Ucal: A Man Mentioned Only In
Jump to: Nave'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Ucal is a figure mentioned in the Book of Proverbs, specifically in Proverbs 30:1. The verse reads: "The words of Agur son of Jakeh, the oracle: This man declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal" (Proverbs 30:1). Ucal is one of the two individuals to whom Agur, the son of Jakeh, addresses his sayings. The other individual mentioned alongside Ucal is Ithiel.

The context of Proverbs 30 is a collection of sayings attributed to Agur, a wise man whose identity and background remain largely unknown outside of this chapter. The chapter begins with a superscription that introduces Agur's words as an oracle or a prophetic utterance, suggesting that the teachings contained within are of significant spiritual and moral weight.

The mention of Ucal, like Ithiel, is brief and does not provide additional information about his life, background, or role. This has led to various interpretations and speculations among biblical scholars and theologians. Some suggest that Ucal, along with Ithiel, may have been a student or disciple of Agur, receiving his wisdom and teachings. Others propose that Ucal could be a symbolic or literary figure, representing a broader audience or a specific group of people to whom Agur's wisdom is directed.

The lack of further biblical references to Ucal means that any understanding of his character or significance must be derived from the context of Proverbs 30 and the nature of Agur's teachings. The chapter itself is rich with reflections on human limitations, the pursuit of wisdom, and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. Agur's humility and recognition of his own lack of understanding serve as a model for those who seek wisdom, emphasizing the importance of reliance on God rather than human intellect alone.

In the broader context of the Book of Proverbs, the mention of Ucal underscores the communal and instructional nature of wisdom literature. Proverbs often addresses its teachings to "my son" or other specific individuals, highlighting the relational aspect of imparting wisdom. Ucal's inclusion in this tradition suggests that he, like many others, is a recipient of divine wisdom meant to guide and instruct in the ways of righteousness.

While Ucal remains an enigmatic figure, his mention in Proverbs 30:1 invites readers to consider the importance of receiving and heeding wise counsel. The teachings of Agur, directed to Ucal and Ithiel, continue to resonate with those who seek to live according to the principles of wisdom and understanding as revealed in the Scriptures.
Nave's Topical Index
Proverbs 30:1
The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spoke to Ithiel, even to Ithiel and Ucal,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... Itheal and Ucal.). ... whom it is said, 1 Chronicles 28:3, that he was a man of war ... it
is as certain that, very frequently, a terminus ad quem is mentioned which is ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Resources
Who was Agur son of Jakeh (Proverbs 30)? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Ucal
Top of Page
Top of Page