### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **kᵉthal**, represented by `{{H3797}}`, is a term for a **wall**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The word refers to a physical structure, specifically a **wall** that serves as a component of a larger building.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H3797}}` appears in two significant contexts. In the book of Daniel, the **wall** of the king's `{{H4430}}` palace `{{H1965}}` becomes the surface for a divine message, where fingers `{{H677}}` of a man's `{{H606}}` hand `{{H3028}}` wrote `{{H3790}}` on the plaister `{{H1528}}` [[Daniel 5:5]]. In Ezra, the term describes the **walls** of the house `{{H1005}}` of God `{{H426}}` being reconstructed in Judea `{{H3061}}` with great `{{H1560}}` stones `{{H69}}` and timber `{{H636}}`, signifying the progress of the work [[Ezra 5:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the construction and location of a **wall**:
* `{{H1124}}` **bᵉnâʼ** (to build): This verb is directly associated with the construction of the house of God, which included its **walls** `{{H3797}}`, as reported in Ezra [[Ezra 5:8]].
* `{{H1005}}` **bayith** (a house): This word for **house** is used to describe the structure of which the **walls** `{{H3797}}` are a part, specifically the house of God being rebuilt in Jerusalem [[Ezra 5:8]].
* `{{H1965}}` **hêykal** (palace, temple): This term identifies the location of the **wall** `{{H3797}}` in Daniel's account as being part of the king's **palace** [[Daniel 5:5]].
* `{{H1528}}` **gîyr** (lime; plaster): This substance is mentioned as the surface upon the **wall** `{{H3797}}` on which the divine message was written in the king's palace [[Daniel 5:5]].
### Theological Significance
The usage of `{{H3797}}` highlights its role in two significant biblical events.
* **Surface for Divine Judgment:** In the king's palace, the **wall** `{{H3797}}` is not a passive backdrop but the very medium through which God delivers a message of judgment. The miraculous writing on the **wall** signifies a moment of divine intervention into human affairs [[Daniel 5:5]].
* **Component of Restoration:** In Ezra, the **walls** `{{H3797}}` are part of the reconstruction of the house of God. Their construction with **great** `{{H1560}}` stones `{{H69}}` and **timber** `{{H636}}` signifies the tangible progress and prosperity `{{H6744}}` of God's work among His people after exile [[Ezra 5:8]].
### Summary
In summary, **kᵉthal** `{{H3797}}` denotes a **wall** within the specific Aramaic portions of Scripture. Though appearing only twice, it plays a pivotal role in two distinct narratives: one of divine judgment written upon a palace **wall** [[Daniel 5:5]] and another of holy restoration through the building of the temple's **walls** [[Ezra 5:8]]. The word illustrates how a simple architectural feature can become a focal point for God's interaction with humanity, whether in proclamation or in rebuilding.
TRV