Ucal
“I shall be completed or I shall be enabled”
Summary
A person mentioned alongside Ithiel in Proverbs 30:1, though scholars debate whether this is a proper name or should be translated as a verb phrase.
☩Identity and Interpretation
According to the received Hebrew text, Ucal appears as a proper name in Proverbs 30:1, seemingly identifying a disciple or son of Agur the son of Jakeh, an otherwise unknown Hebrew sage. However, there is considerable scholarly debate about this passage. Some ancient versions, including the Septuagint, do not treat Ucal as a proper name at all, instead translating the underlying Hebrew words as verbal phrases meaning 'I have fainted' or 'I am consumed.' The Syriac version omits the name entirely, while the Targum preserves it.
☩Symbolical Interpretation
Some commentators, including Ewald, consider both Ithiel and Ucal to be symbolical names employed by the poet to designate classes of thinkers. Under this interpretation, 'Ucal' (meaning 'I am strong') may represent those who boast of their own wisdom and strength while denying God.
Related Verses1 mention
Proverbs· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ucal," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Ucal," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Ucal," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Ucal," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).