אֻכָל (u.khal)
u.khal
`worn out`
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The Hebrew word u.khal appears only once in Scripture, at Proverbs 30:1. It is a proper name identifying a man named Ucal, who is described as the son of Jakeh and the author of the sayings that follow.
Lexical sources note that this individual was likely active during the time of the United Monarchy. The name itself carries the sense of being "worn out" or "devoured," which some scholars link to a metaphorical meaning of a student or disciple who has been thoroughly instructed or consumed by wisdom.
Because the term is rare and its exact etymology is debated, translators often render it simply as a name. However, the underlying imagery suggests a person shaped by experience or learning, fitting for someone offering profound reflections on life and God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ucal appears just once in the Bible, attached to Agur’s collection of wise sayings in Proverbs 30. Its meaning, 'worn out,' offers a quiet picture of spiritual maturity. It suggests someone who has been shaped by long experience, perhaps feeling tired from life’s struggles but still offering wisdom.
This reminds us that true insight often comes through endurance. We do not need to have everything figured out instantly. God can use our weariness and our questions as part of a deeper understanding of His ways.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Ukal1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אֻכָֽל\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 30:1
The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the revelation: the man says to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:
This single occurrence identifies Ucal as the recipient of Agur’s revelation, linking the name 'worn out' to a moment of shared spiritual reflection.