Occurs in Leviticus 19:36 and Isaiah 46:6, as the rendering of the Hebrew kanch', which properly means "a reed" or "a cane," then a rod or beam of a balance. This same word is translated "measuring reed" in Ezek. 40:3,5; 42:16-18. There is another Hebrew word, mozena'yim, i.e., "two poisers", also so rendered (Dan. 5:27). The balances as represented on the most ancient Egyptian monuments resemble those now in use. A "pair of balances" is a symbol of justice and fair dealing (Job 31:6; Psalm 62:9; Proverbs 11:1). The expression denotes great want and scarcity in Revelation 6:5. 1. (n.) An apparatus for weighing.

2. (n.) Act of weighing mentally; comparison; estimate.

3. (n.) Equipoise between the weights in opposite scales.

4. (n.) The state of being in equipoise; equilibrium; even adjustment; steadiness.

5. (n.) An equality between the sums total of the two sides of an account; as, to bring one's accounts to a balance; -- also, the excess on either side; as, the balance of an account.

6. (n.) A balance wheel, as of a watch, or clock. See Balance wheel (in the Vocabulary).

7. (n.) The constellation Libra.

8. (n.) The seventh sign in the Zodiac, called Libra, which the sun enters at the equinox in September.

9. (n.) A movement in dancing. See Balance, v. i., S.

10. (n.) To bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights; to weigh in a balance.

11. (n.) To support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling; as, to balance a plate on the end of a cane; to balance one's self on a tight rope.

12. (n.) To equal in number, weight, force, or proportion; to counterpoise, counterbalance, counteract, or neutralize.

13. (n.) To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.

14. (n.) To settle and adjust, as an account; to make two accounts equal by paying the difference between them.

15. (n.) To make the sums of the debits and credits of an account equal; -- said of an item; as, this payment, or credit, balances the account.

16. (n.) To arrange accounts in such a way that the sum total of the debits is equal to the sum total of the credits; as, to balance a set of books.

17. (n.) To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally; as, to balance partners.

18. (n.) To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass; as, to balance the boom mainsail.

19. (v. i.) To have equal weight on each side; to be in equipoise; as, the scales balance.

20. (v. i.) To fluctuate between motives which appear of equal force; to waver; to hesitate.

21. (v. i.) To move toward a person or couple, and then back.

BALANCE

bal'-ans The English word "balance" is from the Latin bilanx = "having two scales" (bi = "two" and lanx = "plate," or "scale"). It is used to render three Hebrew words:

(1) mo'znayim (Leviticus 19:36 Job 6:2 Psalm 62:9 Proverbs 11:1 Isaiah 40:12, 15 Jeremiah 32:10, etc.);

(2) qaneh (Isaiah 46:6), and

(3) pelec (Proverbs 16:11).

It is found in the sing., e.g. "a just balance" (Proverbs 16:11); "a pair of balances" (Revelation 6:5, etc.), as well as in the plur., e.g. "just balances" (Leviticus 19:36), "weighed in the balances" (Daniel 5:27, etc.).

1. Balances among the Ancient Hebrews; the Parts, etc.:

(1) The "balances" of the ancient Hebrews differed little, if at all, from those used by the Egyptians (Wilkinson, Anc. Egypt (1878), II, 246). They consisted, probably, of a horizontal bar, either pivoted on a perpendicular rod (see Erman, Aegypten, I, 615 for similar Egyptian balances), or suspended from a cord and held in the hand, the more primitive form. At the ends of the bar were pans, or hooks, from which the things to be weighed were suspended, sometimes in bags.

A good description of the more developed and final form is this: A beam with its fulcrum in the middle and its arms precisely equal. From the ends of the arms were suspended two scales, the one to receive the object to be weighed, the other the counterpoise, or weight.

(2) The weights were of stone at first and are so named in Deuteronomy 25:13 King James Version, margin. A pair of scales (the King James Version "a pair of balances") is used in Revelation 6:5 by a figure of speech for the balance as a whole; only once is the beam so used, in Isaiah 46:6, literally, "weigh silver in the beam." Abraham, we are told (Genesis 23:16), "weighed the silver."

2. Probably of Babylonian Origin:

The basis and fountain-head of all systems of weights and measurements is to be traced, it is now thought, to Babylonia; but the primitive instruments and systems were subject to many modifications as they entered other regions and passed into the derivative systems. The Roman "balance" is the same as our steelyard (vulgarly called "stillyards"). Compare the Chinese, Danish, etc.

