תְּקַל (te.qal)
te.qal
to weigh; shekel
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew word teqal functions as both a verb meaning "to weigh" and a noun referring to a specific unit of weight, the shekel. In the biblical text, it appears only twice, both within the book of Daniel, where it anchors a dramatic narrative about divine judgment.
In Daniel 5:27, the term is central to the famous writing on the wall. The phrase "Tekel" identifies Belshazzar as having been weighed and found wanting. Here, the word moves beyond simple commerce or trade; it becomes a metaphor for moral and spiritual assessment. The king’s reign is measured against a standard he fails to meet.
The connection between the verb and the noun is significant. Just as a merchant uses scales to determine value in metal, God uses this concept to evaluate human character. The shekel was a standard measure of worth, but in this context, it highlights that true value is determined by faithfulness to God rather than political power or wealth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word teqal appears in a moment of sudden stillness during a royal banquet. It is not just about commerce or trade; it is a metaphor for how we measure our lives. When the writing appeared on the wall, it revealed that true value comes from faithfulness to God, not political power or wealth.
In Daniel 5:27, the phrase 'you are weighed in the balances' reminds us that our character matters deeply. This word invites you to reflect on what holds weight in your own life. It is an invitation to trust that God sees your heart and values your integrity above all else.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- teqel2×
- you have been weighed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תְּקֵ֥ל1×
- תְּקֵ֑ל1×
- תְּקִ֥ילְתָּה1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 5:25
“This is the writing that was inscribed: ‘MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.’
This verse introduces the mysterious writing where 'TEKEL' stands as a direct judgment against King Belshazzar's pride.
-
Daniel 5:27
TEKEL: you are weighed in the balances, and are found wanting.
Here the word is explained as a divine assessment, showing that the king was found lacking in spiritual weight and moral standing.