### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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).
### Summary
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