The Aramaic word lᵉbash, represented by H3848, means to clothe. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The definition implies the act of wrapping around or putting on a garment, which can be understood in both a literal and figurative sense.
In the biblical narrative, H3848 is used exclusively within the account of King Belshazzar's feast in the book of Daniel. The king promises that whoever can interpret the mysterious writing on the wall "shall be clothed with scarlet" and promoted to a high position Daniel 5:7. This offer is repeated directly to Daniel when he is brought before the king Daniel 5:16. After Daniel successfully provides the interpretation, the command is fulfilled, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet as a tangible sign of his new authority Daniel 5:29.
Several related words appear alongside H3848 to describe the full extent of the honor being bestowed:
- H711 ʼargᵉvân (purple): This word specifies the color of the garment used to clothe Daniel, signifying royalty and high status within the kingdom Daniel 5:7.
- H2002 hamnîyk (a necklace): This term refers to the chain that was part of the reward, placed around the neck as a visible symbol of honor and royal favor Daniel 5:16.
- H1722 dᵉhab (gold): This specifies that the chain was made of gold, emphasizing its value and the wealth of the kingdom conferring the honor Daniel 5:29.
The use of H3848 highlights several key themes within its narrative context:
- Symbol of Royal Honor: To be clothed in scarlet by the king was a public act signifying immense favor and reward. The garment itself was a mark of high distinction in the Babylonian court Daniel 5:7.
- Investiture of Authority: The act of clothing is directly linked to a promotion in rank. Being clothed was the first part of the reward that included Daniel's appointment as the third ruler in the kingdom, making it a form of official investiture Daniel 5:29.
- Fulfillment of a King's Word: The word appears first as part of a royal promise made to any wise man Daniel 5:7 and then specifically to Daniel Daniel 5:16, with its final use marking the fulfillment of that promise.
In summary, H3848 lᵉbash is a specific Aramaic term for the act of clothing someone. Its biblical usage is confined to a single event in the book of Daniel, where it consistently denotes the bestowal of royal honor and high office. The act of being clothed by King Belshazzar serves as a tangible and public symbol of a reward promised and delivered, elevating Daniel to a position of significant authority in the kingdom.
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