Daniel 5:25 — Word Study
WLCוּדְנָ֥ה כְתָבָ֖א דִּ֣י רְשִׁ֑ים מְנֵ֥א מְנֵ֖א תְּקֵ֥ל וּפַרְסִֽין׃
BSANow thisdên [therefore, as a result] is the inscriptionkᵉthâb [writing, written decree] thatdîy was writtenrᵉsham MENEmᵉnêʼ [mina, a unit of weight] MENEmᵉnêʼ TEKELtᵉqal [to weigh, a shekel] PARSINpᵉraç [to divide, split into parts]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וּדְנָ֥ה | and this | Conjunction, particle |
| כְתָבָ֖א | [is] writing the | Noun common both singular determined, particle |
| דִּ֣י | which | Conjunction |
| רְשִׁ֑ים | it was inscribed | Verb plural, third person masculine singular |
| מְנֵ֥א | mene | Noun common, both singular absolute |
| מְנֵ֖א | mene | Noun common, both singular absolute |
| תְּקֵ֥ל | teqel | Noun common, both singular absolute |
| וּפַרְסִֽין׃ | and pharsin | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Now this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. |
| KJV | ¶ And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. |
| ASV | And this is the writing that was inscribed: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. |
| YLT | and this [is] the writing that is noted down: Numbered, Numbered, Weighed, and Divided. |
| WEB | “This is the writing that was inscribed: ‘MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.’ |
| BBE | And this is the writing which was recorded, Mene, tekel, peres. |
The translations agree on the key terms of the inscription, maintaining the integrity of the message.
The sentence is structured around a main clause introducing the inscription, followed by the specific terms that convey the message.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Daniel 5:25
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Writing on the Wallgenerated
Daniel 5:25 presents a significant moment in the narrative where God communicates judgment through an inscription. This occurs during a feast hosted by King Belshazzar, where the king's actions provoke divine intervention. The inscription serves as a warning and a declaration of the fate awaiting the Babylonian kingdom, emphasizing the theme of divine sovereignty and accountability.
Cross References
The Key Word — מְנֵא, me.Ne'generated
The word מְנֵא (me.Ne') refers to a mina, which is a unit of weight used in ancient measurements. It is significant in this context as it indicates a measure of something being counted or assessed.
In this verse, the repetition of מְנֵא highlights the importance of the message being conveyed — that God has numbered the days of the king's reign. The use of a specific unit of weight underscores the gravity of the divine judgment.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations generally agree on the wording of the inscription.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb רְשִׁ֑ים (re.Shim) governs the sentence, indicating that the inscription was written. The structure is straightforward, with the subject being the inscription and the predicate describing the action of writing.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the inscription itself, which is central to the message being delivered. The clauses are connected logically, leading from the declaration of the inscription to the specific terms that follow.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint does not provide a direct translation for the Hebrew terms in this verse, but it captures the essence of the message. The absence of a Greek equivalent suggests a focus on the weight of the divine message rather than the specific wording.
This choice indicates a broader interpretation of the inscription's significance, aligning with the themes of judgment and accountability present in the text.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Daniel 5:25 records an inscription written on the wall during King Belshazzar's feast. The words MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN indicate God's judgment against the king's reign, emphasizing that his days are numbered and his kingdom will be divided.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The inscription signifies that God has numbered the days of Belshazzar's reign, weighed him, and found him wanting, leading to the division of his kingdom.
The repetition emphasizes the certainty and importance of the message, indicating that the king's time is definitively counted.
The units of measurement, like mina and shekel, symbolize the divine assessment of the king's actions and the weight of judgment.
This inscription highlights the theme of God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and the accountability of rulers before Him.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What does this inscription reveal about God's authority over nations and rulers?
- How can we apply the message of accountability in our own lives?
- In what ways do we see God's judgment in our world today?
- How does understanding this inscription change our view of divine justice?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Father Jerome comments on this passage, interpreting the inscription as a divine declaration of judgment against King Belshazzar.
Verses 25-28. "This is the inscription which has been set up: MANE, THECEL, PHARES. And this is the interpretation of the sentence: 'MANE' means that God has numbered thy kingdom and brought it to an end.Early Church Fathers on Daniel 5 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Daniel 5:25 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd this is the writing that was written,.... They are such and such letters, and so to be read, as follows: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN; which are Chaldee words, and may be literally rendered, "he
Read John Gill on Daniel 5 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, . MENE, TEKEL, - literally, numbered, weighed, and dividers.