3. The System of Weighing Liable to Fraud:

Though the "balances" in ancient times were rudely constructed, the weighing could be done quite accurately, as may be seen in the use of equally primitive balances in the East today. But the system was liable to fraud. A "false balance" might be literally one so constructed that the arms were of unequal length, when the longer arm would be intended, of course, for the article to be weighed. The system was liable, however, to various other subtle abuses then as now; hence the importance in God's sight of "true weights" and a "just balance" is enforced again and again (see Leviticus 19:36 Proverbs 11:1; Proverbs 16:11; Proverbs 20:23 Amos 8:5 Micah 6:11, etc.).

4. "Wicked Balances" Condemned:

"A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh" (Proverbs 11:1; compare Proverbs 20:23), and "a just balance and scales are Yahweh's" (Proverbs 16:11). Hosea 12:7 condemns "the balances of deceit" in the hand of the wicked; Amos 8:5 (the King James Version) cries out upon "falsifying the balances by deceit," and Micah 6:11 denounces "wicked balances." Indeed, the righteousness of a just balance and true weights, and the iniquity of false ones are everywhere emphasized by the lawmakers, prophets and moral teachers of Israel, and the preacher or teacher who would expose and denounce such things in God's name today need be at no loss for texts and precedents.

See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

LITERATURE.

Wilkinson, Ancient Egypt; Erman, Egypt; Lepsius, Denkmaler; and articles on "Balance." etc., in Smith, DB, EB, Jewish Encyclopedia, HDB, etc.

George B. Eager

5007. talanton -- a balance, hence that which is weighed, ie a ...
... 5006, 5007. talanton. 5008 . a balance, hence that which is weighed,
ie a talent (about 3000 shekels in weight). Part of Speech ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5007.htm - 7k

2218. zugos -- a yoke
... of scales Definition: a yoke; hence met: (a Jewish idea) of a heavy burden, comparable
to the heavy yokes resting on the bullocks' necks; a balance, pair of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2218.htm - 7k

2476. histemi -- to make to stand, to stand
... to stand, stand Definition: trans: (a) I make to stand, place, set up, establish,
appoint; mid: I place myself, stand, (b) I set in balance, weigh; intrans: (c ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2476.htm - 11k

4996. sophronos -- with sound mind
... Cognate: 4996 (an adverb, derived from 4998 , "of true moderation") -- , reflecting
the radical-balance birthed within by faith from the Lord (used only in Tit ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4996.htm - 7k

2661. kataxioo -- to deem worthy
... 2661 (from 2596 , ", exactly according to," which intensifies 515 , "weighing as
much as, proportional") -- properly, to (on a balance-scale) which ; that ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2661.htm - 7k

4994. sophronizo -- to recall one to his senses, admonish
... [4994 () and 4993 () are both, and are both formed from the same root (4998 ).
4994 () emphasizes what the Lord reveals is true balance. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4994.htm - 8k

4346. prosklisis -- to cause to lean against
... 4346 (from 4314 , "towards" and 2827 , "incline") -- properly, the direction a
balance-scale because tipped one way; (figuratively) pre-inclination, , (undue ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4346.htm - 6k

4993. sophroneo -- to be of sound mind, ie to be temperate
... control. Cognate: 4993 -- properly, ; having a that reflects true balance.
For the believer, 4993 ("think shrewdly") reflects what . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4993.htm - 7k

4235. praos -- meek.
... Cognate: 4235 -- , ie the necessary balance of exercising power and avoiding harshness.
See 4236 (). Word Origin variant reading for praus, qv. meek. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4235.htm - 6k

728. arrabon -- an earnest (a part payment in advance for security ...
... be paid afterwards. 728 -- properly, an installment; a ("down-payment")
which the balance (the purchase-price). 728 ("down-payment ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/728.htm - 7k

Proverbs 11:1
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 16:1
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 20:23
Divers weights are an abomination to the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
Topicalbible.org

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Topicalbible.org

6425. peles -- a balance, scale
... 6424, 6425. peles. 6426 . a balance, scale. Transliteration: peles Phonetic
Spelling: (peh'-les) Short Definition: balance. Word ...
/hebrew/6425.htm - 6k

3977. mozanya -- a scale, balance
... 3976, 3977. mozanya. 3978 . a scale, balance. Transliteration: mozanya
Phonetic Spelling: (mo-zane') Short Definition: scales. Word ...
/hebrew/3977.htm - 6k

5541b. salah -- to weigh, balance
... salah. 5542 . to weigh, balance. Transliteration: salah Short Definition: valued. ...
root Definition to weigh, balance NASB Word Usage valued (2). 5541a, 5541b ...
/hebrew/5541b.htm - 5k

