כַּרְבְּלָא
𐤊𐤓𐤁𐤋𐤀
karbᵉlâʼ
H3737 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A cloak or mantle, specifically a type of outer garment worn over one's other clothes; in Daniel, refers to a formal or ceremonial robe used in an official or courtly context. The word signifies a garment that is an indicator of social status, office, or distinction, most often associated with the regal or administrative court dress.
Semantic Range
ceremonial mantle, official cloak, formal robe; courtier's garment; distinguished outer garment
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Aramaic root כּ־ר־ב־ל (k-r-b-l), which may correspond to the Hebrew root כָּרְבֵּל (karbēl), itself likely related to a root meaning 'to wrap, envelop.' The word is specifically Aramaic in the biblical corpus and appears as a loanword within Imperial Aramaic usage. Core meaning of the root: to wrap, envelop, cover with a garment.
Historical & Contextual Notes
כַּרְבְּלָא appears only in the Aramaic sections of the book of Daniel (Dan 3:21, 3:27), referring to a specific type of distinguished outer garment, often listed alongside other official attire as worn by administrators in the Neo-Babylonian and Persian courts. Its exact appearance is not known, but context indicates a heavy, possibly ornate robe marking official rank. English translations sometimes simply use 'mantle,' 'cloak,' or 'coat,' but this may fail to convey the term's status as court apparel—akin to ceremonial robes or livery. The term is not used outside administrative or formal settings in the Hebrew scriptures. Later Rabbinic Hebrew does not use the term, and it does not have a direct Greek or Latin equivalent in the biblical period. The translation 'hat' is not supported by the semantic range of the word in its context; it always refers to a garment, not a head covering.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) from a verb corresponding to that of כַּרְבֵּל; a mantle; hat.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
כרבל (k-r-b-l) — wrap, cover, envelop
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3737-01 |
וְ/כַרְבְּלָתְ/ה֖וֹן | vekharebelatehon | AC/Ncfpc/Sp3mp |
and their mantles | and their ceremonial mantles | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3737-01 |
Daniel 3:21 | וְ/כַרְבְּלָתְ/ה֖וֹן | vekharebelatehon | AC/Ncfpc/Sp3mp |
and their mantles | and their ceremonial mantles |