Book of Daniel - Chapter 5 - Verse 27
Meaning
When the Bible verse reads "TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting," it is referencing a story from the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament. The verse comes from a passage where King Belshazzar of Babylon held a great feast and used the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem for his own pleasure. During the feast, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote the words "TEKEL" on the wall, which Daniel later interpreted to mean that the king had been weighed on scales and found to be lacking in righteousness before God. This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of living a sinful and unrighteous life, as illustrated by the fate of King Belshazzar. It teaches us the importance of living a life in accordance with God's will and the consequences of straying from His path.
Theological Overview
When looking at the theological interpretation of the verse "TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting," we see a powerful message about accountability and judgment. In this verse from the Book of Daniel, we witness the prophet Daniel interpreting a mysterious message from God that was written on the wall during a banquet held by King Belshazzar. The word "TEKEL" means "weighed," indicating that ultimately, all individuals will be weighed or judged by God. The phrase "found wanting" highlights the fact that individuals will be evaluated against a standard of righteousness, and those who fall short will be found lacking. This verse serves as a reminder that our actions and choices have consequences, and ultimately, we will be held accountable for them. Through word studies and theological reflections on this verse, believers can contemplate the importance of living a righteous life and striving to meet God's standards of justice and righteousness.