כַּרְכֹּב
𐤊𐤓𐤊𐤁
karkôb
H3749 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A projecting rim, band, or rounded border, often occurring as a structural feature in architectural or cultic objects. In the Hebrew Bible, particularly denotes the encircling rim or border around the top of the bronze altar in the Jerusalem temple, marking a transition between structural levels or distinguishing different zones of an object.
Semantic Range
rim, encircling band, projecting border, circular ledge, margin (especially architectural or cultic)
Root / Etymology
From the root כרכּב, possibly related to כְּרַךְ (to wrap, to encircle), suggesting the idea of something that surrounds or forms a round edge. It has been suggested to be linguistically expanded from כַּבּוֹן (kabbon), though this connection is primarily phonetic rather than etymological—true root meaning relates to encircling or enclosing.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term כַּרְכֹּב appears infrequently (notably in Ezekiel 43:13, 17, 20) and is specific to descriptions of the altar in Ezekiel’s vision. The term denotes a projecting circular ledge or border near the altar's top, serving a functional and possibly symbolic role as a margin or compass around the structure. In broader usage across Ancient Northwest Semitic languages, similar roots relate to encircling, roundness, or rims. The term does not refer to a 'compass' as a navigational instrument, but as an encircling margin. English translations frequently use 'rim,' 'ledge,' or 'border,' but these do not always capture the architectural specificity implied by the Hebrew. Unlike other terms for borders or bands (e.g., סֶפֶת, שׁוּלַיִם), כַּרְכֹּב implies a three-dimensional, possibly rounded, projecting form, not just a flat edge or hem. The usage in Ezekiel reflects post-exilic priestly literary developments describing temple architecture with technical accuracy.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
expanded from the same as כַּבּוֹן; a rim or top margin; compass.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
כרכב (k-r-k-b) — encircle, surround, form a rim or border
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3749-02 |
כַּרְכֻּבּ֛/וֹ | karekubo | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
its ledge | his encircling rim | 1 |
H3749-01 |
כַּרְכֹּ֥ב | karekov | HNcmsc |
the ledge | encircling rim of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3749-01 |
Exodus 27:5 | כַּרְכֹּ֥ב | karekov | HNcmsc |
the ledge | encircling rim of |
H3749-02 |
Exodus 38:4 | כַּרְכֻּבּ֛/וֹ | karekubo | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
its ledge | his encircling rim |