Lexical Summary kethal: Wall Original Word: כְּתַל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wall (Aramaic) corresponding to kothel -- wall. see HEBREW kothel NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to kothel Definition a wall. Topical Lexicon Overview of Biblical Usage כְּתַל appears twice in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, both times translated “wall” in English. Each occurrence lies within a distinct Persian–era narrative—Ezra’s report on the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 5:8) and Daniel’s account of Belshazzar’s feast (Daniel 5:5). While linguistically brief, the term anchors two pivotal moments: the restoration of true worship in Jerusalem and the imminent fall of proud Babylon. Narrative Contexts 1. Ezra 5:8 situates the word in a letter from regional officials to King Darius: “Timber is being laid in the walls. The work is being done diligently and prospering in their hands”. The walls here frame the temple structure, symbolizing both physical stability and renewed covenant faithfulness after exile. Historical and Architectural Significance In Near-Eastern city planning, walls defined sacred space, demarcated civil order, and conveyed the authority of those who built them. The Ezra passage highlights Persian royal permission granting Judah the right to fortify the temple precinct, a public sign that the God of Israel remained present among His people. Conversely, Daniel sets the scene within Babylon’s massive fortifications—defenses historically lauded as impenetrable—yet the writing on that very wall foretells the empire’s overnight defeat (Daniel 5:30–31). Thus, כְּתַל embodies the tension between human engineering and divine sovereignty. Symbolic and Theological Themes Protection and Presence: Throughout Scripture, walls often represent shelter provided by the Lord (Psalm 125:2; Isaiah 26:1). In Ezra, the temple walls proclaim God’s protective presence returning to Zion. Warning and Judgment: Daniel’s wall bears the message “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN,” declaring the measured, weighed, and divided kingdom. The wall turns into a prophetic witness exposing hidden sin (compare Habakkuk 2:11). Separation and Reconciliation: Walls can also signify divisions that God intends to overcome. The New Testament draws on this imagery: “For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). Daniel’s collapsing Babylon anticipates this greater reconciliation accomplished in Christ. Intertestamental and New Testament Echoes Jewish tradition remembered the “writing on the wall” as a paradigm of impending judgment, a theme picked up in Revelation where Babylon becomes a symbol of worldly opposition to God (Revelation 18). Meanwhile, Ezra’s walls foreshadow the secure city of Revelation 21, whose foundations and walls reflect the glory of God and welcome all whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Ministry and Pastoral Applications • Rebuilding: Congregations engaged in physical or spiritual renovation may look to Ezra 5:8 for encouragement that diligent labor under God’s favor prospers despite external scrutiny. Conclusion Though only twice employed, כְּתַל bridges two contrasting scenes—construction and collapse—each reinforcing the biblical conviction that safety and permanence belong not to human achievement but to the Lord who builds, warns, and redeems. Forms and Transliterations בְּכֻתְלַיָּ֑א בכתליא כְתַ֥ל כתל bə·ḵuṯ·lay·yā bechutlaiYa bəḵuṯlayyā cheTal ḵə·ṯal ḵəṯalLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 5:8 HEB: וְאָ֖ע מִתְּשָׂ֣ם בְּכֻתְלַיָּ֑א וַעֲבִ֥ידְתָּא דָ֛ךְ NAS: are being laid in the walls; and this KJV: is laid in the walls, and this INT: and beams laid the walls work and this Daniel 5:5 2 Occurrences |
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