Libra, the Scales of Justice

Hebrew name: Mozanaim, “the scales,” or “weighing.”

Arabic name: Al Zubena, “purchase” or “redemption.”

Coptic name: Lambadia, “station of propitiation,” or literally, “branch of graciousness.”

Latin name: Libra, “weighing.”

Accadian: Tulki, “the altar.”

Description: The scales, a pair of balances. One side is up and the other down, as if it is weighing something.

Biblical Meaning: Libra shows that man is found wanting (deficient) when weighed in the balances of the divine standard of perfection. It also conveys the idea of divine judgment for sin (propitiation) that was accomplished upon the altar of sacrifice throughout the Old Testament. These in turn were prophetic types and shadows of the true altar of sacrifice—the Cross of Christ—through whom alone we receive the propitiation for sin (1 John 2:2).

Stars in Libra:

1. Zuben al Genubi, “the price which is deficient.”
2. Zuben al Chemali, “the price which covers.”
3. Al Gubi, “heaped up high.”
4. Zuben Akrabi, “the price of the conflict.”

Deut. 25:13-16

“You shall not have in your bag differing weights; a large and a small. You shall not have in your house differing measures, a large and a small. You shall have a full and just weight; you shall have a full and just measures, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you.”

Matt. 7:2

“For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.”

Daniel 5:27

“TEKEL—you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient.”

Decans (lesser constellations) associated with Libra:

1. Crux, “the cross.” Heb. Karath, “cut off” (Dan. 9:20)
2. Lupus, misnamed “the wolf,” actually “the victim” as in an animal sacrifice. (Isaiah 53:7)
3. Corona Borealis, “Northern Crown.” (Isaiah 28:5)