3737. karbela
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 of H3736 (כַּרבֵּל - clothed)]

1. a mantle

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
hat

(Aramaic) from a verb corresponding to that of karbel; a mantle -- hat.

see HEBREW karbel

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to karbel
Definition
a helmet, cap
NASB Translation
caps (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
[כַּרְבְּלָא] noun feminine probably helmet, cap (> al. mantle, e.g. K§ 62; see Dr) (Late Hebrew כַּרְבָּלָה comb of cock; so Jewish-Aramaic כַּרְבָּלְתָא, Syriac ; Assyrian karballatu, cap AndrM 67 *, Muss-ArnAssyrian Dict. 436 a; so SACJPhii. xxvi. 310 f., compare Biblical Hebrew [כרבל]); — plural suffix כַּרְבְּלָֽתְהוֺן Daniel 3:21.

Topical Lexicon
Occurrence and Setting

כַּרְבְּלָא 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 in Daniel 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 (compare Jeremiah 29:7).

Theological Significance

• Divine Sovereignty and Care

God’s salvation extends to the smallest thread of His servants’ garments, echoing His promise in Isaiah 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 in Daniel 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
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Daniel 3:21
HEB: (פַּטְּשֵׁיהֹ֔ון ק) וְכַרְבְּלָתְה֖וֹן וּלְבֻשֵׁיה֑וֹן וּרְמִ֕יו
NAS: their coats, their caps and their [other] clothes,
KJV: their hosen, and their hats, and their [other] garments,
INT: their trousers hose their caps and their clothes and were cast

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 3737
1 Occurrence


wə·ḵar·bə·lā·ṯə·hō·wn — 1 Occ.

3736
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