Definition: TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 5:27. It’s a really interesting and slightly dramatic passage about honesty and pride! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Daniel was invited to a banquet by King Helios of Persia. He wanted to impress the king with his wealth and status, so he tried to indulge in some lavish treats – a huge portion of meat, wine, and even a golden cloak! What Happened Next? King Helios noticed Daniel wasn't eating enough. He asked him to show himself to him. Daniel, being a clever and proud man, boasted that he was the best weight-finder in all the world – he was incredibly skilled at balancing things. He declared he could measure everything with perfect accuracy. The Twist: King Helios then actually weighed Daniel! He used a special scale (the "tekel" part) and measured him. But…Daniel didn't quite meet the expected weight. He was only slightly heavier than it should have been. The Meaning – It’s About Pride & Honesty: This verse is a powerful message about pride and how it can lead to trouble. Here’s what it’s saying: Pride Hurts: Daniel's arrogance (his pride in his skill) caused him to be caught in a lie. He was trying to appear better than he actually was. Honesty is Key: The king isn't angry at Daniel, but he's disappointed that he wasn’t truthful about his weight. It shows the importance of being honest with yourself and others. It’s About More Than Just Numbers: The verse isn’t just about a simple weighing. It's about how pride can cloud your judgment and lead to actions that aren't right. In short, this verse is a reminder that bragging or trying to appear better than you are – without being honest – can have serious consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story in more detail? Give you some context about Daniel’s situation? Discuss what this verse might teach us about humility?