident trust.

Possible Sense of the Term

While the precise meaning of מִכְתָּם has eluded translators, the word is linked with ideas such as “engraving,” “inscription” or “golden precious thing.” Each option illumines the group:

• An “engraving” suggests a permanent testimony—words cut into stone so that God’s deliverance will not be forgotten.
• A “golden” song highlights the priceless value of faith refined through trial (compare Job 23:10).

Either nuance matches the contents: David chisels into Israel’s worship tradition priceless lessons learned in the crucible of affliction.

Literary Function in the Psalter

The six Miktam psalms form two clusters. Psalm 16 stands alone in Book One of Psalms as a personal testimony of refuge and resurrection. Psalms 56–60 conclude Book Two and are bound by common superscriptions referencing specific historical incidents. This placement creates a literary arch: Book Two begins with “Why have You rejected us forever?” (Psalms 44:23) and ends with a five-fold Miktam sequence in which God’s king models how to respond to rejection until final deliverance dawns.

Key Theological Motifs

1. Refuge in God alone

“Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge” (Psalms 16:1). From the cave of Adullam to the battlefield against Aram, David consistently turns inward calamity into upward confidence.

2. Honest lament that yields to praise

“You have rejected us, O God… Restore us!” (Psalms 60:1). Lament is not unbelief; it is faith wrestling with experience under the covenant promises.

3. Expectation of vindication

“Deliver me from my enemies, O God” (Psalms 59:1). David appeals to divine justice, trusting God to act righteously while he refuses revenge (compare 1 Samuel 24:12).

4. Resurrection hope

“For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay” (Psalms 16:10). Peter quotes this line in Acts 2:27, grounding Christ’s resurrection in David’s prophetic confidence.

Christological Significance

The New Testament explicitly cites Psalm 16 concerning Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:25–32; Acts 13:35–37). The Miktam therefore moves from David’s personal assurance of rescue from death to Messiah’s conquest of death itself. The voice of the Anointed One resonates throughout the cluster—suffering, surrounded by the wicked, yet certain of vindication (Psalms 56:11; Psalms 57:5; Psalms 59:16). These psalms rehearse the pattern later perfected in the cross and empty tomb.

Worship and Ministry Application

• Spiritual warfare: Believers facing opposition can pray the Miktam psalms to anchor their emotions in God’s unchanging character.
• Pastoral counseling: The honest expression of fear, betrayal and hope models a healthy pathway for those processing trauma.
• Evangelism and apologetics: Psalm 16 provides Old Testament grounding for the resurrection, underscoring Scripture’s unity.
• Corporate worship: Refrains such as “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens” (Psalms 57:5) call congregations to celebrate God’s supremacy even when circumstances remain unresolved.

Summary

מִכְתָּם designates a small yet strategic collection of Davidic prayers, likely regarded as priceless inscriptions forged in adversity. Their enduring value lies in marrying raw human experience with unwavering divine faithfulness, ultimately pointing to the triumphant work of Jesus Christ.

מִ֫כְתָּ֥ם מִכְתָּ֑ם מִכְתָּ֖ם מִכְתָּ֥ם מִכְתָּֽם׃ מכתם מכתם׃ michTam miḵ·tām miḵtāmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts