Daniel 5 27

Daniel 5:27 kjv

TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.

Daniel 5:27 nkjv

TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting;

Daniel 5:27 niv

Tekel : You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.

Daniel 5:27 esv

TEKEL, you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting;

Daniel 5:27 nlt

Tekel means 'weighed' ? you have been weighed on the balances and have not measured up.

Daniel 5 verses

Daniel 5 27 Meaning

This verse pronounces the division and destruction of Belshazzar's kingdom, attributed to God's judgment for his wickedness and disrespect towards the sacred vessels of the Temple. The kingdom is given to the Medes and Persians.

Daniel 5 27 Context

The verse is part of the narrative of Belshazzar's feast, where he profaned the holy vessels taken from the Temple in Jerusalem. This act of sacrilege incurred God's wrath. The writing on the wall, interpreted by Daniel, delivers a stark prophecy of the kingdom's imminent doom. Historically, this occurred during the fall of Babylon to Cyrus the Great and the Medes in 539 BC, signifying the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. The chapter and its contents serve to contrast the spiritual fidelity of those who fear God with the arrogance and blasphemy of worldly rulers, highlighting God's sovereign control over nations and history.

Daniel 5 27 Word Analysis

• Tekel (תְּקֵל):

  • Aramaic word, directly translated as "you are weighed."
  • Comes from the root root verbal stem šəqá l, meaning "to weigh."
  • Signifies a measurement or valuation.
  • It's a passive participle, indicating an action performed upon someone or something.
  • Theologically, it refers to an objective and divine assessment of character and actions.
  • Similar to the concept in Proverbs 16:2, "but the LORD weigheth the spirits."

• Thy (אַנְתְּ):

  • Aramaic word for "you" (masculine singular).
  • Refers directly to King Belshazzar.

• Art weighed (שְׁקִילֶתָּ):

  • Passive participle of the verb šəqá l, meaning "to weigh" or "to be weighed."
  • Implies a judgment process, a careful assessment.
  • The use of the passive voice emphasizes that God is the one performing the weighing, not human agents.

• In the balances (בְּמַאזְנַיָּא):

  • From the noun ma zənā, meaning "balances" or "scales."
  • Evokes the image of a measuring device used for justice and fairness.
  • Reinforces the idea of a precise, impartial judgment.
  • Ancient balances were common tools for trade and evaluation, making the metaphor easily understood.
  • It contrasts with arbitrary or biased human judgment.

• And art found (וְאִיתַּי):

  • Wə-ʾîṯṯā – "and you are."
  • Connects the weighing process to the discovered outcome.

• Wanting (הַדַּרְתָּ):

  • From the root verb ḏ had r, meaning "to be light," "to be wanting," or "to be deficient."
  • Signifies a failure to meet a required standard or weight.
  • In the context of divine judgment, it means falling short of God's righteousness or just requirements.
  • It implies a deficiency in character, moral accountability, or spiritual standing.
  • It’s the opposite of being sufficient or approved.

• Words Group Analysis: The phrase "Tekel; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting" (תְּקֵל: אֲנָא שְׁקִילֶתָּ בְּמַאזְנַיָּא וְהִתְאַפְּּיפֶיתָּ הַדְּרָתָא) paints a vivid picture of divine accountability. The initial "Tekel" serves as the verdict of the weighing process. The subsequent phrase elaborates on this verdict, specifying how the weighing occurred (in balances) and the result (found wanting). This forms a complete declaration of judgment: assessment, method, and outcome.

Daniel 5 27 Bonus Section

The inscription "Tekel" is a feminine Aramaic form, likely referring to the weight of the kingdom or the scale itself being light, though traditionally understood as the king's personal deficiency. However, its grammatical form can be interpreted to weigh the entire system Belshazzar represents. The pairing of "Tekel" with "Peres" (Division), mentioned in the following verse, reinforces this sense of falling short. The concept of being "weighed and found wanting" directly connects to the consequences detailed in the subsequent verses, demonstrating the immediate and logical progression of divine justice from pronouncement to execution. This prophetic message emphasizes that God sees beyond outward appearances and judges the true inner character and accountability of leaders and nations.

Daniel 5 27 Commentary

The inscription on the wall delivers a succinct yet profound judgment on Belshazzar and his kingdom. "Tekel" is a direct pronouncement of the king's assessed worth. The elaborate metaphor of scales highlights God's perfect and equitable justice. Unlike human judgments, which can be flawed or biased, God's assessment is absolute and infallible. Belshazzar, despite his vast wealth and power, is found deficient when measured against divine standards of righteousness, humility, and reverence for God's people and their sacred institutions. This finding directly leads to the judgment announced by Daniel: the kingdom's division and transfer. The verse serves as a timeless reminder that all human power and authority are ultimately subject to divine scrutiny and judgment. Our actions and character are continually weighed by God.