a primitive root; to suspend in a balance, i.e. weigh; compare.
Transliteration:çâlâʼ
Pronunciation:saw-law'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H5537}}` (çâlâʼ) is a primitive root, conveying the fundamental action of "to suspend in a balance" or "to weigh." This core meaning implies a precise and deliberate measurement, often for the purpose of evaluation or assessment. The nuance of "suspending" suggests a careful, perhaps even delicate, act of holding something up for scrutiny. While the base definition also includes "compare," this is an inherent aspect of weighing, as an object's weight is determined by comparison against a known standard or another object. Thus, the semantic range extends from the literal act of weighing to the metaphorical act of evaluating, assessing, and judging.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H5537}}` is exceedingly rare in the Masoretic Text, appearing only twice, both within the book of Job. Its limited occurrences, however, are highly impactful and contribute significantly to the theological discourse of the book.
1. **[[Job 6:2]]**: "For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; therefore my words are swallowed up."
* Here, the Hiphil form, וְיִסָּלֶה (wəyissāleh), is used, meaning "it would be weighed" or "it would be lifted up/balanced." Job is lamenting the immense, immeasurable weight of his grief and suffering, asserting that if it were weighed, it would exceed the sands of the sea. The passive construction emphasizes that his suffering *is* being weighed, perhaps by God or by the sheer reality of his condition, and it is found to be beyond human comprehension or measure. This usage highlights the profound depth and burden of Job's anguish.
2. **[[Job 31:6]]**: "Let me be weighed in a just balance, and let God know my integrity."
* In this instance, the Niphal form, יִסְלֵנִי (yislēnî), is employed, meaning "let me be weighed." As part of his final defense and oath of innocence, Job appeals directly to God, challenging Him to weigh his actions and character on a perfectly just scale. This is a powerful assertion of his integrity and a profound expression of confidence in divine justice. Job is not asking for mercy but for an impartial assessment, trusting that his righteousness will be revealed under God's scrutiny.
In both contexts, the act of "weighing" transcends a mere physical measurement, carrying profound moral and theological implications related to divine assessment, human suffering, and integrity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of weighing and divine assessment is a recurring theme in the Hebrew Bible, often expressed through other roots and terms:
* **`{{H8254}}` (šāqal)**: This is the most common Hebrew verb for "to weigh," frequently used in commercial contexts (e.g., [[Genesis 23:16]] where Abraham weighs silver). It can also be used metaphorically for weighing words or actions.
* **`{{H6481}}` (pālāś)**: Meaning "to weigh," "to make level," or "to make smooth." This root often appears in contexts of weighing paths or actions, implying careful consideration and discernment (e.g., [[Proverbs 4:26]], [[Isaiah 26:7]]).
* **`{{H3976}}` (mô'znayim)**: This noun refers to a "pair of scales" or "balances," the instrument used for weighing (e.g., [[Leviticus 19:36]]).
* **Concepts**: Beyond specific words, `{{H5537}}` is intrinsically linked to broader biblical concepts such as divine judgment, justice, integrity, righteousness, accountability, and the ultimate vindication of the upright. The image of God weighing actions or hearts is a powerful metaphor for His omniscience and perfect equity.
### Theological Significance
The rare but potent appearances of `{{H5537}}` in Job underscore a critical aspect of God's character and His interaction with humanity.
1. **Divine Empathy and Acknowledgment of Suffering**: In [[Job 6:2]], the "weighing" of Job's suffering implies that even God, in His infinite wisdom, would find his anguish to be of immense and perhaps immeasurable weight. This speaks to the depth of human suffering and God's profound awareness and acknowledgment of it, suggesting that no pain is too great or too obscure to escape His divine scales.
2. **God as the Just and Omniscient Judge**: [[Job 31:6]] presents a powerful theological statement about God's role as the ultimate arbiter of truth and justice. Job's plea to be weighed in a "just balance" (מֹאזְנֵי־צֶדֶק - mo'znê-tzedeq) affirms his belief in God's perfect justice and His ability to discern the deepest integrity of the human heart. This passage assures believers that God is not arbitrary but operates with perfect equity, assessing actions, motives, and character with absolute precision. It highlights the theme of divine accountability and the ultimate vindication of the righteous.
3. **The Standard of Divine Evaluation**: The act of weighing implies a standard. For Job, this standard is divine justice and truth, against which he confidently presents his life. This reinforces the biblical understanding that human lives, actions, and even suffering are not without meaning or consequence but are known and evaluated by a righteous God.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H5537}}` (çâlâʼ) signifies "to weigh" or "to suspend in a balance," carrying the profound implication of precise evaluation and judgment. Though appearing only twice in the Masoretic Text, both instances in the book of Job are highly significant. In [[Job 6:2]], it describes the immeasurable weight of Job's suffering, implying divine acknowledgment of its depth. In [[Job 31:6]], Job's plea to be "weighed in a just balance" powerfully invokes God's role as the righteous judge who perfectly assesses human integrity. This rare but potent word underscores the biblical truth of God's meticulous justice, His comprehensive knowledge of human experience, and the ultimate accountability before His divine scales. It connects to broader themes of divine judgment, truth, and the vindication of the upright.
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