Bible Word Study
תָּכַן
tâkan · to balance, i.e. measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively, arrange, equalize
תָּכַן
to balance, i.e. measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively, arrange, equalize
Definition
The verb תָּכַן (tâkan) primarily means to measure or weigh something precisely, often in a literal sense of balancing scales (2 Kings 12:11). Figuratively, it extends to the idea of evaluating, arranging, or establishing something with careful judgment, such as God measuring the heavens (Isaiah 40:12) or evaluating human motives (Proverbs 16:2). In some contexts, it carries the sense of making something level, equal, or just, as seen when the earth's foundations are established (Psalm 75:3) or when actions are weighed (1 Samuel 2:3).
Biblical Usage
תָּכַן is used 13 times, primarily in poetic and wisdom literature (Job, Psalms, Proverbs). It appears in contexts of divine action, such as God measuring creation (Job 28:25, Isaiah 40:12) and judging human hearts (Proverbs 21:2, Proverbs 24:12). In historical narrative, it describes the literal weighing of silver (2 Kings 12:11). The word consistently conveys careful assessment, whether physical or moral.
Etymology
A primitive root, its core meaning relates to balancing or making level. Cognates in other Semitic languages suggest a base meaning of 'to be straight, right, or just.' The Hebrew development moved from physical measuring to metaphorical evaluating and establishing.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it highlights God's role as the ultimate measurer and judge. It underscores His omniscience in evaluating human motives (Proverbs 16:2) and His sovereignty in ordering creation (Isaiah 40:12). Understanding תָּכַן enriches reading by emphasizing that God's judgments are perfectly balanced and just, contrasting with human self-assessment. In ancient Near Eastern culture, precise weighing on scales was crucial for commerce and justice. The metaphorical use draws on this tangible image of balanced scales to communicate concepts of divine equity, fair judgment, and moral order, which would be immediately understood by the original audience. שָׁקַל (shāqal, H8254) — more specifically 'to weigh' as in commerce; פָּקַד (pāqad, H6485) — to attend to or visit, often for judgment or oversight; דִּין (dîn, H1777) — to judge or contend legally.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]