### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H4359 (מִכְלָל, *miklâl*) derives from the root כָּלַל (kalal), which signifies "to complete, perfect, make whole." Consequently, miklâl denotes a state of ultimate completeness, flawlessness, or supreme excellence, particularly in an aesthetic sense. Its core meaning encompasses the idea of being fully formed, lacking nothing, and thus achieving a state of "perfection" or "consummate beauty."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H4359 (מִכְלָל, *miklâl*) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible.
* **[[Ezekiel 27:3]]**: "and say to Tyre, O you who dwell at the entrance to the sea, merchant of the peoples on many coastlands, thus says the Lord God: 'O Tyre, you have said, "I am of *perfect beauty*."'" (אַתְּ מִכְלַל־יֹפִי).
* Context: This verse is part of a lamentation over the city of Tyre, portrayed as a magnificent merchant ship, replete with splendor and wealth. The phrase "perfect beauty" (מִכְלַל־יֹפִי) is a self-proclamation by Tyre, highlighting its own perceived ultimate aesthetic and structural perfection.
* Analysis: In this singular occurrence, miklâl emphasizes the absolute, consummate beauty and completeness of Tyre, a beauty that is not only external but also a source of great pride for the city. This self-declared perfection, however, stands in stark contrast to the divine perspective, as the subsequent verses detail Tyre's impending destruction due to its arrogance and materialism. The word here underscores a worldly, finite perfection that is ultimately vulnerable and subject to judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H4359 (מִכְלָל, *miklâl*) connects it to several important biblical concepts and other Hebrew terms:
* **Root כָּלַל (kalal)**: The verbal root from which miklâl is derived, meaning "to complete, perfect, make whole." This root emphasizes the idea of a finished, entire, or unblemished state.
* **יֹפִי (yophi, `{{H3308}}`)**: Meaning "beauty" or "splendor." This word is directly linked with miklâl in [[Ezekiel 27:3]] (מִכְלַל־יֹפִי), forming the compound "perfect beauty," indicating that miklâl serves to intensify or qualify the nature of the beauty.
* **כְּלִיל (keliyl, `{{H3632}}`)**: Another noun derived from the same root כָּלַל, meaning "complete, whole, entire." It is often used in the context of "whole burnt offerings" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 33:10]]) or, significantly, in [[Ezekiel 28:12]] where the king of Tyre is described as "perfect in beauty" (כְּלִיל יֹפִי), mirroring the sentiment of [[Ezekiel 27:3]]. This highlights a close semantic relationship between miklâl and keliyl.
* **תָּמִים (tamim, `{{H8549}}`)**: Meaning "complete, sound, blameless, perfect." While miklâl often refers to aesthetic or structural perfection, tamim frequently denotes ethical, moral, or ritual blamelessness (e.g., [[Genesis 17:1]] "walk before me and be blameless").
* **שָׁלֵם (shalem, `{{H8003}}`)**: Meaning "complete, whole, sound, peaceful." This term also conveys a sense of wholeness and integrity, often with connotations of well-being and peace.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence in a context of worldly pride and impending judgment, H4359 (מִכְלָל, *miklâl*) carries profound theological implications. The "perfect beauty" ascribed to Tyre is a self-assessment, indicative of human hubris and reliance on created splendor rather than the Creator. In the biblical worldview, true and ultimate perfection belongs solely to God. Any human or earthly claim to "perfection" is, by its very nature, finite, temporal, and ultimately flawed when compared to divine standards.
The use of miklâl in [[Ezekiel 27:3]] serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of idolatry of beauty, wealth, or human achievement. Tyre's self-proclaimed perfection led to its downfall, illustrating that external magnificence without internal righteousness or submission to God is ultimately vain. The passage implicitly contrasts this fleeting, self-declared perfection with the enduring, absolute perfection of God, whose judgment exposes the superficiality of such human boasts. It underscores that while God creates beauty, placing ultimate value in created beauty over the Creator is a path to destruction.
### Summary
H4359 (מִכְלָל, *miklâl*) is a rare Hebrew noun signifying "perfection" or "consummate beauty," derived from the root כָּלַל (kalal) meaning "to complete." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Ezekiel 27:3]] describes the city of Tyre's self-proclaimed "perfect beauty" (מִכְלַל־יֹפִי). This usage highlights a worldly, self-congratulatory perfection that ultimately leads to pride and judgment. The word stands in semantic proximity to כְּלִיל (keliyl, `{{H3632}}`) and contrasts with the absolute, divine perfection that transcends human achievement and aesthetic grandeur. Its context serves as a theological warning against human hubris and the idolatry of created things, emphasizing that true and lasting perfection resides only in God.
TRV