Lexical Summary token: Token, measure, standard Original Word: תֹּכֶן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance measure, tale From takan; a fixed quantity -- measure, tale. see HEBREW takan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom takan Definition a measurement NASB Translation quantity (1), quota (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. תֹּ֫כֶן noun masculineEzekiel 45:11 measurement; — construct לְבֵנִים ׳ת Exodus 5:18 (J) the measurement, tale, of bricks; absolute Ezekiel 45:11 capacity (of ephah and bath). Topical Lexicon Tokhen (Strong’s Hebrew 8506)Overview The term denotes a fixed amount, set measure, or prescribed quota. Although it appears only twice, its placement at strategic moments—first in the oppression of Israel in Egypt and later in Ezekiel’s vision of a restored sanctuary—creates a striking contrast between unrighteous and righteous standards. Canonical Occurrences 1. Exodus 5:18 – “Go now and work. No straw will be given to you, yet you must deliver your full quota of bricks.” Historical Setting • Egypt (Exodus) used brick-making quotas to break the spirit of the Hebrew slaves. The “full quota” represented a demand without provision, turning an otherwise neutral concept of measure into an instrument of tyranny. Theological and Ethical Implications 1. Contrast of Standards – Pharaoh’s tokhen: oppressive and arbitrary. – God’s tokhen: just and consistent. Scripture consistently reproves false measures (Leviticus 19:35-36; Proverbs 11:1) and upholds accurate ones as reflections of divine righteousness. 2. Holiness and Worship – Ezekiel’s temple requires standardized measures so that offerings will “be acceptable” (compare Ezekiel 43:27). Tokhen thus safeguards purity in worship, guarding against human manipulation of what belongs to God. 3. Anticipation of Perfect Justice – By situating tokhen in a messianic-colored vision, Ezekiel hints at a future order where all economic and cultic life is regulated by the flawless character of the Lord. Practical Ministry Applications • Business Ethics: Believers are to maintain transparent pricing, accurate accounting, and faithful labor practices, embodying a godly tokhen in every transaction (Deuteronomy 25:15-16; Micah 6:11). Prophetic and Eschatological Significance Ezekiel’s uniform measure anticipates the New Jerusalem, where everything is “measured” and perfected by God’s own standard (Revelation 21:15-17). Tokhen, therefore, points ahead to an age when injustice is abolished and God’s order prevails universally. Key Cross References Leviticus 19:35-36; Deuteronomy 25:13-16; Proverbs 11:1; Micah 6:11; Revelation 21:15-17 Forms and Transliterations וְתֹ֥כֶן ותכן תֹּ֤כֶן תכן tō·ḵen Tochen tōḵen veTochen wə·ṯō·ḵen wəṯōḵenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 5:18 HEB: יִנָּתֵ֣ן לָכֶ֑ם וְתֹ֥כֶן לְבֵנִ֖ים תִּתֵּֽנּוּ׃ NAS: yet you must deliver the quota of bricks. KJV: you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks. INT: no will be given the quota of bricks deliver Ezekiel 45:11 2 Occurrences |
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