### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **kᵉlal**, represented by `{{H3635}}`, means **to complete; finish, make (set) up**. It appears **8 times** across **7 unique verses**, located exclusively within the book of Ezra. This word is specifically used to describe the completion of major construction projects, marking the successful fulfillment of a command to rebuild.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3635}}` is central to the account of Israel's return from exile and the restoration of Jerusalem. The term is used to describe the successful completion of the house of God, which the elders of the Jews **finished** in accordance with divine and royal commands [[Ezra 6:14]]. It is also used repeatedly in the context of constructing the city's defenses, as opponents reported to the king that the Jews had **set up** the walls of the "rebellious and the bad city" [[Ezra 4:12]]. This act of completion was a point of contention, prompting officials to ask who had authorized them to **make up** the wall [[Ezra 5:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller picture of the rebuilding efforts described in Ezra:
* `{{H1124}}` **bᵉnâʼ** (to build): This verb is often used alongside `kᵉlal` to describe the entire construction process. The elders of the Jews first **builded** and then **finished** the temple [[Ezra 6:14]].
* `{{H1005}}` **bayith** (house): This is one of the primary structures being completed. The Jews identified themselves as servants of God who were rebuilding the **house** that a great king of Israel had previously set up [[Ezra 5:11]].
* `{{H7792}}` **shûwr** (a wall (as going about)): The completion of the city **walls** was a significant and contentious issue. Opponents warned that if the walls were **set up**, the Jews would cease paying tribute [[Ezra 4:13]].
* `{{H2942}}` **ṭᵉʻêm** (decree, commandment): The act of finishing the work was legitimized by a **commandment** from earthly kings like Cyrus and Darius, which was itself in accordance with the will of God [[Ezra 6:14]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H3635}}` carries significant narrative weight, focusing on themes of authority and restoration.
* **Fulfillment of Command:** The act of "finishing" `{{H3635}}` the temple is explicitly tied to the **commandment** `{{H2941}}` of God and the **decree** `{{H2942}}` of Persian kings, demonstrating that the rebuilding was a divinely-ordained and legally-sanctioned project [[Ezra 6:14]].
* **Political Restoration:** To "set up" `{{H3635}}` the city walls was not just a construction project but a political statement. Adversaries warned that completing the walls would lead to a loss of royal revenue and control [[Ezra 4:13]].
* **Historical Continuity:** The Jews justified their work by stating they were rebuilding the house that a "great king of Israel" had previously "builded and **set up**" `{{H3635}}`, linking their efforts to their nation's past glory and its divinely appointed history [[Ezra 5:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3635}}` **kᵉlal** is a specific and powerful Aramaic verb used in Ezra to denote the completion of the post-exilic rebuilding projects. It encapsulates more than simply finishing a task; it represents the culmination of God's will and royal decrees, the restoration of Jerusalem's physical integrity, and the perseverance of the Jewish people in the face of opposition. The word links the physical act of building to the spiritual and national renewal of Israel.
TRV