(Aramaic) corresponding to כִּכָּר; a talent; talent.
Transliteration:kikkêr
Pronunciation:kik-kare'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term H3604 (כִּכֵּר, transliterated as *kikkêr*) denotes a "talent," serving as a significant unit of weight in the ancient Near East. It is explicitly stated in its base definition as corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H3603}}` (כִּכָּר, *kikkār*), which shares the identical meaning of a talent, and also, more broadly, a "loaf" or "circle." This etymological connection to "roundness" or "circle" may allude to the shape of ingots or the circular form of a loaf of bread, though its primary usage in the context of H3604 is unequivocally as a substantial measure of weight for precious metals, particularly silver or gold. A talent represented the largest unit of weight in the ancient monetary system, far exceeding shekels or minas, indicating a considerable quantity of value.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic H3604 appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in the book of Ezra, within the decree of King Artaxerxes concerning the provisions for the temple service in Jerusalem:
* [[Ezra 7:22]]: "up to a hundred talents of silver, and up to a hundred cors of wheat, and up to a hundred baths of wine, and up to a hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much." (וְעַד־מְאָה כִּכְּרֵי כְסַף וְעַד־מְאָה כֹּרִין חִטִּין וְעַד־מְאָה בַּתִּין חֲמַר וְעַד־מְאָה בַּתִּין מִשְׁחָא וּמְלַח לָא כְתָב)
In this context, H3604 refers to "talents of silver." The mention of "one hundred talents of silver" highlights an exceedingly generous provision from the Persian king. This substantial sum underscores the immense resources dedicated to the reconstruction and maintenance of the temple and its sacrificial system. The context is one of divine providence, where a pagan king is moved to support the worship of the God of Israel, emphasizing the Lord's sovereignty over earthly rulers and the provision for His people's spiritual needs.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related term is the Hebrew `{{H3603}}` (כִּכָּר, *kikkār*), which is the precise equivalent of H3604 in the Hebrew portions of the Old Testament. `{{H3603}}` is far more common and is consistently used to denote a "talent" of gold or silver, as seen in numerous passages describing temple construction, tribute, or wealth ([[Exodus 38:24]], [[1 Kings 9:14]], [[2 Kings 5:5]]). The broad semantic range of `{{H3603}}` also includes "loaf" or "circle" (e.g., a "loaf of bread" in [[1 Samuel 2:36]]). This shared root points to a common ancient concept of a rounded mass, whether of metal or dough, which then developed into a standardized unit of weight.
The concept of a "talent" as a significant measure of wealth is also central to the New Testament parables, such as the Parable of the Talents ([[Matthew 25:14-30]]), where the Greek word `{{G5007}}` (τάλαντον, *talanton*) is used. While linguistically distinct from the Aramaic H3604, the underlying concept of a large, valuable sum entrusted for stewardship remains consistent across the Testaments. This highlights the enduring biblical theme of accountability for resources, whether material or spiritual.
### Theological Significance
While H3604 itself is a technical term for a unit of measure, its singular appearance in [[Ezra 7:22]] carries profound theological weight. The provision of "one hundred talents of silver" by King Artaxerxes for the temple in Jerusalem is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and providential care for His people. It demonstrates:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** God's ability to orchestrate events and move the hearts of even pagan rulers to fulfill His purposes for His covenant people and His sanctuary. The immense sum signifies not merely human generosity but divine enablement.
2. **The Value of Worship:** The significant financial outlay underscores the importance and sacredness of the temple, its services, and the worship of Yahweh. Resources, even vast ones, were deemed appropriate and necessary for the glory of God.
3. **Restoration and Rebuilding:** This provision was crucial for the post-exilic community in their efforts to rebuild and re-establish proper worship in Jerusalem, symbolizing God's commitment to their restoration.
The talent, as a measure of great value, also implicitly connects to the broader biblical theme of stewardship. While not explicitly taught with H3604, the concept of a large sum of resources being provided for a divine purpose invites reflection on how believers are called to manage the blessings and responsibilities entrusted to them for the glory of God's kingdom.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H3604 (כִּכֵּר, *kikkêr*) designates a "talent," the largest unit of weight for precious metals in the ancient world, corresponding directly to the Hebrew `{{H3603}}`. Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Ezra 7:22]], where King Artaxerxes generously provides "one hundred talents of silver" for the temple service in Jerusalem. This substantial provision underscores God's providential care, His sovereignty over earthly powers, and the immense value placed on the worship and restoration of His sanctuary. Though a technical term, its context in Ezra highlights the divine enablement and the dedication of significant resources for sacred purposes, reflecting God's commitment to His people and their spiritual flourishing.
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