Lexical Summary Kalkol: Kalkol Original Word: כַּלְכֹּל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Calcol, Chalcol From kuwl; sustenance; Calcol, an Israelite -- Calcol, Chalcol. see HEBREW kuwl NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kul Definition an Isr. noted for his wisdom NASB Translation Calcol (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs כַּלְכֹּל proper name, masculine one of the wise men whom Solomon surpassed 1 Kings 5:11; 1 Chronicles 2:6 (on formation see BaNB 206). כום (√ of following; Arabic Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences 1 Kings 4:31 places Calcol among four celebrated sages of Israel’s early monarchy: “He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations”. 1 Chronicles 2:6 lists him in the genealogies of Judah: “The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara—five in all”. Historical Context Calcol belongs to the transitional period from the tribal era to the united monarchy. His family line traces back to Zerah, twin of Perez and son of Judah, linking him to the royal tribe from which both David and, in due course, the Messiah would come (Genesis 38:29–30; Matthew 1:3). The dual notice—first in the genealogies, then in the courtly wisdom setting of Solomon—anchors Calcol in both Israel’s ancestral memory and its intellectual heritage. Genealogical Importance Judah’s lineage records five sons of Zerah, all noted for prominence. The chronicler intentionally preserves their names to affirm God’s faithfulness to covenant promises and to display the diverse capacities found within Judah’s descendants. By appearing next to Ethan and Heman—names later associated with Levitical worship leaders (1 Chronicles 6:42–44)—Calcol’s inclusion hints that Judah’s family produced not only kings but also sages and musicians who served the nation’s spiritual life. Role in Israel’s Wisdom Tradition 1 Kings uses Calcol as a benchmark of human wisdom surpassed only by Solomon. In ancient Near-Eastern courts, sages advised kings, composed proverbs, and instructed royal sons (cf. Proverbs 1:8–9). Calcol therefore represents an early strand of inspired wisdom that would culminate in the canonical wisdom books. His reputation, coupled with Ethan and Heman (superscriptions of Psalms 88 and 89), shows that Israel’s wisdom and worship traditions overlapped: the fear of the LORD informed both song and counsel (Proverbs 9:10). Association with Worship and Temple Service Though Scripture does not explicitly link Calcol to temple ministry, his proximity to Ethan and Heman—identified elsewhere as Levitical singers—suggests a family culture steeped in both intellectual and liturgical service. This synthesis anticipates the later temple order under David and points forward to the holistic pattern of ministry in which heart, mind, and skill unite for God’s glory (1 Chronicles 25:1–7). Foreshadowing of Greater Wisdom By stating that Solomon’s wisdom exceeded Calcol’s, the text exalts the God-given insight of David’s son while also preparing readers for a still greater Son of David. Jesus Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3), embodies and surpasses every earlier expression of divine wisdom. Calcol’s limited but noteworthy stature therefore participates in a redemptive trajectory culminating in Christ. Ministry Implications 1. God distributes diverse gifts within covenant families; wisdom is one such gift (James 1:5). Lessons for Today • Celebrate and cultivate God-given wisdom in the church, valuing counselors as much as public leaders. Forms and Transliterations וְכַלְכֹּ֛ל וְכַלְכֹּ֥ל וכלכל vechalKol wə·ḵal·kōl wəḵalkōlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 4:31 HEB: הָאֶזְרָחִ֗י וְהֵימָ֧ן וְכַלְכֹּ֛ל וְדַרְדַּ֖ע בְּנֵ֣י NAS: Heman, Calcol and Darda, KJV: and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, INT: the Ezrahite Heman Calcol and Darda the sons 1 Chronicles 2:6 2 Occurrences |
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II. is heap up, accumulate; 
heap; 
herd of camels, hence perhaps כִּימָה as a group, herd, or flock of stars, but uncertain (see כִּימָה)).