Original Word: מִכְלוֹל
Part of Speech: noun masculine
Transliteration: miklowl
Pronunciation: mik-LOHL
Phonetic Spelling: (mik-lole')
KJV: most gorgeously, all sorts
NASB: magnificently, splendidly
Word Origin: [from H3634 (כָּלַל - perfected)]

1. perfection
2. (concrete adverbial) splendidly

most gorgeously, all sorts

From kalal; perfection (i.e. Concrete adverbial, splendidly) -- most gorgeously, all sorts.

see HEBREW kalal

Word Origin
from kalal
Definition
perfection, gorgeous attire
NASB Translation
magnificently (1), splendidly (1).

מִכְלוֺל noun masculine perfection, i.e. (probably) gorgeous attire, Ezekiel 23:12; Ezekiel 38:4 (of warriors) לְבֻשֵׁי מִכְלוֺל.

Miklol (Strong’s Hebrew 4358)

Occurrences and Context

• Ezekiel 23:12 portrays Oholibah’s infatuation with Assyrian horsemen “clothed in splendid attire,” highlighting the allure of impressive military presentation.
• Ezekiel 38:4 depicts Gog’s cavalry “fully clothed” as the LORD draws them out for judgment, emphasizing formidable preparedness immediately overridden by divine sovereignty.

Visual Image: The Full Martial Outfit

Miklol evokes the sight of a soldier arrayed head-to-toe—garments, armor, and weapons forming a seamless unit. It is not a single piece of kit but the total ensemble that broadcasts strength, discipline, and prestige. In the prophetic oracles of Ezekiel this totality sharpens two contrasts: (1) the captivating façade that tempts Judah to political and spiritual compromise, and (2) the futility of human force when God intervenes.

Historical Background

Assyrian cavalry of the eighth–seventh centuries BC were famed for elaborate uniforms and composite mail. Their “splendid attire” symbolized imperial power that dazzled smaller nations. Centuries later, Ezekiel’s end-time picture of Gog and his multitude draws upon similar imagery familiar to exiles in Babylon: massed cavalry encased in protective dress, confident in numbers and equipment. Miklol thus spans both the immediate history of Judah’s apostasy and the eschatological horizon of global opposition to the LORD.

Theological Implications

1. Illusory Security: Judah coveted Assyrian miklol instead of covenant faithfulness (Ezekiel 23:12). External impressiveness masked internal corruption—a warning against relying on visible strength rather than on the LORD.
2. Certain Defeat of Evil Coalitions: Gog’s fully equipped army is irresistible only in human reckoning. “I will turn you around… and bring you out” (Ezekiel 38:4) asserts divine mastery over every human force, no matter how completely outfitted.
3. True Completeness Found in God: Scripture later uses the language of comprehensive armor for believers: “Put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11). The completeness that really protects is spiritual, supplied by God, not manufactured by empires.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Discernment in Alliances: Churches and individuals must evaluate partnerships by spiritual fidelity, not by the impressive “armor” of resources, reputation, or cultural clout (2 Corinthians 6:14).
• Teaching on Spiritual Warfare: Miklol provides a vivid Old Testament backdrop when preaching Ephesians 6:10-18; believers visualize enemies fully armed yet still subject to Christ, encouraging steadfastness.
• Warning Against Worldly Attraction: Like Oholibah, modern believers may be drawn to institutions whose polish hides idolatry. Ezekiel’s use of miklol urges shepherds to expose such seductions (Acts 20:28-31).
• Hope in Final Victory: When reading current events through Ezekiel 38, the image of Gog’s total equipment reassures the faithful that even the best-prepared opposition cannot thwart God’s redemptive plan (Revelation 19:19-21).

Related Concepts

• Whole armor of God – Ephesians 6:11.
• Chariots and horsemen as symbols of power – 2 Kings 6:17; Psalm 20:7.
• Vanity of military might – Psalm 33:16-17; Isaiah 31:1.

Key Cross-References

Ezekiel 23:12; Ezekiel 38:4; Psalm 20:7; Isaiah 31:1; Ephesians 6:11; Revelation 19:19-21.

Summary

Miklol spotlights the allure and apparent invincibility of full military equipment while ultimately reinforcing the scriptural theme that complete human preparedness is powerless before the LORD. For the church today, it is a call to admire, desire, and don only the divine armor that equips for faithful service and guarantees victory in Christ.

מִכְל֔וֹל מִכְלוֹל֙ מכלול michLol miḵ·lō·wl miḵlōwlInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts