Balance

Easton, 1897

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 Ezekiel 40:3, Ezekiel 40:5; Ezekiel 42:16-18. There is another Hebrew word, mozena'yim, i.e., "two poisers", also so rendered (Daniel 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; Psalms 62:9; Proverbs 11:1). The expression denotes great want and scarcity in Revelation 6:5.