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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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