Lexical Summary karbel: clothed Original Word: כַּרְבֵּל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to gird or clothe From the same as kebel; to gird or clothe: see HEBREW kebel NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition to be mantled NASB Translation clothed (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [כרבל] verb either denominative be-mantle (from Biblical Aramaic כַּרְבְּלָא Daniel 3:21, if this = mantle, and not (MartiGl.) = Assyrian karballatu, cap (but 'Kriegs[?]-Mantel,' ZehnpfBAS ii, 535)), or possibly quadril. bind round (from כבל, with insert ר); — only Pu`al Passive participle מְכֻרְבָּל בִּמְעִיל בּוּץ 1 Chronicles 15:27 bemantled with a robe of byssus. Topical Lexicon Definition and Context The term כַּרְבֵּל (karbēl) designates a flowing outer robe of fine linen. Its solitary biblical appearance is in 1 Chronicles 15:27, during the procession in which King David and the Levites bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Biblical Usage • 1 Chronicles 15:27 records that “David was clothed in a robe of fine linen”. The same verse notes that the Levites who bore the Ark, the singers, and Chenaniah the choir director were similarly attired. The word therefore identifies a ceremonial garment worn in a moment of national worship. Historical Background The Ark’s relocation marked a pivotal restoration of covenant worship after decades of neglect (1 Samuel 4; 2 Samuel 6). Clothing for such an event was never incidental. Linen garments had already been set apart for priestly service (Exodus 28:39-43). By the time of David, Israel was transitioning from tribal confederation to unified monarchy; the parade signaled both royal authority and sacerdotal order. David’s robe linked him with the Levites, indicating humility before God while affirming his role as a worship-leading king (compare Psalm 132:2-9). Theological Significance 1. Holiness: Linen, free from the sweat-inducing mixture of wool (Ezekiel 44:18), symbolized purity in the presence of the Lord. Ministry Application • Spiritual Leadership: Modern servants of God are reminded that authority is exercised through humble participation in worship rather than separation from it (Matthew 20:26-28). Related Biblical Themes Priestly Garments: Exodus 28:4; Isaiah 61:10 Royal Priesthood: 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6 Joyful Procession: Psalm 68:24-27; 2 Samuel 6:14-15 See Also Ephod; Linen; Ark of the Covenant; Worship in the Tabernacle Forms and Transliterations מְכֻרְבָּ֣ל ׀ מכרבל mə·ḵur·bāl mechurBal məḵurbālLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 15:27 HEB: וְדָוִ֞יד מְכֻרְבָּ֣ל ׀ בִּמְעִ֣יל בּ֗וּץ NAS: Now David was clothed with a robe KJV: And David [was] clothed with a robe INT: now David was clothed A robe of fine 1 Occurrence |
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