mene, mene, tekel, upharsin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowLiterary, biblical, formal
Quick answer
What does “mene, mene, tekel, upharsin” mean?
A phrase from the biblical Book of Daniel, literally meaning 'numbered, numbered, weighed, and divided' in Aramaic, used to signify impending judgment or doom.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A phrase from the biblical Book of Daniel, literally meaning 'numbered, numbered, weighed, and divided' in Aramaic, used to signify impending judgment or doom.
A metaphor for a sudden, ominous warning of failure, downfall, or judgment; often used to denote a dire prediction or sign of imminent collapse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in usage; both treat it as a fixed literary/biblical phrase.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of biblical prophecy, judgment, and inescapable fate.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both; slightly more likely in academic/theological texts.
Grammar
How to Use “mene, mene, tekel, upharsin” in a Sentence
Used as a noun phrase; often preceded by 'like' or 'as' in similes.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically to describe a clear sign of corporate failure or market collapse.
Academic
In theological, literary, or historical discussions of biblical texts and symbolism.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Not used in technical fields; limited to humanities.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mene, mene, tekel, upharsin”
- Misspelling as 'mean, mean, teckel, upharsin' or similar variants.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'he mene'd the situation').
- Pronouncing 'upharsin' with a hard /p/ instead of /f/ (the 'ph' is /f/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very rarely, and only in literary, rhetorical, or theological contexts. It is not part of everyday vocabulary.
In Aramaic, 'tekel' means 'weighed', as in weighed on scales, symbolizing judgment.
Only metaphorically, to suggest an unmistakable sign of impending failure or doom for a project or company.
In British English: /ˌuːˈfɑːsɪn/. In American English: /ˌuˈfɑrsɪn/. The 'ph' is pronounced /f/.
A phrase from the biblical Book of Daniel, literally meaning 'numbered, numbered, weighed, and divided' in Aramaic, used to signify impending judgment or doom.
Mene, mene, tekel, upharsin is usually literary, biblical, formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the writing on the wall”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember: MENE (money is counted/measured), TEKEL (scales weigh), UPHARSIN (kingdom divided) – a sequence of judgment.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIVINE JUDGMENT IS AN INSCRIPTION / FATE IS A WRITTEN DECREE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the origin of 'mene, mene, tekel, upharsin'?