Read Robert Jamieson on Daniel 5 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsDaniel 5:25 And this [is] the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, .Ver. 25. MENE, MENE, TEKEL, .] These words signify, He hath perfectly numbered, he hath weighed, and it falleth in pieces. They were the Samaritan characters, saith one, therefore the Babylonians could not read them, nor could the Jews understand them, though they knew the characters, because they understood not the Chaldee tongue as Daniel did. See on Daniel 5:8. Weemse.
Read John Trapp on Daniel 5 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(25) Mene . . .—It should be remarked that the word Mene, which occurs twice in the inscription, is found only once in the interpretation, and that the “Medes” who are mentioned in the interpretation are not spoken of in the inscription. Hence it has been conjectured that the second Mene was originally Madai, or Media. This, though it appears plausible, has no external support. The word Mene, “numbered,” is repeated twice for the sake of emphasis. The days of Babylon are numbered; it is God Himself who has numbered them. “Mene” is used in the double sense of “numbering” and “bringing to an end.” Similarly, “Tekel” implies both the act of “weighing” and the fact of “being light.” The “u” in…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Daniel 5 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 25. And this is the writing] Had the words been written in the Chaldean character, every wise man there, every one that could read the alphabet of his own language, could have read and interpreted them. Let it be observed, - 1. That the character which we now call Hebrew is the Chaldean character. 2. That the true Hebrew character is that which we call the Samaritan. 3. Daniel could easily read this, for it was the character used by the Jews previously to the Babylonish captivity. 4. It appears that it was simply on account of the strangeness of the character that the Chaldeans could not read it. I shall set down the words in both characters, by which the least learned reader may see…
Read AdamClarke on Daniel 5 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges25–28. The reading and interpretation of the writing.
Read Cambridge on Daniel 5 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleAnd this is the writing that was written - The Babylonians, it would seem, were unacquainted with the “characters” that were used, and of course unable to understand the meaning. See Daniel 5:8.
Read Albert Barnes on Daniel 5 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible25. This was intended to be a puzzle, and it has thoroughly served its purpose.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Daniel 5 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Now this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN.
“This is the writing that was inscribed: ‘MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.’
Now this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN.
“This is the writing that was inscribed: MENE, MENE, TEQEL, and PHARSIN.
Tyndale line
¶ And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
And this is the writing that was inscribed: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
And this is the writing that was inscribed, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
And this is the writing that he hath written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL UPHARSIN.
Strictly literal
And this is the writing that is written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
and this [is] the writing that is noted down: Numbered, Numbered, Weighed, and Divided.
and this [is] the writing that is noted down: Numbered, Numbered, Weighed, and Divided.
And this is the writing that was noted down, M'ne, M'ne, T'kel, Upharsin.
This is the writing that was done: 'Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Pharsin.'
From the Latin
And this is the writing that is written: MANE, THECEL, PHARES.
Simplified
What was written on the wall was this: ‘Number, number, weigh, divide.’
And this is the writing which was recorded, Mene, tekel, peres.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree in the wording of the inscription, with all eight words matched. This consistency reinforces the authenticity of the message conveyed in this passage.
וּדְנָ֥ה כְתָבָ֖א דִּ֣י רְשִׁ֑ים מְנֵ֥א מְנֵ֖א תְּקֵ֥ל וּפַרְסִֽין׃
8 of the 8 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Daniel 5:25
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
דְּנָה (denah) is an Aramaic word meaning 'this' and is used as a demonstrative pronoun. It can also imply 'therefore' or 'on account of this.' The entries indicate that it is an orthographical variation of another word, דָּן (dan), but do not provide specific Old Testament references.
דְּנָה 57 demonstr.pr.comm. this
base
H1836 דְּנָה, דֵּן
1836 den dane
(Aramaic) an orthographical variation of 1791; this:--
(afore-)time, + after this manner, here (-after),
one...another, such, there(-fore), these, this (matter), +
thus, where(-fore), which.
see HEBREW for 01791
דְּנָה (de.nah) — this.
demons pron
1) this, on account of this
adv
2) therefore
Adj | Pron — Conjunction · particleAC/Tm
כְּתָב (kethav) refers to writing or an inscription. It encompasses various forms of written communication, including decrees and requirements. The term is linked to the Aramaic word for prescribing or writing. The entries do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.
כְּתָב n.m. writing
base
H3792 כְּתָב
3792 kthab keth-awb'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 3791:--prescribing, writing(-ten).
see HEBREW for 03791
כְּתָב (ke.tav) — inscription.
