from שָׁקַל; weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act); (full) weight.
Transliteration:mishqâl
Pronunciation:mish-kawl'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מִשְׁקָל (transliterated *mishqâl*), Strong's H4948, is derived from the verbal root שָׁקַל (*shaqal*, `{{H8254}}`), meaning "to weigh" or "to pay by weight." As such, *mishqâl* primarily denotes "weight" in the sense of the measurable heaviness or mass of an object. Its semantic range extends to encompass:
1. **The actual weight of an item:** This is the most common usage, referring to a specific quantity determined by weighing, often in units like shekels or talents.
2. **The act or process of weighing:** Though less frequent, it can implicitly refer to the process by which a weight is ascertained.
3. **A measured or estimated quantity:** The base definition notes "numerically estimated," indicating that *mishqâl* refers to a precise, calculated amount.
4. **"Full weight":** In contexts where accuracy is paramount, especially regarding precious materials or offerings, *mishqâl* implies a complete and accurate measure, contrasting with fraudulent or short weights.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *mishqâl* appears approximately 30 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in narrative and historical books, particularly those detailing the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple, and the accounting of resources. Its usage highlights precision, value, and abundance:
* **Tabernacle and Temple Construction:** A significant number of occurrences relate to the precise accounting of precious metals—gold, silver, and bronze—used in the construction of sacred objects and the Tabernacle/Temple. For example, [[Exodus 38:29]] meticulously records "the bronze of the wave offering was seventy talents and two thousand four hundred shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary," where *mishqâl* specifies the exact weight. Similarly, in [[Numbers 7:13]], it details the "weight" of the silver plate offered by Nahshon. This recurring theme underscores the divine demand for exactitude and the immense value placed on the materials dedicated to God's service. David's preparations for the Temple also feature *mishqâl* prominently, as seen in [[1 Chronicles 22:14]], where he provided "a hundred thousand talents of gold, and a million talents of silver, and bronze and iron beyond *weight* (i.e., beyond measure)." This latter usage signifies an immeasurable abundance.
* **Military Contexts:** *Mishqâl* is also employed to describe the weight of military equipment, emphasizing its formidable nature. A notable instance is [[1 Samuel 17:5]], describing Goliath's coat of mail, whose "weight" was "five thousand shekels of bronze," highlighting the giant's immense strength and the formidable challenge he posed.
* **General Inventory and Valuation:** Beyond sacred and military contexts, *mishqâl* functions as a standard term for the measured weight of various commodities, contributing to detailed inventories and valuations in ancient Israelite society, reflecting careful record-keeping and resource management. For instance, [[1 Chronicles 29:4]] speaks of the gold and silver given "by weight" for the Temple.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning and implications of *mishqâl* are enriched when viewed alongside related Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **Root Verb:** The most direct relation is to the verb שָׁקַל (*shaqal*, `{{H8254}}`), "to weigh," from which *mishqâl* is derived. This connection emphasizes the action that produces the "weight."
* **Units of Weight:** Terms like שֶׁקֶל (*sheqel*, `{{H8255}}`), a unit of weight and currency, and כִּכָּר (*kikkār*, `{{H3603}}`), "talent" (a larger unit of weight), are frequently associated with *mishqâl* as they specify the units in which the weight is expressed.
* **Weighing Instruments:** מֹאזְנַיִם (*mo'znayim*, `{{H3976}}`), meaning "scales" or "balances," represents the instrument used to determine *mishqâl*.
* **Standard Weights:** While *mishqâl* refers to the weight itself, the concept of standard "weights" (often stones, אֶבֶן, *even*, `{{H68}}`) used on scales is intrinsically linked. The biblical emphasis on "just weights" ([[Deuteronomy 25:15]]; [[Proverbs 11:1]]) underscores the ethical dimension inherent in all measurements.
* **Concepts of Precision and Integrity:** The frequent appearance of *mishqâl* in contexts of sacred offerings and construction implicitly connects it to the broader biblical themes of divine order, human accountability, and the necessity of integrity in all dealings, especially those pertaining to God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *mishqâl* extends beyond a mere quantitative measurement, touching upon divine character, human responsibility, and the nature of worship:
* **Divine Demand for Precision and Holiness:** The meticulous use of *mishqâl* in the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple ([[Exodus 38:29]]; [[Numbers 7:13]]) reveals God's demand for absolute precision and adherence to His divine blueprint. This reflects His own perfect order and holiness, indicating that what is offered or built for Him must be of exact and full measure, without deficiency. It signifies that worship and service are not to be casual or approximate but are to reflect divine standards of excellence.
* **Stewardship and Full Measure:** In contexts of offerings and contributions ([[1 Chronicles 29:4]]), *mishqâl* underscores the principle of stewardship. The careful weighing of precious metals and materials for God's house highlights the expectation that His people offer their resources with integrity and in full measure. This implicitly contrasts with any form of deceit or withholding, echoing the broader biblical call for honesty in all transactions, both human and divine.
* **God's Immeasurable Abundance:** In instances like [[1 Chronicles 22:14]], where resources are described as "beyond *weight*," *mishqâl* points to an abundance that surpasses human capacity for measurement. This usage serves as a powerful metaphor for God's limitless provision, blessings, and the overwhelming scale of His glory or the resources dedicated to His purposes. It suggests that some divine realities transcend finite human quantification and estimation.
* **Ethical Implications of Justice:** While *mishqâl* itself is a neutral term for "weight," its presence within a legal and ethical framework that mandates "just weights" ([[Leviticus 19:36]]; [[Deuteronomy 25:15]]) imbues it with moral significance. The expectation of a "full weight" (implied by accurate *mishqâl*) reflects God's character as just and righteous, calling His people to embody similar integrity in their commercial and personal dealings.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מִשְׁקָל (*mishqâl*, `{{H4948}}`), derived from the root *shaqal* (`{{H8254}}`), fundamentally denotes "weight" or "the act of weighing." Its usage in the Old Testament, particularly in descriptions of sacred architecture and resource management, reveals its importance in conveying precision, value, and abundance. Theologically, *mishqâl* underscores God's demand for meticulous adherence to His standards in worship and service, highlights principles of faithful stewardship and full measure in offerings, and occasionally points to the immeasurable greatness of divine provision. Ultimately, the concept of *mishqâl* contributes to the biblical emphasis on accuracy, integrity, and the recognition of divine standards in all matters of measure and value, reflecting God's own perfect and righteous character.
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