מֹאזֵן
(only in the dual) a pair of scales
Definition
The Hebrew word מֹאזֵן (môʼzên) refers specifically to a pair of scales or balances, used for weighing goods. It appears only in the dual form, emphasizing the two pans of the scale. In the Bible, it is a concrete symbol for measurement, justice, and evaluation. For instance, in Proverbs 11:1 and 16:11, it represents God's standard of honest commerce and righteous judgment, while in Job 31:6, it metaphorically signifies the weighing of a person's integrity.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in poetic and legal contexts concerning justice, commerce, and divine assessment. It appears in the Law (Leviticus 19:36), Wisdom literature (Job 6:2, 31:6; Proverbs 11:1, 16:11, 20:23; Psalm 62:9), and Prophecy (Isaiah 40:12). A clear pattern is its association with righteousness: honest scales are an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 11:1), and false scales are condemned (Proverbs 20:23). In Isaiah 40:12, it illustrates God's immeasurable power, as He has 'weighed the mountains in scales.'
Etymology
Derived from the root אָזַן (ʼāzan, H239), meaning 'to weigh' or 'to balance.' This root is also related to the word for 'ear' (אֹזֶן, ʼōzen), possibly suggesting the idea of 'listening' or 'perceiving' weight/balance. The noun מֹאזֵן is formed in the dual to denote the two balancing pans of the scale.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as a powerful metaphor for divine justice, truth, and evaluation. Honest scales (מֹאזְנֵי צֶדֶק) are directly tied to God's character (Proverbs 16:11) and His requirement for human integrity in Leviticus 19:36. It enriches the reading of passages about God weighing the heart (Proverbs 16:2) or actions (Job 31:6), and underscores that all things—even mountains—are measured by His sovereign standard (Isaiah 40:12).
In ancient Israelite culture, scales were essential tools for trade in markets, typically a balance beam with two pans. Accurate weights and measures were a matter of social justice and covenant faithfulness, as dishonest scales exploited the poor and violated God's law. The cultural understanding goes beyond a mere tool; it was a daily, tangible symbol of ethical conduct under God's watch.
פֶּלֶס (peles, H6425) — a level, a scale for weighing; often used in parallel with מֹאזֵן (Isaiah 40:12). אֶבֶן (ʼeben, H68) — a stone weight used with the scales; refers to the standard itself. צֶדֶק (tsedeq, H6664) — righteousness; often modifies מֹאזֵן to mean 'just scales' (Leviticus 19:36).
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →