כֶּבֶל
𐤊𐤁𐤋
kebel
H3525 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A cord, rope, or band, particularly one used to bind or restrain, such as a fetter or shackle; the term can also denote a cable or a strong rope designed for fastening or securing objects, especially vessels.
Semantic Range
fetter, shackle, cable, band, strong rope, binding implement, cord for restraint or fastening
Root / Etymology
Root is כבל, meaning 'to bind, to fetter, to entwine.' The word כֶּבֶל likely derives from a nominal formation from this root, indicating an object used for restraint, i.e., a binding material or implement.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, כֶּבֶל appears only a few times, primarily in poetic or maritime contexts (e.g., Ezekiel 27:24 for ship's cables, Psalm 2:3 in the related plural form). Its usage suggests something stronger and more durable than a simple cord (חֶבֶל, chevel), emphasizing its function in restraint (fetter, shackle) or securing (nautical cable). While traditional English translations often render it as 'fetter,' the word's broader sense encompasses any entwined or braided binding implement. In biblical times, such ropes or bands were frequently made by braiding fibers together, underscoring the connection with the root meaning of binding or entwining. Its application extends both to punitive restraint (fetters for prisoners or captives) as well as industrial or maritime use (binding goods, parts of a ship). The semantic boundary between כֶּבֶל and related terms like חֶבֶל (rope, measuring line, boundary) is sometimes fluid, but כֶּבֶל is more specifically associated with binding or restraint devices, often of greater strength or complexity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to twine or braid together; a fetter; fetter.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
כבל (k-b-l) — to bind, to fetter, to entwine
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3525-02 |
בַ/כֶּ֣בֶל | vakevel | HRd/Ncmsa |
with fetters | in the binding-cord | 1 |
H3525-01 |
בְּ/כַבְלֵ֥י | bekhaveley | HR/Ncmpc |
with fetters | in binding-cords of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3525-02 |
Psalms 105:18 | בַ/כֶּ֣בֶל | vakevel | HRd/Ncmsa |
with fetters | in the binding-cord |
H3525-01 |
Psalms 149:8 | בְּ/כַבְלֵ֥י | bekhaveley | HR/Ncmpc |
with fetters | in binding-cords of |