1) a writing
1a) writing, inscription
1b) written decree, written requirement
Adj | Art — Noun common both singular determined · particleANcbsd/Ta
rit'-ing:
I. GENERAL
1. Definition
2. Inward Writing
3. Outward Writing
II. THE SYMBOLS
1. Object Writing
2. Image Writing
3. Picture Writing
4. Mnemonic Writing
5. Phonetic Writing
III. METHODS
IV. INSTRUMENTS
V. MATERIALS
1. Clay
2. Stone
3. Lead
4. Bronze
5. Gold and Silver
6. Wood
7. Bones and Skins
8. Vellum
9. Papyrus
10. Paper
11. Ink
VI. FORMS
1. The Roll
2. The Codex
VII. WRITING
1. Writers
2. The Writing Art
VIII. HISTORY OF BIBLICAL HANDWRITING
1. Mythological Origins
2. Earliest Use
3. Biblical History
LITERATURE
I. General.
1. Definition:
Writing is the art of recording thought, and recording is the making of permanent symbols. Concept, expression and record are three states of the same work or word. Earliest mankind expressed itself by gesture or voice and recorded in memory, but at a very early stage man began to feel the need of objective aids to memory and the need of transmitting a message to a distance or…
Writing
The art of writing must have been known in the time of the early Pharaohs. Moses is commanded “to write for a memorial in a book” (Ex. 17:14) a record of the attack of Amalek. Frequent mention is afterwards made of writing (28:11, 21, 29, 36; 31:18; 32:15, 16; 34:1, 28; 39:6, 14, 30). The origin of this art is unknown, but there is reason to conclude that in the age of Moses it was well known. The inspired books of Moses are the most ancient extant writings, although there are written monuments as old as about B.C. 2000. The words expressive of “writing,” “book,” and “ink,” are common to all the branches or dialects of the Semitic language, and hence it has been concluded that this art must have been known to the earliest Semites before they separated into their various tribes, and nations, and families.
There is no account in the Bible of the origin of writing. That the Egyptians in the time of Joseph were acquainted with writing of a certain kind there is evidence to prove, but there is nothing to show that up to this period the knowledge extended to the Hebrew family. At the same time there is no evidence against it. Writing is first distinctly mentioned in (Exodus 17:14) and the connection clearly implies that it was not then employed for the first time but was so familiar as to be used for historic records. It is not absolutely necessary to infer from this that the art of writing was an accomplishment possessed by every Hebrew citizen. If we examine the instances in which writing is mentioned in connection with individuals, we shall find that in all cases the writers were men of superior position. In (Isaiah 29:11,12) there is…
See BOOK.
דִּי (diy) is an Aramaic word meaning 'that,' functioning as a relative conjunction and a preposition in various contexts. It can indicate relationships such as 'who,' 'which,' or 'because,' and is used in adverbial phrases. The entries highlight its role in connecting clauses and marking possession.
דִּי part. of relation, who, which, that, used also as mark of gen. and conj. that, because
base
H1768 דִּי
1768 diy dee
(Aramaic) apparently for 1668; that, used as relative
conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial
phrases; also as preposition of:--X as, but, for(-asmuch +), +
now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, + what
(-soever), when, which, whom, whose.
see HEBREW for 01668
דִּי (di) — that.
part of relation
1) who, which, that
mark of genitive
2) that of, which belongs to, that
conj
3) that, because
Adj — ConjunctionAC
רְשַׁם (rsham) means to inscribe or sign, often implying the act of writing one's name. It can also refer to something being inscribed or signed. The word is derived from a related term, רָשַׁם (rsham), which has a similar meaning.
רְשַׁם vb. inscribe, sign
Pe. inscribe (prob. with one’s name, i.e.) sign
Pe‛îl
be inscribed, written
be signed
base
H7560 רְשַׁם
7560 rsham resh-am'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 7559:--sign, write.
see HEBREW for 07559
רְשַׁם (re.sham) — to sign.
1) to inscribe, sign
1a) (P'al) to inscribe, sign
1b) (P'al)
1b1) to be inscribed, be written
1b2) to be signed
Adj — Verb plural · third person masculine singularAVQp3ms
מְנֵא (mene') refers to a mina, a unit of weight or measurement, typically around 50 to 60 shekels. The term is derived from the Aramaic passive participle of a related word. It is mentioned in contexts related to weights in the Old Testament.
מְנֵא n.[m.] maneh, mina, a weight
base
H4484 מְנֵא
4484 mene' men-ay'
(Aramaic) passive participle of 4483; numbered:--Mene.
see HEBREW for 04483
מְנֵא (me.ne) — mina.
