from an unused root meaning to compact; a wall (as gathering inmates); wall.
Transliteration:kôthel
Pronunciation:ko'-thel
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma כֹּתֶל (kôthel, `{{H3796}}`) is a noun derived from an unused root that conveys the sense of "to compact" or "to gather together." This etymological foundation directly informs its primary and consistent meaning: "a wall." The nuance often associated with its definition, "as gathering inmates," emphasizes its function as an enclosing structure that provides containment, division, or protection. Unlike terms for external fortifications, כֹּתֶל typically refers to an interior wall, a partition, or a less robust structural element within a building or courtyard. Its semantic range is relatively narrow, consistently denoting a physical barrier or division within an architectural context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word כֹּתֶל (kôthel) appears in several significant biblical contexts, primarily within architectural descriptions and symbolic expressions.
In the detailed accounts of Solomon's Temple, כֹּתֶל is used to describe the inner walls. For instance, [[1 Kings 6:15]] states, "And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house and the walls of the ceiling..." This usage underscores its role in defining the sacred space, separating the various courts and chambers, and contributing to the structural integrity and aesthetic beauty of the sanctuary. Similarly, in Ezekiel's vision of the future Temple, כֹּתֶל is frequently employed to describe the walls of the side chambers (e.g., [[Ezekiel 41:6]], [[Ezekiel 41:7]], [[Ezekiel 41:8]]), reinforcing its architectural significance in delineating sacred areas.
A particularly poignant use is found in [[Ezekiel 8:7]]: "And when I looked, behold, a hole in the wall." Here, the prophet Ezekiel is commanded to dig through a "wall" (כֹּתֶל) within the temple precincts, revealing the hidden idolatrous practices being committed by the elders of Israel. In this context, the wall functions as a barrier of concealment, hiding sin from public view but not from divine scrutiny.
Finally, כֹּתֶל appears metaphorically in [[Song of Solomon 8:9]]: "If she is a wall, we will build on her a battlement of silver; but if she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar." Here, the "wall" symbolizes strength, steadfastness, and perhaps purity or unyielding character, suggesting a mature and morally firm individual. The imagery of building a "battlement of silver" implies further enhancement, protection, or honor for this strong foundation.
### Related Words & Concepts
כֹּתֶל (kôthel, `{{H3796}}`) is one of several Hebrew words for "wall," each with distinct nuances. The most common term is `{{H2346}}` (חֹמָה, *chomah*), which almost exclusively refers to a fortified city wall or an outer defensive barrier. In contrast, כֹּתֶל tends to denote interior walls, partitions, or less formidable structures. Another related term is `{{H7023}}` (קִיר, *qir*), a more general word for a wall, often referring to the side of a building or an internal partition. While קִיר can sometimes overlap in meaning with כֹּתֶל, כֹּתֶל specifically emphasizes the idea of compaction, solidity, and enclosure. Conceptually, כֹּתֶל is linked to ideas of separation, protection, concealment, and the establishment of boundaries. Its root meaning of "to compact" or "to gather" also connects it to notions of structural integrity and the formation of a cohesive unit.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of כֹּתֶל (kôthel) is multifaceted, reflecting its various uses in the biblical text. Its prominent appearance in the descriptions of Solomon's Temple ([[1 Kings 6:15-16]], [[Ezekiel 41:6-8]]) is crucial. Here, the walls serve to delineate sacred space, separating the various degrees of holiness within the sanctuary. This physical partitioning reflects a profound theological truth: God's transcendence and the necessity of purity and proper order in approaching Him. The walls create a barrier that signifies the distinction between the holy and the common, guiding worshippers through progressively sacred areas.
The instance in [[Ezekiel 8:7]], where God commands Ezekiel to dig through a "wall" concealing idolatry, carries immense theological weight. This wall represents a human attempt to hide sin and corruption from public view, even within the sacred precincts. God's act of revealing the abominations by breaking through the wall symbolizes His omniscience and His unwavering commitment to expose and judge unrighteousness, demonstrating that no human-made barrier can conceal sin from His sight.
Furthermore, the metaphorical use of כֹּתֶל in [[Song of Solomon 8:9]] ("If she is a wall...") imbues the word with symbolic meaning related to moral steadfastness and purity. A "wall" in this context suggests an unyielding character, resistant to temptation and firm in integrity. This highlights the theological concept of spiritual fortitude, the value of a firm and uncompromised character, and God's blessing upon such faithfulness. In essence, כֹּתֶל functions as a tangible representation of boundaries—whether for protection, separation, or concealment—and these boundaries often carry deep theological implications regarding holiness, sin, and the nature of spiritual character.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כֹּתֶל (kôthel, `{{H3796}}`) fundamentally denotes a "wall," stemming from an unused root that implies compaction or gathering. Distinct from the more common term for city walls (`{{H2346}}` chomah), כֹּתֶל typically refers to interior walls or partitions within a structure. Its biblical occurrences are particularly insightful: in the Temple accounts ([[1 Kings 6:15-16]], [[Ezekiel 41:6-8]]), it signifies the delineation of sacred space and the establishment of divine order. In [[Ezekiel 8:7]], it serves as a barrier concealing hidden idolatry, which God commands to be exposed, illustrating divine revelation of sin. Metaphorically, in [[Song of Solomon 8:9]], כֹּתֶל symbolizes steadfastness, moral integrity, and purity of character. Thus, כֹּתֶל consistently represents a physical or conceptual barrier, embodying themes of enclosure, protection, separation, and the uncovering of hidden realities within a rich theological framework.
TRV