Caul
Summary
A term referring either to the fatty covering of the liver burned in sacrifices, or to ornamental netted head-coverings worn by women.
☩Anatomical Usage
In the sacrificial regulations, 'caul' (Hebrew yothereth) refers to the large lobe or fatty appendage of the liver, which was burned on the altar along with the kidneys and their fat as the special portions set aside for the burnt offering. This fat was considered the choicest part and therefore belonged to God.
☩Hosea's Usage
In Hosea, a different Hebrew word (segor, meaning 'enclosure') is translated 'caul' in reference to the pericardium or covering of the heart. God declares He will tear the caul of Israel's heart like a lion, representing divine judgment that strikes at the very center of life.
☩Ornamental Head-coverings
In Isaiah's list of women's ornaments, 'cauls' (Hebrew shebisim) refers to netted caps or head-dresses worn as decoration. These were ornamental coverings of network, possibly of silk or gold thread, with which women adorned their heads. The context is Isaiah's prophecy against the proud daughters of Zion.
Related Verses13 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Caul," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Caul," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Caul," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).