occurs in Leviticus 19:36 and Isaiah 46:6 , as the rendering of the Hebrew kanch' , which properly means "a reed" or "a cane," then a rod or beam of a balance. This same word is translated "measuring reed" in Ezekiel 40:3 Ezekiel 40:5 ; 42:16-18 . There is another Hebrew word, mozena'yim , i.e., "two poisers", also so rendered ( Daniel 5:27 ). The balances as represented on the most ancient Egyptian monuments resemble those now in use. A "pair of balances" is a symbol of justice and fair dealing ( Job 31:6 ; Psalms 62:9 ; Proverbs 11:1 ). The expression denotes great want and scarcity in Revelation 6:5 .

These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.