Bible Word Study
מִכְלֻל
miklul · something perfect, i.e. a splendid garment
מִכְלֻל
something perfect, i.e. a splendid garment
Definition
The Hebrew noun מִכְלֻל (miklul) refers to something perfected, complete, or splendid, specifically denoting a splendid or perfect garment. It is derived from the root meaning 'to complete' or 'to perfect,' suggesting an item brought to a state of excellence. In its sole biblical occurrence in Ezekiel 27:24, it is used in the plural form (מִכְלֻלִים) to describe 'all sorts' of splendid garments among the luxury goods traded by Tyre. The word carries the sense of ornate, finished apparel, likely of high quality and beauty.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Ezekiel 27:24, within a detailed oracle against the city of Tyre. It is part of a merchant list enumerating luxurious commodities, where 'all sorts of splendid garments' (מִכְלֻלִים) are mentioned as trade items. The context is one of commercial wealth and opulence, highlighting the finery and perfected craftsmanship of the clothing exchanged in ancient Near Eastern markets.
Etymology
מִכְלֻל is a noun derived from the root כָּלַל (kalal, H3634), which means 'to complete, perfect, or finish.' The root conveys the idea of bringing something to a state of wholeness or perfection. As a derivative, מִכְלֻל specifically denotes an object that has been perfected, hence a 'perfect' or 'splendid' garment. Related words include כְּלִיל (kelil, H3632), meaning 'a crown' or 'something complete,' sharing the same root concept of perfection.
Semantic Range
While the word itself is not central to major doctrines, its single use in Ezekiel 27:24 contributes to the prophetic critique of Tyre's pride and reliance on material wealth and luxury. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading by emphasizing the 'perfected' or 'complete' nature of the garments, underscoring the height of Tyre's opulence before its judgment. It serves as a detail in the broader biblical theme that human splendor and trade are fleeting compared to God's sovereignty. In the ancient Near East, finely crafted garments were significant symbols of status, wealth, and artistry. 'Splendid garments' like those described by מִכְלֻל would have been luxury items, possibly intricately woven, dyed, or embroidered, traded among elites and merchants. This reflects the economic and cultural value placed on textile craftsmanship in societies like Tyre, a major trading hub. The modern reader might underestimate how such clothing represented technological and artistic achievement. לְבוּשׁ (levush, H3830) — a general term for clothing or garment. בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a common word for garment, often for clothing in general, sometimes with a negative connotation of treachery. כְּלִיל (kelil, H3632) — a crown or wreath, sharing the root for perfection but applied to headgear.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]