7070. qaneh -- a stalk, reed
... cane (2). balance, bone, branch, cane, reed, spearman, stalk. From qanah;
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for ...
/hebrew/7070.htm - 6k

5736. adaph -- to remain over, be in excess
... excess. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to remain over, be in excess
NASB Word Usage balance (1), excess (4), left over (4). be ...
/hebrew/5736.htm - 6k

4657. miphlas -- a swaying, poising
... layers (1). balancing. From an unused root meaning to balance; a poising --
balancing. 4656, 4657. miphlas. 4658 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4657.htm - 6k

8625. tqal -- to weigh
... Tekel, be weighed (Aramaic) corresponding to shaqal; to balance -- Tekel, be weighed.
see HEBREW shaqal. 8624, 8625. tqal. 8625a . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/8625.htm - 5k

5537. sala -- to weigh
... root Definition to weigh NASB Word Usage weighed (1). compare. A primitive root;
to suspend in a balance, ie Weigh -- compare. 5536, 5537. sala. 5538 . ...
/hebrew/5537.htm - 5k

3976. mozen -- balances, scales
... Word Origin from azan Definition balances, scales NASB Word Usage balance
(1), balances (5), scale (1), scales (8). a pair of scales. ...
/hebrew/3976.htm - 6k

8505. takan -- to regulate, measure, estimate
... A primitive root; to balance, ie Measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively,
arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling (ment. ...
/hebrew/8505.htm - 6k

Weigh in the Balance.
... Homily II. Chapter LI."Weigh in the Balance. Then Peter said: "If, therefore,
some of the Scriptures are true and some false, with ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter li weigh in the balance.htm

The Balance of Powers in Nature Shews that it is not God, Either ...
... Against the Heathen. Section 29. The balance of powers in Nature shews
that it is not God, either collectively, or in parts. And ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 29 the balance of.htm

By Divine Inspiration Philosophers Sometimes Hit on the Truth.
... And the truly holy Moses says: "There shall not be in thy bag a balance and a balance,
great or small, but a true and just balance shall be to thee," [922 ...
/.../exhortation to the heathen/chapter vi by divine inspiration philosophers.htm

Degeneration
... great salvation?" "Hebrews. "We have as possibilities either Balance, or
Elaboration, or Degeneration.""E. Ray Lankester. IN one ...
/.../drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/degeneration.htm

Foreword to the Second Edition
... It has been pointed out that a fundamental requirement in expounding the
Word of God is the need of preserving the balance of Truth. ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/foreword to the second edition.htm

The Following Things Throw Light on the Third Seal.
... If any one in his dreams has seen a balance, or a bell, as they call it, a species
of balance, justly weighing in a certain place, let him understand it, of ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/the following things throw light.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... Suppose even this world came in competition, (the gain of it now seems great gain,)
but I pray you, if ye laid all that world in the balance with your soul ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii but seek ye.htm

What is Our Free Will, which Stands in Between the Lust of the ...
... give itself up entirely to carnal desires, nor to throw itself into the exertions
which virtue calls for, is tempered as it were by a fair balance, while this ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xii what is our.htm

A Blow at Self-Righteousness
... a friend of humanity, the father of the poor; he employed the wealth of this world
only to procure the riches of the next; and leaving a balance of merit in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/a blow at self-righteousness.htm

The Answer on the Way to Keep Control Over Abstinence.
... abstinence, or allured by the wish for an excessive relaxation, and so weigh the
substance of our strength in the tongue of an unfair balance; but we should ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxii the answer on.htm

Balance (12 Occurrences)
... Occurs in Leviticus 19:36 and Isaiah 46:6, as the rendering of the Hebrew kanch',
which properly means "a reed" or "a cane," then a rod or beam of a balance. ...
/b/balance.htm - 18k

Weigh (24 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To examine by the balance; to ascertain the weight of, that is, the force
with which a thing tends to the center of the earth; to determine the ...
/w/weigh.htm - 14k

Trip (4 Occurrences)
... 3. (ni) To take a quick step, as when in danger of losing one's balance; hence,
to make a false; to catch the foot; to lose footing; to stumble. ...
/t/trip.htm - 9k

Weight (143 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The quantity of heaviness; comparative tendency to the center of the earth;
the quantity of matter as estimated by the balance, or expressed ...
/w/weight.htm - 43k

Rest (831 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) A short pause in reading verse. 9. (n.) The striking of a balance at regular
intervals in a running account. 10. (n.) A set or game at tennis. 11. ...
/r/rest.htm - 47k

