from the same as כֶּבֶל; to gird or clothe; clothed.
Transliteration:karbêl
Pronunciation:kar-bale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3736 (כַּרְבֵּל, karbêl) is defined as stemming from the same root as `{{H3525}}` (כֶּבֶל, kevel), which denotes a "fetter," "shackle," or "rope." This etymological connection suggests an underlying sense of binding, securing, or enclosing. Consequently, karbêl carries the core meaning of "to gird" or "to clothe," implying an action of putting on or fastening garments. When used as a noun, or in its passive participle form as "clothed," it refers to a state of being enveloped by clothing, or to the garment itself. The semantic range, though limited by its singular occurrence, points to a specific type of outer garment, possibly one that is substantial, formal, or indicative of status, given the association with binding or structure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H3736 (כַּרְבֵּל, karbêl) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the Aramaic section of the book of Daniel.
Its sole occurrence is in [[Daniel 3:21]], where it is found in the plural construct form, כַּרְבְּלָתְהוֹן (karbəlāthhōn), meaning "their mantles" or "their cloaks." The verse describes the three faithful servants of God—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—being bound and cast into the fiery furnace: "Then these men were bound in their trousers, their tunics, their mantles, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace."
In this context, the karbêl is listed as one of several layers of clothing worn by the men, suggesting it was an outer garment, perhaps a formal robe or cloak indicative of their official positions in Babylon. The detail of them being cast into the furnace *with* all their garments emphasizes the completeness of their being delivered over to the flames. Crucially, [[Daniel 3:27]] later notes that when they emerged from the furnace, "not a hair of their heads was singed, nor were their garments scorched, and no smell of fire had come upon them." This miraculous preservation extends even to their karbêl, highlighting the absolute nature of God's protection.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H3525}}` כֶּבֶל (kevel):** This is the direct root given for karbêl, meaning "fetter," "shackle," or "rope." The connection implies that karbêl might describe a garment that is secured, tied, or possibly one that is heavy and drapes in a way that suggests a binding or encompassing quality, like a formal robe or mantle.
* **General terms for clothing:** While karbêl specifies a type of garment, other more general terms for clothing include בֶּגֶד (beged, `{{H899}}`), לְבוּשׁ (levush, `{{H3830}}`), and מַעֲטֶה (maʿaṭeh, `{{H4600}}`). karbêl is distinguished by its specific, perhaps formal, nature.
* **Verbs for dressing/girding:** Verbs like לָבַשׁ (lavash, `{{H3847}}`, "to put on clothes") or חָגַר (chagar, `{{H2296}}`, "to gird oneself") describe the action of clothing. karbêl as a noun refers to the *result* or the *object* of such actions—the garment itself.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of H3736 (כַּרְבֵּל) in [[Daniel 3:21]] imbues it with profound theological significance, directly linking it to the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace. The detail that their karbêl (mantles) were among the garments miraculously preserved ([[Daniel 3:27]]) underscores the comprehensive nature of God's protection. It was not merely their bodies that were spared, but even their outer attire, which would typically be highly susceptible to fire. This serves as a powerful testament to:
1. **Divine Sovereignty:** God's absolute control over creation, even over the destructive power of fire, is vividly demonstrated.
2. **Completeness of Deliverance:** The intact karbêl symbolizes that God's salvation is thorough and leaves no trace of harm, even to the superficial elements of human existence.
3. **Witness to Faithfulness:** The unburnt garments stand as a tangible, undeniable witness to the integrity of the three men's faith and God's faithfulness to those who honor Him above all else. The karbêl thus becomes a silent, yet eloquent, testimony to divine vindication and the triumph of obedience over persecution.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3736 (כַּרְבֵּל, karbêl), derived from a root meaning "to bind" or "fetter," signifies "to gird" or "to clothe," and specifically refers to a substantial outer garment or mantle. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Daniel 3:21]] places it in the dramatic account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being cast into the fiery furnace. The miraculous preservation of their karbêl along with their bodies ([[Daniel 3:27]]) elevates this seemingly simple garment to a symbol of divine protection and the completeness of God's deliverance. The unburnt karbêl stands as a powerful, tangible witness to God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering faithfulness to those who steadfastly obey Him, even in the face of certain death.
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