אֲגַרְטָל
a basin
Definition
The Hebrew word אֲגַרְטָל refers to a specific type of basin or bowl, likely a large, shallow vessel used for ceremonial or practical purposes. In its single biblical occurrence, it is listed among the valuable temple vessels returned from Babylon (Ezra 1:9). The context suggests it was a precious item, possibly made of gold or silver, used in the worship rituals of the Jerusalem temple. While often translated simply as 'basin,' its association with the temple inventory implies a specialized liturgical function, distinguishing it from ordinary household bowls.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Ezra 1:9. It appears in a detailed inventory list of the temple articles that King Cyrus of Persia returned to the Jewish exiles for rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The context is administrative and liturgical, cataloging valuable cultic objects. The 'chargers' (KJV) or 'basins' (ESV, NIV) are itemized alongside other gold and silver vessels, indicating their importance in the restored worship system.
Etymology
The etymology of אֲגַרְטָל is uncertain. It is likely a loanword, possibly from Old Persian, reflecting the period of Persian rule during which the book of Ezra was written. This foreign origin aligns with its appearance in a post-exilic text and its specific use for a vessel associated with imperial treasure. No clear Hebrew root has been identified, and its meaning is derived primarily from its context in Ezra 1:9.
Semantic Range
This word, though used only once, highlights God's faithfulness in preserving the instruments of worship and restoring true religion after the exile. The meticulous listing of temple vessels, including the אֲגַרְטָל, in Ezra 1:9 underscores the continuity of the covenant community's worship and God's sovereignty over even pagan kings to accomplish His redemptive purposes. It reminds readers that the details of worship matter to God.
In the ancient Near East, precious metal basins were common in temple inventories and royal treasuries, used for libations, ritual washing, or as containers for offerings. The specific Persian term suggests the influence of the imperial administration on the post-exilic community. Its inclusion signifies that these were not ordinary bowls but valuable, consecrated items essential for the proper functioning of the Second Temple's sacrificial system.
כִּיּוֹר (kiyyôr, H3595) — a larger basin or laver, often for priestly ablutions (e.g., Exodus 30:18). מִזְרָק (mizrāq, H4219) — a bowl or basin used for sprinkling blood in sacrifices (e.g., Exodus 27:3).
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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