כֶּתֶר
𐤊𐤕𐤓
kether
H3804 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A decorative head ornament, typically a circular band or diadem, used as a mark of high status or royalty; in biblical contexts, generally denotes a crown signifying authority, dignity, or victory. The term is primarily applied to headdresses worn by monarchs or dignitaries, sometimes specifically signifying the ceremonial aspect of rulership rather than simply symbolizing power.
Semantic Range
crown, diadem, ceremonial headdress, circlet, symbol of royalty or high office
Root / Etymology
From the root כתר, meaning 'to encircle, to surround'. כֶּתֶר (kether) derives as a nominal form from this root, indicating an object that encircles the head. The movement from verbal sense ('to surround') to nominal ('circlet, crown') is attested in other Semitic languages as well.
Historical & Contextual Notes
כֶּתֶר appears chiefly in later biblical texts, notably in Esther and Ezekiel, reflecting post-monarchic or exilic usage influenced by surrounding cultures (e.g., Persian). Its use in Daniel (Aramaic) and Esther reflects contact with Persian royal customs, where the crown as kether was a specific article of regalia. Earlier Hebrew terms for 'crown' include נֵזֶר (nezer), which often emphasizes consecration or ritual status as well as royalty, and עֲטָרָה (atarah), a more general term for wreath or crown. כֶּתֶר generally denotes the physical object, often with an ornate or regal implication, and less often metaphor. English translations such as 'diadem' or 'crown' are close but sometimes obscure the specific regal or ceremonial nuance. In post-biblical and modern Hebrew, kether retains the sense of 'crown', sometimes extending figuratively to honor or preeminence.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from כָּתַר; properly, a circlet, i.e. a diadem; crown.
Bantu Hebrew
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כתר (k-t-r) — to encircle, to surround, to crown
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3804-02 |
כֶּֽתֶר | keter | HNcmsc |
a crown | crown-of | 2 | |
H3804-01 |
בְּ/כֶ֣תֶר | bekheter | HR/Ncmsc |
with crown | in a crown of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3804-01 |
Esther 1:11 | בְּ/כֶ֣תֶר | bekheter | HR/Ncmsc |
with crown | in a crown of | |
H3804-02 |
Esther 2:17 | כֶּֽתֶר | keter | HNcmsc |
crown | crown-of | |
H3804-02 |
Esther 6:8 | כֶּ֥תֶר | keter | HNcmsc |
a crown | crown-of |