### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun mishqôwl (`{{H4946}}`) is derived from the verbal root shaqal (שָׁקַל, `{{H8254}}`), which means "to weigh," "to pay out by weight," or "to be weighed." Consequently, mishqôwl fundamentally denotes a "weight" in the sense of a standard object used for determining mass, or more broadly, the "amount" or "quantity" determined through the act of weighing. Its semantic range is quite focused, primarily referring to a physical measure of mass or the result of such a measurement. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, the concept of accurate and just weights was paramount for commerce and law, underscoring the practical and ethical significance of this term.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mishqôwl (`{{H4946}}`) appears in two distinct but closely related passages within the book of Ezekiel, both of which emphasize precise measurement and scarcity:
* In [[Ezekiel 4:10]], the prophet Ezekiel is commanded by God concerning his symbolic siege diet: "And your food which you eat shall be by *weight*, twenty shekels a day; from time to time you shall eat it." Here, mishqôwl (בְּמִשְׁקוֹל) specifies that Ezekiel's meager rations are to be meted out with extreme precision, signifying the severe famine that would accompany the siege of Jerusalem. The phrase "by weight" highlights the exactness and limitation of the supply.
* Similarly, in [[Ezekiel 4:16]], the Lord reiterates the impending judgment: "Moreover, He said to me, 'Son of man, behold, I am going to break the staff of bread in Jerusalem, and they will eat bread by *weight* and with anxiety, and drink water by measure and with horror.'" The repetition of "by weight" (בְּמִשְׁקוֹל) for bread, alongside "by measure" for water, underscores the meticulous and agonizing nature of the coming privation. It vividly portrays the desperation and fear that would grip the inhabitants as their most basic necessities were doled out in precise, insufficient quantities.
Both occurrences are found within the context of divine judgment against Jerusalem, illustrating God's precise and deliberate actions in bringing about the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relation to mishqôwl (`{{H4946}}`) is its verbal root shaqal (שָׁקַל, `{{H8254}}`), "to weigh." This root forms the basis for understanding mishqôwl as a concrete representation of the weighing process. Other closely related terms include:
* mo'znayim (מֹאזְנַיִם, `{{H3976}}`), meaning "scales" or "balances," the instrument used for weighing.
* sheqel (שֶׁקֶל, `{{H8255}}`), the "shekel," a common unit of weight and currency in the ancient world, also derived from the root shaqal.
Beyond direct lexical ties, mishqôwl is conceptually intertwined with the broader biblical theme of "just weights and measures." Numerous passages emphasize the divine imperative for fairness and honesty in commercial dealings, condemning deceptive practices (e.g., [[Leviticus 19:36]], [[Deuteronomy 25:15]], [[Proverbs 11:1]], [[Proverbs 16:11]], [[Proverbs 20:10]], [[Proverbs 20:23]], [[Micah 6:11]]). While mishqôwl specifically refers to the physical weight or measured quantity, it implicitly connects to the ethical dimension of using such measures with integrity, reflecting God's own character of righteousness and truth.
### Theological Significance
Though mishqôwl (`{{H4946}}`) appears infrequently, its theological significance is profound, particularly within its Ezekielian context. The command for Ezekiel to eat "by weight" (בְּמִשְׁקוֹל) serves as a powerful prophetic sign, demonstrating God's meticulous control and precision in executing judgment. It underscores that the impending famine and siege are not random calamities but carefully calibrated divine responses to sin. This precision in measurement reflects God's perfect justice and sovereignty; nothing is arbitrary or chaotic in His dealings with humanity. The suffering is a measured consequence, proportionate to the people's rebellion and unfaithfulness.
Furthermore, the concept embedded in mishqôwl resonates with the broader biblical truth that God is a God of order, measure, and exactitude. His judgments are righteous and true, meted out according to His perfect standards. The use of "weight" in judgment implies that human actions, both individual and corporate, are not overlooked but are precisely assessed before the divine scales of justice. Thus, mishqôwl stands as a tangible symbol of God's unwavering righteousness and the certainty of His measured responses to human conduct.
### Summary
mishqôwl (`{{H4946}}`) is a Hebrew noun derived from the root shaqal (`{{H8254}}`), meaning "weight" or "a measured quantity." Its primary biblical occurrences are found in [[Ezekiel 4:10]] and [[Ezekiel 4:16]], where it describes the precise, limited rations of food and water given to the prophet Ezekiel as a symbolic act of impending judgment and famine upon Jerusalem. This word is lexically related to the verb "to weigh" (`{{H8254}}`) and conceptually connected to the broader biblical theme of "just weights and measures," which underscores God's demand for integrity and fairness. Theologically, mishqôwl highlights God's meticulous precision and sovereignty in executing judgment, demonstrating that even suffering is meted out with divine exactitude, reflecting His perfect righteousness and the consequences of disobedience. It serves as a powerful reminder of the divine standard against which all things, including human conduct, are measured.
TRV