Bible Dictionary
Calkers
Calkers were workers who sealed or stopped the seams and openings of ships. The inhabitants of Gebal were employed in strengthening or repairing the vessels of Tyre.
Definition
Calkers were skilled workmen who stopped or strengthened the seams and openings of ships. They sealed the joints in the decks or sides of vessels to make them secure.
Biblical Usage
The inhabitants of Gebal are described as performing this work on the vessels of Tyre. The term may also be rendered “strengtheners” or “stoppers of chinks.”
Historical Background
Calkers were associated with shipbuilding and the maintenance of seagoing vessels. Their work involved repairing or sealing the structural openings of ships.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Workmen skilled in stopping the seams of the deck or sides of vessels. The inhabitants of Gebel were employed in such work on Tyrian vessels (Ezek. 27:9, 27; marg., “strengtheners” or “stoppers of chinks”).