Rider (26 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) A small forked weight which straddles the beam of a balance, along which
it can be moved in the manner of the weight on a steelyard. 11. ...
/r/rider.htm - 15k

Pallet (9 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) One of the pieces or levers connected with the pendulum of a clock, or
the balance of a watch, which receive the immediate impulse of the scape-wheel ...
/p/pallet.htm - 9k

Black (52 Occurrences)
... polishing with a brush. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HORSE, BLACK. (hippos
melas): Symbolic of famine ("balance. measure of wheat for ...
/b/black.htm - 24k

Cock (12 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) The indicator of a balance. 8. (n.) The bridge piece which affords
a bearing for the pivot of a balance in a clock or watch. ...
/c/cock.htm - 13k

Accurate (7 Occurrences)
... DBY RSV). Job 31:6 (let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know
my integrity); (See NAS). Proverbs 11:1 A false balance...
/a/accurate.htm - 8k

Balance (12 Occurrences)

Revelation 6:5 When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, "Come and see!" And behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a balance in his hand.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Leviticus 25:27 then let him reckon the years since its sale, and restore the surplus to the man to whom he sold it; and he shall return to his property.
(See NAS NIV)

Job 28:16 It is not set in the balance with gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, and the sapphire.
(DBY)

Job 28:19 The topaz of Ethiopia shall not be compared to it, neither shall it be set in the balance with pure gold.
(DBY)

Job 31:6 (let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know my integrity);
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Psalms 62:9 Surely men of low degree are just a breath, and men of high degree are a lie. In the balances they will go up. They are together lighter than a breath.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 11:1 A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh, but accurate weights are his delight.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Proverbs 16:11 Honest balances and scales are Yahweh's; all the weights in the bag are his work.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 20:23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Isaiah 40:12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and marked off the sky with his span, and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 40:15 Behold, the nations are like a drop in a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on a balance. Behold, he lifts up the islands like a very little thing.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT)

Isaiah 46:6 Some pour out gold from the bag, and weigh silver in the balance. They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god. They fall down-yes, they worship.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)

Balance

Weigh (24 Occurrences)

Trip (4 Occurrences)

Weight (143 Occurrences)

Rest (831 Occurrences)

Rider (26 Occurrences)

Pallet (9 Occurrences)

Black (52 Occurrences)

Cock (12 Occurrences)

Accurate (7 Occurrences)

Square (94 Occurrences)

Scale (38 Occurrences)

Reed (41 Occurrences)

Scales (33 Occurrences)

Weighed (44 Occurrences)

Balances (15 Occurrences)

Altogether (56 Occurrences)

Horse (62 Occurrences)

Empire (8 Occurrences)

Offset (3 Occurrences)

Lavish (2 Occurrences)

Lift (283 Occurrences)

Lifts (26 Occurrences)

Grasped (11 Occurrences)

Goldsmith (6 Occurrences)

Weighty (7 Occurrences)

Weighs (12 Occurrences)

Islands (32 Occurrences)

Isles (32 Occurrences)

Fin

Thereon (90 Occurrences)

Trim (4 Occurrences)

Tongue (160 Occurrences)

Reckon (34 Occurrences)

Even (10971 Occurrences)

Dream (82 Occurrences)

Delicacy (1 Occurrence)

Dreamer (4 Occurrences)

Drunkenness (10 Occurrences)

Meted (8 Occurrences)

Mote (6 Occurrences)

Moth (10 Occurrences)

Balamon

Bags (16 Occurrences)

Beam (17 Occurrences)

Blamelessness (2 Occurrences)

Bucket (1 Occurrence)

Beautiful (152 Occurrences)

Compared (29 Occurrences)

Comprehended (5 Occurrences)

Cast (640 Occurrences)

Caphtor (4 Occurrences)

Calculated (3 Occurrences)

Caphtorim (3 Occurrences)

Compare (22 Occurrences)

Change (109 Occurrences)

Shalem (1 Occurrence)

Speck (6 Occurrences)

Span (14 Occurrences)

Sway (7 Occurrences)

Sinlessness

Settle (63 Occurrences)

Diverse (15 Occurrences)

Accounted (32 Occurrences)

Carrying (88 Occurrences)

Innocents (2 Occurrences)

Thereto (26 Occurrences)

Vanity (100 Occurrences)

Massacre (1 Occurrence)

Satan (50 Occurrences)

Integrity (46 Occurrences)

Cross (157 Occurrences)

Nightmonster

Night-monster

Honest (34 Occurrences)

Broke (153 Occurrences)

Jezebel (20 Occurrences)

Drop (32 Occurrences)

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus