from אָזַן; (only in the dual) a pair of scales; balances.
Transliteration:môʼzên
Pronunciation:mo-zane'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H3976}}` (מֹאזֵן, *môʼzên*) is a noun derived from the verb `{{H238}}` (אָזַן, *ʼazan*), which carries the primary meaning "to weigh," "to listen," or "to give ear." In the context of `{{H3976}}`, the sense of "weighing" is paramount. Significantly, `{{H3976}}` always appears in the dual form in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing its nature as "a pair" of scales or balances. This dual form inherently points to the two pans necessary for the instrument to function, signifying equilibrium and the process of comparison. Its semantic range is primarily literal, denoting an instrument for measuring weight. However, this literal meaning extends metaphorically to encompass concepts of justice, fairness, accuracy, equity, and divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H3976}}` appears in various contexts across the Old Testament, illuminating its diverse applications and theological weight:
* **Legal and Ethical Commands:** In the Mosaic Law, the use of "just balances" (מֹאזְנֵי צֶדֶק) is a foundational command, emphasizing integrity in commercial dealings ([[Leviticus 19:36]]). This principle is reiterated throughout the wisdom literature, where "a false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight" ([[Proverbs 11:1]]; cf. [[Proverbs 16:11]], [[Proverbs 20:23]]). The prophets also echo this, condemning the use of "wicked balances" ([[Micah 6:11]]) and "balances of deceit" ([[Hosea 12:7]], [[Amos 8:5]]) as a sign of societal corruption and injustice.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** `{{H3976}}` is used to portray God's immense power and precision. In a majestic display of His creative might, God is depicted as weighing the mountains in scales ([[Isaiah 40:12]]), illustrating His absolute control and meticulous order over creation. Furthermore, the concept of divine judgment is often associated with scales. Job, in his plea for vindication, asks God to "weigh me in a just balance" ([[Job 31:6]]), signifying a desire for his integrity to be divinely assessed. Similarly, [[Psalm 62:9]] states that "men of low estate are but a breath; men of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath," underscoring the ultimate insignificance of human power and wealth when weighed against God's eternal standard.
* **Literal Transactions:** In practical terms, `{{H3976}}` also appears in descriptions of everyday commercial activities, such as Jeremiah weighing out the silver for the purchase of a field ([[Jeremiah 32:10]]), demonstrating its role as a common instrument in ancient Israelite society.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning and significance of `{{H3976}}` are enriched by its relationship to several other Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **`{{H238}}` (אָזַן, *ʼazan*):** The root verb, meaning "to weigh" or "to listen." The dual meaning may subtly connect the act of precise weighing with the careful "listening" or attention required for accuracy, or perhaps God's "listening" to the cries of those oppressed by unjust practices.
* **`{{H4948}}` (מִשְׁקָל, *mishqal*):** "Weight," "measure." This noun directly relates to the outcome or quantity determined by the use of scales.
* **`{{H7971}}` (שֶׁקֶל, *sheqel*):** "Shekel," a common unit of weight and currency, which would have been measured using scales.
* **`{{H6864}}` (צֶדֶק, *tsedeq*):** "Righteousness," "justice." This word is frequently paired with `{{H3976}}` to form the crucial phrase "just balances" (מֹאזְנֵי צֶדֶק), highlighting the ethical imperative.
* **`{{H7451}}` (רָשָׁע, *rashaʼ*):** "Wicked," "guilty." Often contrasted with "just," as seen in "wicked balances" (מֹאזְנֵי רֶשַׁע), emphasizing the moral condemnation of dishonesty.
* **Divine Measuring/Weighing:** The broader concept of God measuring or weighing is a recurring motif, signifying His meticulous creation, His discerning judgment, and His absolute standard of truth and righteousness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3976}}` is profound and multifaceted:
* **God's Demand for Justice and Integrity:** The consistent biblical emphasis on "just balances" reveals a core aspect of God's character: He is a God of justice and truth. His commandments regarding honest weights and measures are not merely economic regulations but profound ethical principles reflecting His own righteousness. They underscore that integrity in all human dealings, especially commerce, is a fundamental expression of faithfulness to the covenant.
* **God as the Ultimate Judge and Standard-Bearer:** The imagery of God weighing the mountains ([[Isaiah 40:12]]) or human actions ([[Job 31:6]], [[Psalm 62:9]]) elevates `{{H3976}}` beyond a mere tool. It becomes a symbol of divine omniscience and sovereign authority. God is the ultimate assessor, whose scales are perfectly calibrated to truth, revealing the true worth or vanity of all things. This perspective invites humility and self-examination before a perfectly just God.
* **Condemnation of Injustice and Exploitation:** The prophetic denunciations of "false balances" ([[Hosea 12:7]], [[Amos 8:5]], [[Micah 6:11]]) highlight God's abhorrence of economic exploitation and social injustice. For the prophets, using dishonest scales was not only a breach of law but a spiritual offense, a betrayal of the covenant, and an act of oppression against the vulnerable. This demonstrates God's deep concern for the poor and marginalized and His unwavering commitment to righteousness in society.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3976}}` (מֹאזֵן, *môʼzên*), always appearing in the dual form, literally denotes "a pair of scales" or "balances." Derived from the root `{{H238}}` meaning "to weigh," its significance extends far beyond a simple instrument. Biblically, `{{H3976}}` serves as a powerful symbol of divine justice, righteousness, and integrity. God unequivocally commands the use of "just balances" ([[Leviticus 19:36]], [[Proverbs 11:1]]), thereby establishing a divine standard for ethical conduct in all human transactions and reflecting His own perfectly righteous character. Conversely, the prophets vehemently condemn "false" or "wicked balances" ([[Hosea 12:7]], [[Amos 8:5]], [[Micah 6:11]]), identifying such practices as an abomination to the Lord, a source of societal decay, and a direct affront to God's concern for the oppressed. Furthermore, `{{H3976}}` is employed to illustrate God's boundless power and meticulous precision, as He weighs creation ([[Isaiah 40:12]]) and assesses the true worth of humanity ([[Psalm 62:9]], [[Job 31:6]]). Thus, `{{H3976}}` encapsulates the profound biblical call to live in alignment with God's perfect standards of truth, equity, and justice in every facet of life.
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