מֹאזֵן
𐤌𐤀𐤆𐤍
môʼzên
H3977 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Instrument for weighing—specifically, a device consisting of a beam and scales used for measuring out a quantity by balancing the weight of objects on both sides. Almost always occurs in the dual (מוֹאזְנַיִם), indicating the standard form is a pair of weighing pans, i.e., scales or balances. The word denotes the physical apparatus for precise measurement, especially of goods or silver, and can also function figuratively for justice, equity, or divine evaluation of actions.
Semantic Range
pair of scales, balance (for weighing), instrument for measuring weight; standard for judgment or evaluation (figuratively)
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew root אזן (ʾ-z-n), meaning 'to weigh' or 'to balance.' The core sense of the root is 'to make level,' from which derives the noun for 'scales,' an instrument that makes use of balancing weights. Cognate forms are found in related Semitic languages with similar weights and measures associations.
Historical & Contextual Notes
מוֹאזֵן occurs only in the Aramaic portions of the Hebrew Bible (e.g., Daniel 5:27), equivalent to the standard Hebrew מֹאזְנַיִם. In Aramaic, the singular form is used where Hebrew more commonly preserves only the dual. In the ancient Near Eastern world, balances or scales were central to commercial dealings and legal proceedings, symbolizing fairness. The idiom of being 'weighed in the scales' comes to represent measurement of moral or personal worth, as in Daniel's prophetic judgment. English translation as 'balances' or 'scales' is accurate in context, though the metaphorical nuance—especially in Daniel 5:27—extends far beyond the physical object. In later periods and translations (especially Greek and English), the word is frequently used metaphorically for assessment or divine judgment, which fits its symbolic value but may obscure its concrete meaning in historical texts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to מֹאזֵן; {(only in the dual) a pair of scales}; balances.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.
Root Family
אזן (Azaneyah) — to hear, to listen, to give ear
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H238 | אָזַן | I will cause to listen |
| H240 | אָזֵן | your broad-blade |
| H241 | אֹזֶן | their ear |
| H245 | אֲזַנְיָה | Yah has listened |
| H2970 | יַאֲזַנְיָה | and Yah has listened |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3977-01 |
בְ/מֹֽאזַנְיָ֖/א | vemozaneya | AR/Ncmpd/Td |
in-the-balances | in the weighing-scales | in the weighing-scales | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3977-01 |
Daniel 5:27 | בְ/מֹֽאזַנְיָ֖/א | vemozaneya | AR/Ncmpd/Td |
in-the-balances | in the weighing-scales | in the weighing-scales |