Lexical Summary
karbela: caps
Original Word:כַּרְבְּלָא
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:karbla`
Pronunciation:kar-BAY-lah
Phonetic Spelling:(kar-bel-aw')
KJV: hat
NASB:caps
Word Origin:[(Aramaic) from a verb corresponding to that ofH3736 (כַּרבֵּל - clothed)]
1. a mantle
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
hat
(Aramaic) from a verb corresponding to that ofkarbel; a mantle -- hat.
see HEBREWkarbel
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to
karbelDefinitiona helmet, cap
NASB Translationcaps (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
[] probably (> al.
mantle, e.g. K
§ 62; see Dr) (Late Hebrew
comb of cock; so Jewish-Aramaic , Syriac
; Assyrian
karballatu,
cap Andr
M 67 *, Muss-Arn
Assyrian Dict. 436 a; so SAC
JPhii. xxvi. 310 f., compare Biblical Hebrew []); — plural suffix
Daniel 3:21.
Topical Lexicon
Occurrence and Settingכַּרְבְּלָא appears once,Daniel 3:21, where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are “wearing their robes, trousers, turbans, and other clothes” (Berean Standard Bible) as they are bound and cast into Nebuchadnezzar’s blazing furnace. The narrative takes place in sixth-century Babylon during the dedication of the king’s golden image, a public ceremony demanding universal homage.
Nature of the Garment
The robe in view was a distinctive outer garment, part of the formal attire of court officials in the Neo-Babylonian period. Woven of fine material and worn over tunic and trousers, it signified status, authority, and participation in state service. Its inclusion alongside trousers, turbans, and “other clothes” underlines that the three Hebrews were fully dressed in the regalia appropriate to their high administrative positions (Daniel 2:49).
Literary Function inDaniel 3
1. Emphasis on Total Human Weakness
Listing four layers of clothing underscores the utter vulnerability of the men: every flammable, heat-gathering article remains on them, heightening the dramatic peril and magnifying the miracle that follows.
2. Proof of Complete Preservation
After divine deliverance, “the fire had had no power over their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were unscorched and there was no smell of fire on them” (Daniel 3:27). The untouched robes stand as visible testimony to God’s perfect salvation.
3. Contrast with Pagan Power
Nebuchadnezzar’s might can only bind; God’s presence looses the bonds (Daniel 3:24–25). The robe, once a badge of imperial appointment, becomes a canvas on which the superiority of the Most High is displayed.
Historical and Cultural Insights
• Royal inscriptions and reliefs from Mesopotamia portray officials in layered garments, often brightly dyed and embroidered with precious metal threads. Such robes communicated allegiance to the crown and acceptance of Babylonian cultural norms.
• By wearing these robes yet refusing idolatry, the three Hebrews model faithful service within a pagan system without compromising worship (compareJeremiah 29:7).
Theological Significance
• Divine Sovereignty and Care
God’s salvation extends to the smallest thread of His servants’ garments, echoing His promise inIsaiah 43:2, “When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched.”
• Symbol of Righteous Covering
Scripture frequently links clothing with spiritual realities (Genesis 3:21;Zechariah 3:4;Isaiah 61:10). The preserved robe anticipates the believer’s imperishable “robe of righteousness” granted in Christ.
• Corporate Witness
The unburned robes become an apologetic tool: “There is no other god who can deliver in this way” (Daniel 3:29). Apparel that once blended them into Babylonian society now proclaims the uniqueness of Israel’s God.
Ministry Applications
• Standing Firm in Public Life
Christians in government, education, or commerce can serve faithfully while resisting idolatrous pressures. The preserved robe assures that obedience to God never finally ruins one’s future.
• Integrity and Visible Testimony
God can use everyday attire, work roles, and visible circumstances to magnify His glory. Small details of faithfulness are not insignificant.
• Assurance of Ultimate Preservation
Just as fire could not claim the robes, neither can trials sever believers from Christ (Romans 8:38–39). This fuels courage for persecuted believers worldwide.
Related Biblical Themes
• Mantles of Authority – Elijah’s cloak (2 Kings 2:13–14)
• Priestly Garments –Exodus 28:2, “You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.”
• Garments and Judgment –Revelation 3:5, “He who overcomes will be clothed in white garments.”
Summary
Though כַּרְבְּלָא surfaces only once, its single appearance inDaniel 3:21 provides a vivid picture of divine preservation, a challenge to faithful public witness, and a prophetic glimpse of the eternal covering granted to all who trust the Lord.
Forms and Transliterations
וְכַרְבְּלָתְה֖וֹן וכרבלתהון vecharbelateHon wə·ḵar·bə·lā·ṯə·hō·wn wəḵarbəlāṯəhōwn
Links
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Strong's Numbers •
Englishman's Greek Concordance •
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