from כּוּל; sustenance; Calcol, an Israelite; Calcol, Chalcol.
Transliteration:Kalkôl
Pronunciation:kal-kole'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3633}}` (Kalkôl) is primarily a proper noun, transliterated as Calcol or Chalcol. Its base definition indicates a derivation from the root `{{H3557}}` (kûl), which signifies "to contain, sustain, nourish, provide." Therefore, while `{{H3633}}` itself functions as a personal name, its etymological root imbues it with the semantic sense of "sustenance" or "provision." This suggests that the name, in its original context, might have conveyed a meaning related to being sustained or providing sustenance, perhaps reflecting a characteristic of the individual or a hope associated with their birth. However, in biblical usage, it functions exclusively as an appellation for a specific individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H3633}}` occurs twice in the Hebrew Bible, referring to the same individual, though with a slight orthographical variation in English transliteration:
1. **[[1 Kings 4:31]]**: Here, Calcol is listed among the wise men whom King Solomon surpassed in wisdom. The verse states, "For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about." This context highlights Calcol as a figure renowned for his wisdom in ancient Israel, serving as a benchmark against which Solomon's unparalleled sagacity is measured. He is presented as one of the intellectual elite of his time.
2. **[[1 Chronicles 2:6]]**: In this genealogical record, Calcol (here transliterated as Chalcol in some versions) is identified as a son of Zerah, who was a son of Judah. The verse reads, "And the sons of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all." This passage places Calcol within the prominent lineage of Judah, associating him with a significant tribal heritage. The mention of Ethan, Heman, and Dara alongside Calcol in both [[1 Kings 4:31]] and [[1 Chronicles 2:6]] strongly indicates that these passages refer to the same group of individuals, underscoring their historical and perhaps intellectual prominence within Israelite society.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root `{{H3557}}` (kûl), from which `{{H3633}}` is derived. As noted, `{{H3557}}` carries the core meaning of "to contain, sustain, nourish, provide." This root is used in various contexts to describe God's provision (e.g., providing food or sustenance), human capacity to endure or contain, or the act of providing for others. For instance, Joseph "sustained" (from `{{H3557}}`) his family in Egypt ([[Genesis 45:11]]). The etymological connection thus subtly links Calcol's name to the concept of divine or human provision and sustenance. The other wise men mentioned alongside Calcol—Ethan, Heman, and Darda/Dara—are also significant as they appear to form a recognized group of learned individuals, potentially musicians or scribes, given their association with wisdom and the temple in other biblical contexts (e.g., Ethan and Heman as temple musicians/leaders in Psalms).
### Theological Significance
As a proper name, the theological significance of `{{H3633}}` is primarily indirect, stemming from its etymological root and the contexts in which it appears. The name "Calcol," meaning "sustenance," can serve as a subtle reminder of God's role as the ultimate provider and sustainer of life and wisdom. Even the wisdom attributed to Calcol and his contemporaries, which was considerable by human standards, ultimately finds its source and sustenance in God.
The mention of Calcol in [[1 Kings 4:31]] serves to magnify Solomon's wisdom, which is explicitly stated to be a divine gift ([[1 Kings 3:12]]). By surpassing individuals like Calcol, Solomon's God-given wisdom is elevated above the pinnacle of human intellect. This emphasizes the qualitative difference between human wisdom, however great, and divinely bestowed wisdom. In this sense, Calcol, though a wise man, becomes a foil highlighting the unique divine favor upon Solomon. In the genealogical context of [[1 Chronicles 2:6]], Calcol's inclusion within the lineage of Judah underscores the continuity and divine preservation of the chosen people, where each individual, even those renowned for wisdom, is part of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative.
### Summary
`{{H3633}}` (Kalkôl), transliterated as Calcol or Chalcol, is a proper noun referring to a prominent Israelite individual. Etymologically, the name is derived from the root `{{H3557}}` (kûl), meaning "to contain, sustain, or provide," thereby associating Calcol with the concept of sustenance. He is mentioned in two key biblical contexts: as one of the wise men surpassed by King Solomon in [[1 Kings 4:31]], and as a son of Zerah from the tribe of Judah in [[1 Chronicles 2:6]]. These occurrences establish him as a figure of significant wisdom and noble lineage. Theologically, Calcol's name subtly points to divine provision, while his role as a benchmark for Solomon's wisdom highlights the supremacy of God-given wisdom over even the greatest human intellect.
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