מִכְלָה (mikh.lah)
mikh.lah
perfection
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mikhlah signifies a state of completeness or perfection. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in 2 Chronicles 4:21, where it describes the gold used for Solomon’s temple furnishings. The text states that the amount was "very great" and that the work was done with such precision that the exact weight could not be determined.
The word derives from a root meaning to complete or finish. In this specific instance, it emphasizes the thoroughness of the craftsmanship. The sources note that the phrase "mikhlah kol-hazeh" (all of this) implies that nothing was left out or unfinished. The perfection here is not merely aesthetic but functional and total, reflecting the high quality of the materials and the skill of the artisans.
Because it is so rare, mikhlah offers a focused glimpse into how ancient Israelites viewed excellence in religious objects. It suggests that true perfection involves both material richness and meticulous execution. The verse highlights that the temple’s glory was not just in its size but in the careful attention to detail that made every piece whole and complete.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mikhlah appears only once in Scripture, describing the gold used for Solomon’s temple. It points to a completeness that leaves nothing unfinished. When we consider this rare term, we see that God values thoroughness in how things are made and done.
This perfection is not just about looking good on the outside. It involves functional integrity and careful attention to detail. The artisans did not cut corners; they ensured every piece was whole and ready for its purpose.
In your own life, this reminds us that our work and worship matter when done with care. God sees the hidden details of your efforts. You can find comfort in knowing that He appreciates the completeness you bring to your daily tasks and relationships.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [was] perfection<s> of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִכְל֥וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 4:21
and the flowers, the lamps, and the tongs of gold that was purest gold;
This verse uses mikhlah to emphasize that the gold work was so precise and complete that its exact weight could not be determined, showing total functional integrity.