Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin
TextsWhat is the meaning of Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin in the Bible?
The words inscribed on the walls of Belshazzar's palace, interpreted by Daniel as indicating God's numbering of Belshazzar's kingdom and its impending end.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
This event is significant because it marks a turning point in the story of Daniel and the fall of Babylon.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/mene-mene-tekel-upharsin/