The Aramaic word karbᵉlâʼ, represented by H3737, refers to a hat or mantle. This term is exceptionally rare in scripture, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse. Its singular use places it within a very specific and dramatic biblical event.
The sole context for H3737 is the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel. When these H479 men H1400 were bound H3729 and cast H7412 into the midst H1459 of the burning H3345 fiery H5135 furnace H861, the text specifies that they were fully dressed. Their attire included their coats H5622, their hosen H6361, and their hats H3737, along with their other garments H3831 Daniel 3:21.
The word karbᵉlâʼ is part of a list of garments, and its related terms all describe articles of clothing from the same verse:
- H5622 çarbal (coat): This Aramaic word for a cloak or coat is mentioned first in the list of apparel worn by the three men being cast into the furnace Daniel 3:21.
- H6361 paṭṭîysh (hose): Defined as a gown, this term describes another piece of their clothing, emphasizing that they were completely attired when the sentence was carried out Daniel 3:21.
- H3831 lᵉbûwsh (garment): This is a more general term for a garment that concludes the list, translated as "and their other garments" Daniel 3:21.
The theological significance of H3737 is not found in the word itself, but in the miraculous context of its use. Its inclusion highlights the totality of God's protection.
- Detailing the Miracle: The specific mention of hats H3737 is part of a detailed inventory of clothing that remained completely untouched by the fire H5135. A later verse notes that even their coats H5622 were not changed, nor had the smell of fire H5135 passed on them Daniel 3:27.
- Divine Preservation: By listing individual items of clothing, including the hats, the narrative emphasizes that nothing belonging to the faithful men was harmed. The miracle was not just survival, but complete preservation from any effect of the fire.
- Futility of Human Judgment: The men were cast H7412 into the furnace H861 fully dressed for total annihilation. The fact that every item, down to their hats H3737, was preserved demonstrates the powerlessness of the king's decree against God's servants.
In summary, H3737 is a simple Aramaic word for a hat whose importance comes exclusively from its singular appearance in scripture. It functions as a minor but crucial detail in the story of the fiery furnace, serving to magnify the scope of God's miraculous deliverance. The preservation of the hats H3737 illustrates that God's power extends to every detail, protecting his servants completely from the forces set against them Daniel 3:21.
TRV