### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **môʼzên**, represented by `{{H3976}}`, refers to a pair of **balances** or scales. It appears **15 times** across **15 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is used both in literal contexts, such as commerce and weighing goods, and figuratively, to represent concepts of divine judgment, justice, and the worth of individuals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3976}}` is used in literal commercial and legal transactions. For example, Jeremiah purchased a field and **weighed** him the money in the **balances** [[Jeremiah 32:10]]. It is also used in symbolic acts, as when Ezekiel is commanded to take **balances** to **weigh** and divide his hair [[Ezekiel 5:1]]. Metaphorically, the **balance** is used to illustrate God's immeasurable power, who **weighed** the mountains in scales and the hills in a **balance** [[Isaiah 40:12]]. It is also employed to assess the spiritual weight of humanity, which, when laid in the **balance**, is found to be lighter than vanity [[Psalms 62:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of measurement, commerce, and judgment:
* `{{H68}}` **'eben** (a stone; ... (divers) weight(-s)): This term for **stone** is also used to mean **weights** for a balance. The law commanded the use of just **weights** [[Leviticus 19:36]], and Proverbs warns that "Divers **weights**" are an abomination [[Proverbs 20:23]].
* `{{H4820}}` **mirmâh** (fraud; craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery): This word describes the corruption of commerce. It is directly linked to `{{H3976}}` in phrases like a "**false** balance" [[Proverbs 11:1]] and "the **balances** of **deceit**" [[Hosea 12:7]].
* `{{H8254}}` **shâqal** (to suspend or poise (especially in trade);... weigh): This primitive root is the verb for the action of weighing. It is used when Jeremiah **weighed** money in the balances [[Jeremiah 32:10]] and when Job asks to be **weighed** in an even balance [[Job 31:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3976}}` is significant, symbolizing God's standards for justice and righteousness.
* **Divine Standard of Justice:** God establishes the standard for all just commerce. The scripture states, "A just weight and **balance** are the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag are his work" [[Proverbs 16:11]]. This connects fair dealing directly to God's character.
* **Abomination of Deceit:** The corruption of this standard is a direct offense to God. A "**false** balance" ([[Proverbs 11:1]], [[Proverbs 20:23]]) or **balances** of **deceit** [[Hosea 12:7]] are described as an **abomination** `{{H8441}}` to the Lord. This is reinforced in the law, which commands, "Just **balances**, just weights... shall ye have" [[Leviticus 19:36]].
* **Metaphor for Judgment:** The balance serves as a powerful metaphor for divine evaluation. Job appeals to this imagery, asking to be **weighed** in an "even **balance**" so that God may know his integrity [[Job 31:6]]. Similarly, God's sovereignty is shown by treating the nations as "the small dust of the **balance**" [[Isaiah 40:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3976}}` is more than just an ancient tool for measurement. It functions as a critical symbol for justice, integrity, and divine judgment throughout the scriptures. From its literal use in trade, where honesty is commanded [[Ezekiel 45:10]], to its profound metaphorical use in weighing the worth of humanity [[Psalms 62:9]] and the power of God [[Isaiah 40:12]], the **balance** consistently points to the unchanging and perfect standard of the Lord.
TRV