The Aramaic word tᵉqal, represented by H8625, carries the meaning to balance or be weighed. It appears 3 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. This term, known as Tekel, is famous for its role in the divine message written on the wall, where it signifies a moment of critical judgment and assessment.
The primary use of H8625 is found in the narrative of Daniel 5. It first appears as one of the cryptic words written on the wall: "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN" Daniel 5:25. The word's significance is then immediately clarified in the interpretation, where it is used as a verb to deliver a divine verdict: "TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting" Daniel 5:27. This passage directly links the noun "Tekel" to the action of being "weighed" for judgment.
Several related Aramaic words provide the full context for the judgment associated with H8625:
- H4484 mᵉnêʼ (numbered; Mene): This word appears alongside Tekel in the writing on the wall and signifies that God has numbered the days of the kingdom and is bringing it to an end Daniel 5:25-26.
- H6537 pᵉraç (to split up; divide, (U-) pharsin): The final word in the divine message, it declares the consequence of the judgment: the kingdom is to be divided Daniel 5:28.
- H3977 môʼzên (a pair of scales; balances): This is the instrument of judgment. One is weighed in the balances to determine their worth Daniel 5:27.
- H2627 chaççîyr (deficient; wanting): This word describes the negative outcome of being weighed, signifying that the person or kingdom has been found wanting Daniel 5:27.
- H7912 shᵉkach (to discover; find): This verb completes the verdict, stating that the deficiency was discovered or found as a result of the weighing process Daniel 5:27.
The theological weight of H8625 is centered on the concept of divine judgment.
- Symbol of Divine Judgment: The act of being weighed is a powerful metaphor for God's assessment of a ruler and his kingdom. The declaration, "Thou art weighed in the balances," serves as a direct and final judgment from God Daniel 5:27.
- Measure of Character: The weighing is not a physical measurement but a moral and spiritual evaluation. The result of being found H7912 wanting H2627 points to a profound failure to meet a divine standard Daniel 5:27.
- Irreversible Verdict: As part of the sequence "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN," the weighing (Tekel) is the pivotal assessment that confirms the kingdom will be finished and divided (Daniel 5:25, 5:28).
In summary, H8625 is a term of immense significance despite its limited use. It transforms from a mysterious word on a wall, Tekel, into a stark verb of divine action, to be weighed. Its singular context in Daniel establishes it as a permanent biblical symbol for final judgment, where human authority is measured against God's absolute standard and ultimately found wanting.
TRV