Tekel
TextsWhat is the meaning of Tekel in the Bible?
A Hebrew and Aramaic word meaning 'weighed', appearing in the prophetic inscription on the wall of Babylon found in Daniel 5:25-28, where it constitutes the second of four words written by a disembodied hand.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Tekel clarifies the specific metaphor of divine judgment in Daniel 5, where the king's reign is measured against a standard of righteousness and found deficient, providing context for the immediate transfer of power to the Medes and Persians.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Tekel 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 Tekel in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tekel clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Daniel 5:25-28
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
"Tekel." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/tekel/