Lexical Summary Ukal: Ukal Original Word: אֻכָל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ucal Or mukkal {ook-kawl'}; apparently from 'akal; devoured; Ucal, a fancy name -- Ucal. see HEBREW 'akal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom akal Definition an Isr. name NASB Translation Ucal (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs וְאֻכָֿל Proverbs 30:1 read וָאֵכֶל & see כלה. Topical Lexicon Entry: Ucal (Strong’s Hebrew 401) Biblical Occurrence Ucal is mentioned once in the Old Testament, in the superscription to the sayings of Agur: “The words of Agur son of Jakeh, the oracle. This man declares to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal:” (Proverbs 30:1). Literary Setting Proverbs 30 presents a collection of wisdom sayings distinguished from the Solomonic proverbs that precede them. The opening verse functions like the title page of a small anthology. Agur, identified as “son of Jakeh,” addresses (or dedicates) his reflections to two individuals, Ithiel and Ucal. Their inclusion frames the chapter as an intimate teaching session in which a sage delivers hard-won insights to trusted hearers. The personal address heightens the sense that the wisdom to follow is not abstract philosophy but counsel intended for real people who must live faithfully in a complex world. Identity and Role Scripture gives no further biographical data about Ucal. His name sits alongside Ithiel, suggesting a fellow learner or possibly a patron who commissioned Agur’s sayings. Jewish tradition sometimes treats the pair as disciples; some Christian commentators follow that reading and see Agur in the role of teacher addressing two earnest students. Others note that the Hebrew consonants could be read as a short prayer (“I am weary, O God… and worn out”), but the Masoretic vocalization and the Berean Standard Bible both regard Ucal as a proper name. Either way, the narrative force remains: divine wisdom is being imparted to receptive hearts. Textual Background The appearance of personal names in a wisdom inscription is unusual and therefore significant. Their presence roots the teaching in history and implies accountability: Ithiel and Ucal can verify—and are expected to embody—the truths Agur sets forth. Variants in ancient versions (notably the Septuagint) reflect the ambiguity inherent in the consonantal Hebrew text, yet the canonical form preserved in the Hebrew Bible has been received by both Jewish and Christian communities as inspired Scripture, testifying to the providential care with which God safeguards His word. Theological Themes Highlighted by Ucal’s Mention 1. Discipleship: The verse illustrates a classical pattern—a wise mentor instructing faithful listeners. The New Testament often mirrors this structure (for example, Paul with Timothy), underscoring the trans-generational transfer of godly wisdom. Historical Reception • Rabbinic Literature: Some rabbis allegorized Ucal, equating the name with Israel’s ability (“he will prevail”) to keep Torah even when weary. Ministry Significance Today 1. Modeling Mentorship: Leaders can emulate Agur by imparting learned, tested wisdom to specific believers. Ucal provides a biblical precedent for naming and investing in particular disciples. Practical Reflection When reading Proverbs 30 aloud or teaching it, one can pause at Ucal’s name to remind listeners that Scripture addresses people personally. The mention of Ucal quietly urges every believer to step into his place: a receptive learner, poised to receive and practice the fear of the LORD that is “the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Forms and Transliterations וְאֻכָֽל׃ ואכל׃ veuChal wə’uḵāl wə·’u·ḵālLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 30:1 HEB: לְאִֽיתִיאֵ֑ל לְאִ֖יתִיאֵ֣ל וְאֻכָֽל׃ NAS: to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal: KJV: even unto Ithiel and Ucal, INT: to Ithiel to Ithiel and Ucal 1 Occurrence |
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