### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word tᵉqal (`{{H8625}}`) directly corresponds to the Hebrew shaqal (`{{H8254}}`), carrying the primary meaning "to weigh" or "to balance." Its semantic range extends beyond mere physical measurement to encompass the act of evaluation, assessment, and judgment. In its biblical usage, particularly in the passive voice, it signifies "to be weighed" or "to be found in the balance," implying a divine audit against a set standard. This act of weighing is not simply quantitative but qualitative, determining worth, substance, and adherence to a prescribed measure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word tᵉqal (`{{H8625}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, specifically within the account of Belshazzar's feast and the enigmatic hand-written inscription. Its most prominent occurrence is in [[Daniel 5:25]], where it forms part of the divine message: "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin." Daniel's inspired interpretation in [[Daniel 5:27]] elucidates its profound meaning: "Tekel—you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient."
The context is crucial: King Belshazzar's sacrilegious use of the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple for his drunken revelry. This act of profound disrespect towards God's holiness precipitates the divine judgment. The "weighing" is therefore a judicial act, a divine assessment of Belshazzar's character, his reign, and his kingdom's spiritual integrity. The outcome—"found deficient"—is devastating, signaling a complete failure to meet God's righteous standards, leading to the immediate downfall of the Babylonian empire. This singular, yet powerful, usage underscores the word's function as a pronouncement of divine scrutiny and ultimate verdict.
### Related Words & Concepts
tᵉqal (`{{H8625}}`) is directly linked to the Hebrew verb shaqal (`{{H8254}}`), which also means "to weigh." While shaqal often appears in commercial or monetary contexts (e.g., weighing silver for payment), it similarly carries the broader connotation of assessment and evaluation. The concept of weighing in the balance is a pervasive biblical metaphor for divine judgment and justice, appearing in various forms throughout Scripture. Related concepts include:
* **Divine Judgment:** God as the ultimate arbiter, who assesses the hearts and actions of humanity ([[1 Samuel 2:3]], [[Proverbs 16:2]]).
* **Accountability:** The principle that individuals and nations are held responsible for their conduct before God ([[Romans 14:12]]).
* **Standard of Righteousness:** God's perfect and unyielding standard against which all are measured ([[Psalm 11:4-5]]).
* **Deficiency/Lack:** The consequence of failing to meet God's standard, leading to condemnation ([[Isaiah 59:2]]).
* **Scales/Balances:** Ancient symbols of justice, fairness, and accurate measurement, often associated with divine judgment ([[Job 31:6]], [[Proverbs 16:11]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of tᵉqal (`{{H8625}}`) is profound, serving as a stark reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and His meticulous scrutiny of all human affairs. It reveals several key truths:
1. **God as the Ultimate Judge:** tᵉqal unequivocally establishes God's prerogative to weigh and judge kings, kingdoms, and individuals. No human authority is beyond His divine audit.
2. **Divine Assessment of Character:** The "weighing" is not merely of deeds but of the very essence of a person or kingdom's character and alignment with God's will. Belshazzar's pride and sacrilege were weighed and found wanting.
3. **The Inescapability of Divine Standards:** The word highlights that there is an objective, divine standard of righteousness that humanity is called to meet. Failure to do so results in spiritual deficiency and consequential judgment. This foreshadows the broader biblical theme of humanity's inability to achieve righteousness on its own terms.
4. **Warning Against Pride and Sacrilege:** The immediate downfall of Belshazzar's kingdom after being "weighed and found deficient" serves as a solemn warning against arrogance, self-exaltation, and profaning what is holy to God.
### Summary
The Aramaic word tᵉqal (`{{H8625}}`), meaning "to be weighed" or "to be balanced," is a term of immense theological weight, appearing exclusively in [[Daniel 5:25]] and [[Daniel 5:27]]. As part of the divine inscription "Tekel—you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient," it signifies God's sovereign act of judgment and assessment. King Belshazzar's kingdom was subjected to a divine audit and, due to its sacrilege and pride, was found lacking against God's perfect standard, leading to its immediate collapse. tᵉqal powerfully underscores the principles of divine accountability, the pervasive nature of God's judgment, and the dire consequences of failing to meet His righteous demands, serving as an enduring biblical testament to the truth that all are ultimately weighed in the balances of divine justice. It directly parallels the Hebrew shaqal (`{{H8254}}`), which also denotes the act of weighing and evaluation.
TRV