Bible Dictionary
Caul
Caul can refer to the lobe or membrane associated with the liver or heart in sacrificial descriptions. It may also denote an ornamental head covering.
Definition
Caul can denote the large lobe or flap of the liver, the portion of the pericardium or covering around the heart, or, in another passage, an ornamental head covering. The precise bodily reference varies by context.
Biblical Usage
In sacrificial regulations, the caul is associated with the liver, kidneys, and fat as a specified portion. In Hosea it refers to an enclosure or covering of the heart, possibly the pericardium.
Historical Background
The term derives from the idea of something redundant or enclosed. In Isaiah it describes a netted or ornamental head-dress.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. yothe’reth; i.e., “something redundant”), the membrane which covers the upper part of the liver (Ex. 29:13, 22; Lev. 3:4, 10, 15; 4:9; 7:4; marg., “midriff”). In Hos. 13:8 (Heb. seghor; i.e., “an enclosure”) the pericardium, or parts about the heart, is meant.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
a sort of ornamental head-dress, (Isaiah 3:18) with a net for its base. The name is derived from the caul, the membranous bag which encloses the heart—the pericardium.—ED.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kol:</p><p>(1) yothereth (Ex 29:13), the large lobe or flap of the liver, which is usually mentioned together with the kidneys and the fat as the special portions set aside for the burnt offering (Le 3:4,10,15; 4:9; 7:4; 8:16,25; 9:10,19).</p><p>(2) ceghor (from the root caghar, "to enclose," "shut up"), Ho 13:8, literally the enclosure or covering of the heart, the caul or pericardium, or perhaps the chest as surrounding the heart. It must not be forgotten, however, that the expression may be taken in the sense of "mailcoat of the heart," i.e. hardened heart, which is shut to the influence of God's grace. So Luther and many modern translators and commentators.</p><p>H. L. E. Luering</p>