Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms 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 identity and role of Ucal, like that of Ithiel, remain largely enigmatic, as the Bible provides no further information about him.Context and Interpretation The passage in which Ucal is mentioned is part of a collection of sayings attributed to Agur, a figure whose background is not detailed elsewhere in Scripture. Proverbs 30 is unique in its style and content, differing from the earlier chapters of Proverbs traditionally attributed to Solomon. Agur's sayings are characterized by their contemplative and sometimes perplexing nature, reflecting on human limitations and the pursuit of wisdom. The mention of Ucal, alongside Ithiel, suggests that these individuals were either disciples, companions, or perhaps patrons of Agur, to whom he imparted his wisdom. The lack of additional biblical or historical references to Ucal has led to various interpretations among scholars and theologians. Some suggest that Ucal, like Ithiel, may symbolize a broader audience or represent a literary device used by the author to convey his teachings. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Ucal in Proverbs 30:1 highlights the personal and relational aspect of wisdom literature. The direct address to specific individuals underscores the importance of transmitting wisdom through personal interaction and dialogue. It reflects the biblical tradition of mentorship and the passing down of divine insights from one generation to the next. The enigmatic nature of Ucal's identity invites readers to focus on the content of Agur's message rather than the historical details of its recipients. Agur's reflections on human frailty, the pursuit of knowledge, and the fear of the Lord resonate with the broader themes of Proverbs, emphasizing humility and reliance on God as the foundation of true wisdom. Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom literature often involved the transmission of knowledge from a teacher to a student or a sage to a king. The mention of Ucal and Ithiel may reflect this cultural practice, where wisdom was not only a personal pursuit but also a communal and relational endeavor. The setting of Proverbs 30 within this tradition underscores the value placed on wisdom as a guiding principle for life and governance. While Ucal remains a mysterious figure, his inclusion in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the diverse and sometimes hidden ways in which God's wisdom is communicated to humanity. The brevity of his mention invites readers to delve deeper into the teachings of Agur, seeking to uncover the timeless truths contained within the words addressed to Ucal and Ithiel. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary UcalSmith's Bible Dictionary Ucal(I am strong). According to the received text of (Proverbs 30:1) Ithiel and Ucal must be regarded as proper names; and if so, they must be the names of disciples or sons of Agur the son of Jakeh, an unknown sage among the Hebrews. But there is great obscurity about the passage. Ewald considers both Ithiel and Ucal as symbolical names, employed by the poet to designate two classes of thinkers to whom he addresses himself. Easton's Bible Dictionary The name of a person to whom Agur's words are addressed (Proverbs 30:1). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ITHIEL AND UCAL('ithi'el we'ukhal): Names of the two men to whom Agur the son of Jakeh spoke his words (Proverbs 30:1). The purport of introducing these persons is strange and obscure; the margin proposes therefore, by the use of a different pointing, to read the verse, "The man said, I have wearied myself, O God, I have wearied myself, O God, and am consumed," thus doing away with the proper names; a reading which corresponds not inaptly with the tone of the succeeding verses. UCAL u'-kal ('ukhal (see below)): This name occurs along with that of Ithiel (Proverbs 30:1), both being taken by older interpreters as those of ancient sages. Some have suggested (see Toy, Proverbs, 519) that Ucal might be the "Caleol" of 1 Kings 4:31 (Hebrew 5:11). Ucal was also explained as "I can," i.e. "I can maintain my obedience to God," just as Ithiel was taken to be "signs of God." Septuagint, Aquila, Theodotion do not take the words as proper names, and so BDB with others point this word as a vb., "(and) I am consumed" (wa'ekhel, for we'ukhal). The last three words of the verse are then translated "I have wearied myself, O God, I have wearied myself, O God, and am consumed." Strong's Hebrew 401. Ukal -- an Israelite name... 400, 401. Ukal. 402 . an Israelite name. Transliteration: Ukal Phonetic Spelling: (oo-kawl') Short Definition: Ucal. ... name NASB Word Usage Ucal (1). Ucal. ... /hebrew/401.htm - 6k Library A Homily for Humble Folks The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) Thesaurus Ucal (1 Occurrence)... 1). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ITHIEL AND UCAL. ('ithi ... verses. See AGUR; PROVERBS, THE BOOK OF, II, 6. John Franklin Genung. UCAL. u ... /u/ucal.htm - 8k Ithiel (2 Occurrences) Uel (1 Occurrence) Jakeh (1 Occurrence) Ith'i-el (1 Occurrence) Tzade (1 Occurrence) Agur (1 Occurrence) Uttered (60 Occurrences) Oracle (57 Occurrences) Resources Who was Agur son of Jakeh (Proverbs 30)? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ucal (1 Occurrence)Proverbs 30:1 Subtopics Related Terms |