The phrase “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin” is an ancient Aramaic phrase found in the biblical Book of Daniel, specifically in Daniel 5:25. This phrase appears during the story of Belshazzar’s feast, where a mysterious hand writes these words on the wall, leading to the famous “writing on the wall” incident.
Breakdown of the Phrase:
- Mene (מְנֵא) – The term is repeated twice.
- Meaning: “Numbered.”
- Interpretation: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
- Tekel (תְּקֵל) –
- Meaning: “Weighed.”
- Interpretation: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
- Upharsin (וּפַרְסִין) – Sometimes written as “Peres” (פַּרְסִין) in the interpretation.
- Meaning: “Divided.”
- Interpretation: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.
Context:
- Aramaic: This language was widely used throughout the Near East during the time of the Babylonian Empire and later periods. It was the administrative language of empires and often used in trade and diplomacy.
- Biblical Setting: The phrase is a divine message delivered to King Belshazzar of Babylon. According to the narrative, the words were interpreted by the prophet Daniel to foretell the imminent downfall of Belshazzar’s kingdom.
Interpretation:
- Mene: Emphasizes that God has numbered the days of Belshazzar’s kingdom.
- Tekel: Highlights that Belshazzar has been judged and found lacking in worthiness.
- Upharsin/Peres: Indicates the division and end of Belshazzar’s reign, symbolizing the transfer of power to the Medes and Persians.
Conclusion:
“Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin” is an Aramaic phrase used in the biblical Book of Daniel to convey a divine judgment against King Belshazzar. The phrase underscores the themes of divine scrutiny, judgment, and the shifting of political power. Aramaic was a common language during this period, making the message accessible to the people of that time.