(Aramaic) corresponding to כָּלַל; to complete; finish, make (set) up.
Transliteration:kᵉlal
Pronunciation:kel-al'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H3635 (kᵉlal) corresponds directly to the Hebrew `{{H3634}}` (kālal), carrying the fundamental meaning "to complete" or "to finish." Its semantic range extends beyond mere cessation of activity to encompass the idea of bringing something to its intended perfection or full culmination. This implies a process that reaches a successful end, a state of being made whole or brought to a desired conclusion. It suggests the final execution or establishment of a task or structure, signifying its readiness and fulfillment of purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, H3635 appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Ezra, consistently in contexts related to the construction and completion of significant structures, particularly the Temple in Jerusalem.
* In [[Ezra 4:12]], the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin report to King Artaxerxes concerning the returning exiles: "The Jews who came up from you to us have gone to Jerusalem and are rebuilding the rebellious and bad city; they are finishing (כְּלַל) the walls and repairing the foundations." Here, kᵉlal refers to the ongoing and nearing completion of the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's defenses, presented by the accusers as a threat.
* [[Ezra 5:11]] records the response of Tattenai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, to Darius, relaying the words of the Jewish elders: "We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished (כְּלַל)." This verse specifically references King Solomon's original construction and completion of the First Temple, underscoring its historical significance and divine mandate.
* Most notably, [[Ezra 6:14]] describes the successful culmination of the Second Temple's construction: "And the elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they built and finished (כְּלַל) it, according to the command of the God of Israel and the decree of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia." This occurrence highlights the divine enablement and the fulfillment of both prophetic word and royal decree in the Temple's completion.
Across these occurrences, H3635 consistently denotes the successful and definitive completion of major building projects, most prominently the sacred Temple, signifying not just an end to labor but the achievement of a divinely ordained purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation is to the Hebrew verb `{{H3634}}` (kālal), which carries the same core meaning of "to complete," "to perfect," or "to make whole." This underscores the semantic consistency between the Aramaic and Hebrew languages in expressing the concept of finality and perfection.
Other related concepts and words include:
* `{{H8552}}` (tāmām): A Hebrew verb meaning "to be complete," "to be finished," "to be perfect," often used in contexts of integrity or the completion of a period.
* `{{H3615}}` (kālâ): A common Hebrew verb meaning "to complete," "to finish," "to bring to an end," often implying cessation or consumption. While similar, kᵉlal often carries a stronger sense of bringing something to its intended, perfect state.
* In the New Testament, the Greek `{{G5055}}` (teleō) and `{{G5048}}` (teleios) convey similar notions of completion, fulfillment, and perfection, often with theological depth related to Christ's work.
The concept of "completion" as expressed by H3635 is intertwined with divine decree, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the restoration of God's people and their worship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3635 is profound, particularly given its consistent application to the completion of the Temple in Ezra. The "finishing" of the Temple was not merely an architectural feat but a pivotal moment in the history of God's covenant people.
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Sovereignty:** The completion of the Temple, as described in Ezra, is presented as the culmination of God's own will and promise. Despite opposition and setbacks, the fact that the Temple was "finished" (כְּלַל) testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing His purposes to fruition. It demonstrates His sovereign control over human affairs, including the decrees of kings (Cyrus, Darius, Artaxerxes) and the work of His prophets (Haggai, Zechariah).
2. **Fulfillment of Prophecy and Restoration:** The completion of the Temple marked a significant step in the restoration of Israel after the exile. It was the physical manifestation of God's promise to dwell among His people again and to re-establish proper worship. The verb kᵉlal signifies the successful actualization of these prophetic visions and divine intentions.
3. **Divine Enablement and Blessing:** The elders "built and prospered" and "finished it, according to the command of the God of Israel" [[Ezra 6:14]]. This suggests that the human effort was divinely empowered and blessed, leading to the successful completion. The act of "finishing" implies that the work was acceptable and pleasing to God, meeting His standards for His dwelling place.
4. **Purpose and Perfection:** The completion of the Temple meant that it was ready for its sacred purpose: the offering of sacrifices, the performance of priestly duties, and the re-establishment of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The word kᵉlal thus carries the weight of a work brought to its intended perfection and full functionality.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb H3635 (kᵉlal) signifies "to complete," "to finish," or "to bring to a state of perfection or culmination." Predominantly found in the book of Ezra, its usage is consistently tied to the successful completion of major construction projects, most notably the Temple in Jerusalem. Theologically, kᵉlal underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereignty in bringing His divine purposes to fruition, often through human agents, and the successful fulfillment of prophecy. Its application to the Temple's completion highlights the re-establishment of divine presence and proper worship, signifying a work that is not merely ended but brought to its intended, perfect state through divine enablement. It stands as a testament to God's ability to "finish" what He starts, bringing His plans to a glorious and complete end.
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