### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çullâm**, represented by `{{H5551}}`, refers to a **stair-case** or **ladder**. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in a single verse in the entire Bible, marking a singular, significant event in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H5551}}` is in the context of a dream [[Genesis 28:12]]. In this vision, a **ladder** is seen **set up** `{{H5324}}` on the **earth** `{{H776}}`, with its **top** `{{H7218}}` reaching to **heaven** `{{H8064}}`. This structure serves as a conduit for the **angels** `{{H4397}}` of **God** `{{H430}}`, who are seen **ascending** `{{H5927}}` and **descending** `{{H3381}}` upon it. The vision establishes a direct link between the earthly and heavenly realms.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the scene where the **ladder** appears:
* `{{H5324}}` **nâtsab** (set up): This root means to station, erect, or establish. It signifies that the **ladder** was firmly established, just as the LORD's word is settled in heaven [[Psalms 119:89]].
* `{{H5927}}` **ʻâlâh** (to ascend): This word describes the upward movement of the angels. It is used in other contexts to convey elevation and restoration, such as when those who wait on the LORD "shall mount up with wings as eagles" [[Isaiah 40:31]].
* `{{H3381}}` **yârad** (to descend): The counterpart to ascending, this word means to go downwards. It is often used to describe God's direct intervention into human affairs, as when He declared, "I am come down to deliver them" [[Exodus 3:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5551}}` is derived entirely from its single appearance, which paints a powerful picture of divine communication.
* **A Bridge Between Worlds:** The **ladder** serves as a tangible link between **earth** `{{H776}}` and **heaven** `{{H8064}}`. It visualizes a pathway for interaction between God and humanity, showing that the two realms are not separate but connected [[Genesis 28:12]].
* **The Ministry of Angels:** The vision shows **angels** `{{H4397}}` of **God** `{{H430}}` actively moving between heaven and earth. This portrays them as messengers facilitating the relationship between the divine and human, as they are given charge to "keep thee in all thy ways" [[Psalms 91:11]].
* **The Site of Revelation:** The structure is presented in a dream `{{H2492}}`, a medium for divine communication. The presence of God's angels, and the Lord Himself standing above the ladder [[Genesis 28:13]], establishes the location as a place of holy encounter and assurance from God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5551}}` **çullâm** is a word whose significance is defined by its singular, powerful appearance. While used only once, the image of the **ladder** provides a foundational biblical illustration of the connection between heaven and earth. It represents a conduit for divine activity and communication, where angels ascend and descend, assuring that a pathway exists between God and the world He created. The term demonstrates that even the rarest of words can carry profound theological meaning.
TRV