of foreign origin; byssus or fine vegetable wool; green.
Transliteration:karpaç
Pronunciation:kar-pas'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word כַּרְפַּס (karpaç), `{{H3768}}`, is a term of foreign origin, likely a loanword from Old Persian. Its core meaning refers to a type of fine fabric, specifically described as "byssus or fine vegetable wool." The associated definition of "green" suggests either the natural color of the fiber itself or a common dye applied to this particular material. Given its singular occurrence in the biblical text, its semantic range is narrowly confined to this specific, luxurious textile, characterized by its quality and perhaps its distinctive hue.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word כַּרְפַּס (karpaç) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Esther 1:6]]. This verse describes the elaborate setting of King Ahasuerus's feast in the palace courtyard of Susa: "There were hangings of white, green, and blue material, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple material to silver rings and marble pillars. The couches were of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl and precious stones."
In this context, כַּרְפַּס is listed among other costly and visually striking materials: חוּר (ḥûr, `{{H2353}}`, white linen), תְּכֵלֶת (tᵉḵēleṯ, `{{H8504}}`, blue/violet), בּוּץ (bûṣ, `{{H948}}`, fine linen/byssus), and אַרְגָּמָן (ʾargāmān, `{{H713}}`, purple). The inclusion of כַּרְפַּס within this inventory of opulent fabrics underscores the immense wealth and extravagance of the Persian court. The "green" aspect, whether inherent to the fiber or a dyed color, contributed to the vibrant and luxurious aesthetic of the royal celebration, emphasizing the grandeur and power of the king.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words are other terms for luxurious fabrics and colors that appear alongside כַּרְפַּס in [[Esther 1:6]]. These include:
* חוּר (ḥûr, `{{H2353}}`): White linen, often associated with purity and royalty.
* תְּכֵלֶת (tᵉḵēleṯ, `{{H8504}}`): Blue or violet, a highly prized dye, often used in priestly garments and royal attire.
* בּוּץ (bûṣ, `{{H948}}`): Fine linen or byssus, a very expensive and high-quality fabric.
* אַרְגָּמָן (ʾargāmān, `{{H713}}`): Purple, a color of royalty and immense wealth due to the rarity of its dye.
The concept of "foreign origin" for כַּרְפַּס connects it to the broader theme of the Persian Empire's vast reach and cultural influence, as it likely represents a material or term imported from other regions within the empire. It also relates to the general biblical depiction of royal splendor and material abundance, often found in narratives involving powerful monarchs or temple descriptions.
### Theological Significance
As a descriptive term for a material, כַּרְפַּס (karpaç) does not carry an intrinsic theological meaning. Its significance within the biblical narrative of Esther is primarily descriptive and contextual. It contributes to the vivid portrayal of the Persian Empire's immense wealth, power, and the lavishness of its court. This backdrop of human grandeur serves to highlight by contrast the seemingly hidden, yet ultimately sovereign, hand of God at work.
The detailed description of Ahasuerus's palace and feast, including the luxurious כַּרְפַּס hangings, sets the stage for the unfolding drama of God's providential care for His people, Israel, even when they are in exile and seemingly far from His direct intervention. The opulence of the human kingdom underscores the vast difference between earthly power and the divine sovereignty that subtly orchestrates events to preserve His covenant people. Thus, while not theological in itself, כַּרְפַּס serves as a literary detail that enhances the narrative's portrayal of the world in which God's unseen plan unfolds.
### Summary
כַּרְפַּס (karpaç), `{{H3768}}`, is a Hebrew word of foreign origin, denoting a type of fine, luxurious fabric, possibly characterized by a green color or derived from a specific plant fiber. Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Esther 1:6]], where it describes the opulent hangings in King Ahasuerus's palace courtyard during a grand feast. This usage positions כַּרְפַּס among other costly materials, contributing to the vivid depiction of the Persian Empire's immense wealth and splendor. While lacking direct theological meaning, it serves a crucial literary function by establishing the lavish setting against which the divine providence of God, working through seemingly secular events, is revealed in the preservation of His people.
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