Ucal

Biblical Record

Ucal appears once, at the opening of Proverbs 30. Proverbs 30:1 reads in the King James Version: "The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal." According to this verse, Proverbs 30 consists of the words of Agur, and Ucal, together with Ithiel, is one of those who heard them. Scripture records nothing about Ucal's origins, his relationship to Agur, or his life. In the Hebrew text the name Ithiel occurs twice in succession, while Ucal occurs once.

Significance Within Scripture

Ucal appears only in the introduction to Proverbs 30, as one who heard Agur's sayings. Proverbs 30 is presented as a collection of wisdom by an author distinct from Solomon, and Ucal's name indicates that this collection was teaching addressed to particular people. Ucal is not mentioned in the New Testament.

Interpretations and Issues

• Reading as personal names: Traditional translations, including the Korean Revised Version, follow the vowel pointing of the Masoretic Text and read Ithiel and Ucal as the names of Agur's hearers, such as his disciples or sons. The text, however, does not specify their exact relationship to him.
• Reading as a sentence: Some scholars read the same Hebrew consonants differently, taking the passage not as a pair of personal names but as a lament by Agur, along the lines of "I am weary, O God… I am worn out." This interpretation is proposed on the grounds that it fits well with the humble confession that immediately follows in Proverbs 30:2–3, and it is reflected in several modern English translations. The Septuagint is also reported not to render this passage as personal names.
• Jewish tradition: Some strands of Jewish tradition reportedly regard Agur as another name for Solomon, though the text itself does not say so.

Whichever interpretation is followed, no concrete account of Ucal's life survives, apart from whatever may have been added from sources outside the Bible.

In the Korean Church

Ucal is seldom treated as a separate topic in sermons or Sunday school. The verse that names him is read mainly as part of the introduction to the passage when Proverbs 30 is preached or studied, particularly Agur's prayer (Proverbs 30:7–9), well known for the petition "give me neither poverty nor riches."