תָּכַן (ta.khan)
ta.khan
to measure
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb tachan carries the core sense of regulating or measuring with precision. It moves beyond simple calculation to imply establishing a standard of equity. In its basic form, it describes the act of estimating or weighing something to ensure it is level and correct. This concept appears in contexts ranging from physical measurements to moral assessments.
A key nuance lies in its passive forms, where actions are described as being "made even" or adjusted to a proper standard. This suggests that justice is not arbitrary but follows a consistent, measurable rule. For instance, when Proverbs speaks of dishonest scales, it uses this root to highlight the imbalance that violates divine order (Proverbs 11:1). The word implies that rightness is something that can be weighed and found lacking or sufficient.
The theological weight of tachan rests on its association with fairness. It is often used in Wisdom literature to contrast the crooked ways of the wicked with the straight, measured path of the righteous. Translators typically render it as "measure," "estimate," or "prepare," depending on whether the context is physical or ethical. The term underscores a universe governed by discernible principles of balance and truth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we look at our own lives, it is easy to feel that our intentions are clear and our actions are justified. We often see ourselves in a favorable light, believing our motives are pure. Yet this word reminds us that God does not rely on our self-perception. He looks past the surface to weigh the true center of who we are.
This is not a frightening concept but a comforting one. It means our lives are not chaotic or random. There is a divine standard of truth and balance that governs reality. Even when we feel uncertain, God sees the full picture of our hearts. He knows what we cannot see in ourselves.
Knowing that God weighs our motives with perfect fairness brings peace. We do not need to hide our flaws or pretend to be someone else. His judgment is based on complete knowledge and true equity. This assurance allows us to live honestly, trusting that He understands the depth of our journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ [is] weighing2×
- they are measured1×
- he has measured1×
- has he marked off?1×
- has he directed1×
- [one who] weighs1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/תֹכֵ֖ן2×
- תִּכֵּ֥ן1×
- תִּכֵּ֔ן1×
- תֹ֘כֵ֤ן1×
- תִכֵּ֥ן1×
- נִתְכְּנ֖וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 16:2
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the motives.
This verse contrasts human self-justification with God's ability to weigh motives, showing the word applies to internal character rather than just external acts.
-
I Samuel 2:3
“Don’t keep talking so exceedingly proudly. Don’t let arrogance come out of your mouth, for Yahweh is a God of knowledge. By him actions are weighed.
Here the term links God's knowledge directly to weighing actions, establishing that divine awareness includes precise evaluation of human behavior.
-
Isaiah 40:12
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and marked off the sky with his span, and calculated the dust of the earth in a measuring basket, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
The imagery of measuring waters and dust highlights God's infinite capacity to assess creation, emphasizing His power over all measurable things.