כַּרְבֵּל
to gird or clothe
Definition
The Hebrew verb כַּרְבֵּל (karbêl) means to gird, wrap, or clothe oneself, specifically in a ceremonial or official garment. It appears only in 1 Chronicles 15:27, where it describes King David and the Levites being 'clothed' in robes of fine linen as they transported the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The term implies a deliberate act of dressing in a special, likely priestly or royal, attire for a sacred occasion. While its basic sense is to put on clothing, the context suggests a formal, ritualistic dressing rather than ordinary daily wear.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 15:27. It describes the Levitical priests and King David being ceremonially clothed in fine linen robes during the procession to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The usage is highly specific to a context of worship, celebration, and royal/priestly ceremony, indicating it was a special term for ritual attire rather than common dressing.
Etymology
The verb כַּרְבֵּל (karbêl) is derived from the root כ־ב־ל (k-b-l), which relates to binding or girding. It is linguistically connected to the noun כֶּבֶל (kebel, H3525), meaning 'fetter' or 'bond'. This root connection suggests the idea of being wrapped or bound in garments, emphasizing the act of securing or adorning oneself with clothing, particularly in a formal manner.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, כַּרְבֵּל carries theological significance as it highlights the importance of proper attire and preparation for worship before God. In 1 Chronicles 15:27, the act of being clothed in fine linen symbolizes purity, holiness, and reverence in approaching the presence of God represented by the Ark. It underscores the biblical principle that how God's people present themselves in worship matters, reflecting both external honor and internal devotion. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by emphasizing the intentionality and sacredness of ceremonial actions in Old Testament worship.
In ancient Israelite culture, fine linen was a costly fabric often associated with priests (Exodus 28:39-43) and royalty. Being 'clothed' in such garments for a religious procession signified high status, purity, and solemnity for the occasion. The specific use of כַּרְבֵּל likely conveyed a formal, public act of dressing for a state and religious event, differing from modern casual dressing by its ritual and communal significance.
לָבַשׁ (lavash, H3847) — a more common general verb for putting on clothing, used for ordinary and ceremonial wear. חָגַר (chagar, H2296) — to gird or bind, often specifically around the waist. עָטָה (atah, H5844) — to wrap or cover oneself, sometimes used for putting on a cloak or mantle.
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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