### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **karmîyl**, represented by `{{H3758}}`, refers to **carmine, a deep red; crimson**. This word is quite rare, appearing only **3 times** in **3 unique verses** in scripture. Its usage is consistently tied to valuable materials used in the construction and furnishing of Solomon's temple, signifying its importance in sacred artistry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
All occurrences of `{{H3758}}` are found in the book of 2 Chronicles, in the context of preparing and creating items for the temple. King Solomon specifically requested a man from Tyre who was **cunning** `{{H2450}}` to work with precious materials, including **crimson**, alongside gold, silver, brass, iron, purple, and blue [[2 Chronicles 2:7]]. The craftsman sent was described as skillful in working with these very materials [[2 Chronicles 2:14]]. The most direct application of **crimson** was in the making of the temple **vail**, which was intricately made of blue, purple, **crimson**, and fine linen, with cherubims woven into it [[2 Chronicles 3:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The value and context of `{{H3758}}` are illuminated by the other materials it is associated with:
* `{{H710}}`/`{{H713}}` **'argᵉvân**/**'argâmân** (purple): A variation for **purple**, this dye is consistently listed with crimson as a prized material for creating holy items. It was used for the temple vail [[2 Chronicles 3:14]] and other sacred cloths [[Exodus 39:1]].
* `{{H8504}}` **tᵉkêleth** (blue): This term refers to a **blue** color or dye, frequently appearing in the triad of costly dyes—blue, purple, and crimson—used for the temple vail [[2 Chronicles 3:14]] and other tabernacle furnishings [[Exodus 26:31]].
* `{{H948}}` **bûwts** (fine (white) linen): As a high-quality textile, **fine linen** was the base fabric into which crimson and other colors were worked to create the temple vail [[2 Chronicles 3:14]]. It was also used for the apparel of priests and Levites [[2 Chronicles 5:12]].
* `{{H2091}}` **zâhâb** (gold): A shimmering precious metal, **gold** is listed as another material the crimson artisan was skilled in working with [[2 Chronicles 2:7]]. This places crimson in the highest category of valuable materials dedicated to God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3758}}` is derived entirely from its specific application in the temple.
* **Dedication of Value:** Crimson is listed alongside **gold** `{{H2091}}`, **silver** `{{H3701}}`, and other costly goods. Its use demonstrates the principle of dedicating the most valuable and beautiful materials for the construction of God's house [[2 Chronicles 2:7]].
* **Sacred Artistry:** Working with crimson dye required a high degree of skill. The man sought by Solomon was not just a laborer but a **cunning** `{{H2450}}` artisan who had skill to **grave** `{{H6605}}` ([[2 Chronicles 2:7]], [[2 Chronicles 2:14]]). This highlights that craftsmanship and artistry are gifts to be used in worship.
* **Holiness and Separation:** The primary use of crimson was for the temple vail [[2 Chronicles 3:14]], a key object that separated sacred spaces. The use of such a rare and precious dye contributed to the sense of awe, reverence, and holiness associated with the presence of God.
### Summary
In summary, **karmîyl** `{{H3758}}` is a specific term for a precious crimson dye. Though used only three times, its context is powerful. It appears exclusively in the narrative of Solomon's temple, where it is grouped with the most valuable materials of the ancient world. It represents the dedication of beauty, wealth, and supreme craftsmanship to the worship of God, particularly in the creation of holy objects like the temple vail.
TRV