1) (P'al) mina, maneh
1a) a weight or measurement; usually 50 shekels but maybe 60 shekels
Adj — Noun common · both singular absoluteANcbsa
Mene
(Dan. 5:25, 26), numbered, one of the words of the mysterious inscription written “upon the plaister of the wall” in Belshazzar’s palace at Babylon. The writing was explained by Daniel. (See BELSHAZZAR.)
(numbered), the first word of the mysterious inscription written upon the wall of Belshazzar’s palace, in which Daniel read the doom of the king and his dynasty. (Daniel 5:25,26)
He is numbered; TEKEL, he is weighed; UPHARSIN, and they are dividing; Chaldee words supernaturally traced on the wall at Balshazzar’s impious feast, and significant of his impending doom, Da 5:1-31. The astrologers could not read them, perhaps because they were written in antique Hebrew characters; still less could they explain, even if they had dared to do it, what was so portentous. Daniel, however, received skill to understand and courage to declare their awful meaning; and the same night witnessed their fulfillment. Over how many proud heads often found in scenes of ungodliness and reveling, the hand that has recorded their past history is even now preparing to record their doom
who reckons or is counted
מְנֵא (mene') refers to a mina, a unit of weight or measurement, typically around 50 to 60 shekels. The term is derived from the Aramaic passive participle of a related word. It is mentioned in contexts related to weights in the Old Testament.
מְנֵא n.[m.] maneh, mina, a weight
base
H4484 מְנֵא
4484 mene' men-ay'
(Aramaic) passive participle of 4483; numbered:--Mene.
see HEBREW for 04483
מְנֵא (me.ne) — mina.
1) (P'al) mina, maneh
1a) a weight or measurement; usually 50 shekels but maybe 60 shekels
Adj — Noun common · both singular absoluteANcbsa
Mene
(Dan. 5:25, 26), numbered, one of the words of the mysterious inscription written “upon the plaister of the wall” in Belshazzar’s palace at Babylon. The writing was explained by Daniel. (See BELSHAZZAR.)
(numbered), the first word of the mysterious inscription written upon the wall of Belshazzar’s palace, in which Daniel read the doom of the king and his dynasty. (Daniel 5:25,26)
He is numbered; TEKEL, he is weighed; UPHARSIN, and they are dividing; Chaldee words supernaturally traced on the wall at Balshazzar’s impious feast, and significant of his impending doom, Da 5:1-31. The astrologers could not read them, perhaps because they were written in antique Hebrew characters; still less could they explain, even if they had dared to do it, what was so portentous. Daniel, however, received skill to understand and courage to declare their awful meaning; and the same night witnessed their fulfillment. Over how many proud heads often found in scenes of ungodliness and reveling, the hand that has recorded their past history is even now preparing to record their doom
who reckons or is counted
תְּקַל (teqal) primarily means 'to weigh' and is associated with the noun תְּקֵל (teqel), which refers to a 'shekel,' a unit of weight. The verb appears in Daniel 5:27, where it conveys the idea of weighing. The entries indicate a close relationship between the concepts of weighing and the shekel.
[תְּקַל] vb. weigh;—Pe‛îl Dn 5:27
ref
תְּקֵל n.[m.] shekel
base
H8625a תְּקַל weigh H8625b תְּקֵל shekel
8625 tqal tek-al'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 8254; to balance:--Tekel, be
weighed.
see HEBREW for 08254
תְּקַל (te.qal) — to weigh.
v
1) to weigh
1a) (P'il) to be weighed
תְּקֵל (te.qel) — shekel.
1) tekel, shekel
1a) (P'al) tekel-a unit of weight, shekel
Adj — Noun common · both singular absoluteANcbsa
פְּרַס (pras) means to break in two or divide. It appears in the context of splitting, particularly in Aramaic, and is associated with a measurement, specifically a half-mina or half-shekel. The word's usage is noted in Daniel 5:28.
[פְּרַס] vb. break in two;—Pe‛îl Dn 5:28.
ref
פְּרֵס prob. n.[m.] half-mina
base
H6537a פְּרַס break in two H6537b פְּרֵס prob. n. [m.] half-mina
6537 prac per-as'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 6536; to split up:--divide,
(U-)pharsin.
see HEBREW for 06536
פְּרַס (pe.ras) — to divide.
v
(P'al) to break in two, divide
Aramaic of pa.ras (פָּרַס "to divide" H6536)
פְּרֵס (pe.res) — half.
1) half-mina, half-shekel
1a) a unit of measure and weight
Adj | Nxxxa — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural absoluteAC/Ncmpa