כְּלַל (ke.lal)
ke.lal
to complete
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb kĕlal means to bring something to an end or to finish it. In the Old Testament, it is used sparingly, appearing only seven times, and its usage is tightly focused on physical construction projects rather than abstract concepts.
Most of these occurrences are found in Ezra, where the word describes the completion of the temple walls. The sources distinguish between active and passive forms: the Hiphil stem indicates that a person finished the work, while the Niphal or Hithpael stems describe the structure itself being completed. This linguistic precision highlights the tangible reality of the rebuilding efforts in post-exilic Jerusalem.
Unlike other Hebrew words for finishing that might imply moral perfection or spiritual maturity, kĕlal is concrete. It marks the point where building work stops because the task is done. Its presence in Ezra underscores the historical milestone of restoring Jerusalem’s defenses and worship center after the exile.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word kĕlal describes bringing a physical task to its proper end. In the Old Testament, it appears only seven times, almost exclusively in Ezra. It marks the moment when building work stops because the structure is complete. This is not about abstract moral perfection or spiritual maturity. It is about tangible reality: walls raised, foundations repaired, and a temple restored after exile.
For your faith, this word offers comfort in seasons of long labor. The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s defenses was a slow, difficult process. Yet the text records that the elders built and finished it according to God’s command. Your own efforts, though they may feel small or unfinished, are seen by Him. He honors the steady work of restoration.
When you face projects that seem endless, remember that completion is possible through divine help. The post-exilic community did not rebuild alone. They acted under royal decree and prophetic encouragement. Similarly, your life’s work finds its purpose when aligned with God’s will. Rest in the assurance that He brings His purposes to fulfillment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ finish2×
- they will be finished2×
- they have finished1×
- and/ they finished1×
- and/ he finished/ it1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִֽשְׁתַּכְלְל֑וּן2×
- שַׁכְלִ֔ילוּ1×
- לְ/שַׁכְלָלָֽה\׃\ \ס1×
- לְ/שַׁכְלָלָֽה\׃1×
- וְ/שַׁכְלִ֗לוּ1×
- וְ/שַׁכְלְלֵֽ/הּ\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 6:14
The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
This verse explicitly states they 'built and finished it,' linking the physical completion of the temple directly to God's commandment and the decrees of Persian kings.
-
Ezra 5:11
Thus they returned us answer, saying, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are building the house that was built these many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished.
The elders refer back to Solomon, noting that a great king of Israel 'built and finished' the original house, establishing a historical pattern of divine-authorized construction.
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Ezra 4:12
Be it known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us to Jerusalem. They are building the rebellious and bad city, and have finished the walls and repaired the foundations.
Opponents accuse the Jews of having 'finished the walls,' using the word to highlight the political threat posed by the completed defensive structures of Jerusalem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word kĕlal mean?
Where does kĕlal appear in the Bible?
How is kĕlal different from other words for 'finish'?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 7 verses
Be it known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us to Jerusalem. They are building the…
Ezra 4:13Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or…
Ezra 4:16We inform the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, then you will have no possession beyond the River.
Ezra 5:3At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, came to them, with Shetharbozenai and their companions, and…
Ezra 5:9Then we asked those elders, and said to them thus, “Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?”
Ezra 5:11Thus they returned us answer, saying, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are building the house…
Ezra 6:14The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of…