אֲגַרְטָל (a.gar.tal)
a.gar.tal
basin
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun agartal refers to a large vessel, typically described as a basin or basket. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Ezra 1:9, within a detailed inventory of items returned from Babylon to Jerusalem.
This single occurrence lists the objects Cyrus the Great ordered restored for temple worship. The term denotes a container substantial enough to hold sacred utensils, highlighting the care taken to preserve these items during the exile and return.
Its rarity makes it a specific historical marker rather than a common theological term. It reminds readers of the physical reality of Israel’s restoration, where tangible objects were as central to worship as spiritual promises.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word agartal appears just once in Scripture, in Ezra 1:9, where it identifies a basin among the sacred vessels returned to Jerusalem. This rare term reminds us that God cares about the physical details of worship. The careful inventory shows His faithfulness in preserving these items for future generations.
For your life today, this verse highlights how tangible objects can anchor spiritual truth. When you engage in worship or service, remember that ordinary materials become holy when set apart for God’s purposes. This small detail invites trust in a God who keeps His promises through history.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- basins of2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲגַרְטְלֵי\־1×
- אֲגַרְטְלֵ֨י1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 1:9
This is the number of them: thirty platters of gold, one thousand platters of silver, twenty-nine knives,
This verse uses the term to specify one of the sacred basins restored for temple service, marking it as part of the physical return from exile.