Bible Dictionary
Ucal
Ucal is named with Ithiel in Proverbs 30:1. The passage is obscure, and Ucal may be a personal name or part of a phrase describing Agur’s weariness.
Definition
Ucal is a name appearing with Ithiel in Proverbs 30:1, though the passage is highly obscure. It may be a personal name, a symbolic designation, or part of a phrase describing Agur’s weariness.
Biblical Usage
Ucal occurs only in the superscription or opening words of Agur’s sayings in Proverbs. The received text treats it as a proper name, while some ancient versions and interpreters understand the wording differently.
Historical Background
Some interpreters have suggested that Ucal may correspond to the Caleol mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31. Others read the word as a verb meaning “I am consumed.”
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The name of a person to whom Agur’s words are addressed (Prov. 30:1).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(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.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>u'-kal ('ukhal (see below)): This name occurs along with that of Ithiel (Pr 30:1), both being taken by older interpreters as those of ancient sages. Some have suggested (see Toy, Proverbs, 519 f) that Ucal might be the "Caleol" of 1Ki 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."</p><p>See ITHIEL.</p><p>David Francis Roberts</p>