What are the biblical weights and measures in modern terms?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Coming across unfamiliar terms describing weights and measurements while reading the Bible can prevent a reader from fully understanding what is being described. Just as we use measurements today in our daily interactions, whether it be in making a recipe, following driving directions, or determining prices, all peoples throughout history have used measurements in their own cultures. Knowing modern-day equivalents to the measurements in the Bible will help the reader better understand and relate to the biblical account. Measurements can be divided into weight (often also used for money), distance, dry capacity, and liquid capacity. The sections below comprise a list of some biblical measurements and their approximate US and Metric equivalents. The measurements are approximate and not intended to be mathematically precise. It's also important to note that measurements differed at various times and places throughout the Bible. There were often royal measurements and common measurements by the same name which differed slightly. The cubits in the book of Ezekiel are 1/6 longer than the cubits mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. However, the list of approximate measurements should help the reader have an idea of the basic measurements being described in the Bible.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Weight:
• Talent (60 minas) is 75 pounds or 34 kilograms.
• Mina (50 shekels) is 1.25 pounds or .6 kilograms (600 grams).
• Shekel (2 bekas) is 2/5 of an ounce or 11.5 grams.
• Pim (2/3 shekel) is 1/4 of an ounce or 7.6 grams.
• Beka (10 gerahs) is 1/5 of an ounce or 5.7 grams.
• Gerah is 1/50 of an ounce or .6 grams (600 milligrams).
• Money:
• Shekel is a silver Hebrew coin that is 11.5 grams of silver.
• Prutah is a copper Hebrew coin that is .22 grams of copper.
• A talent of gold is 3000 silver shekels.
• Mina is a silver Roman coin that is 425 grams of silver (or 100 Zuz/Dinarii).
• Pundion is a copper Roman coin that is .349 grams of copper.
• Distance:
• Cubit is 18 inches or .5 meters.
• Span is 9 inches or 23 centimeters.
• Handbreadth is 3 inches or 8 centimeters.
• Finger is 3/4 of an inch or 1.8 centimeters.
• Yoke is the amount of land a pair of yoked oxen could plow in a single day or about 1/3 of an acre.
• Dry Capacity:
• Homer (or Cor) (10 ephahs) comes from the Hebrew word for donkey, so this measurement was approximately one donkey-load or a little over 5 bushels (200 quarts) or 220 liters.
• Lethek (5 ephahs) is 2.7 bushels or 110 liters.
• Ephah (10 omers) is 3/5 of a bushel or 22 liters.
• Seah (1/3 ephah) is 7 quarts or 7.3 liters.
• Omer (1/10 ephah) is 2 quarts or 2 liters.
• Cab (1/18 ephah) is 1 quart or 1 liter.
• Liquid Capacity:
• Bath is the liquid equivalent of 1 Ephah or 5.5 gallons or 22 liters.
• Hin (1/6 bath) is 1 gallon (4 quarts) or 4 liters.
• Log (1/72 bath) is 1/3 of a quart (11 ounces) or .3 liter.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Money:
• Shekel is a silver Hebrew coin that is 11.5 grams of silver.
• Gerah is a silver Hebrew coin that is .6 grams of silver and is sometimes referred to as ma'ah meaning "money."
• Silver dinar is a silver Roman coin that is 4.26 grams of silver and is called a Zuz in Hebrew. The silver dinar was equal to one day's wages.
• Gold dinar is a gold Roman coin that is 8 grams of gold.
• Issar is a copper Roman coin that is .177 grams of copper.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Understanding biblical weights and measures in modern terms enriches our comprehension of scripture by providing tangible context to ancient narratives and teachings. It helps us visualize and appreciate the physical dimensions of objects and events described in the Bible, from the size of Noah's ark to the weight of talents and shekels used in transactions. This knowledge not only prevents misinterpretations but also deepens our understanding of cultural and economic aspects embedded in biblical stories. By knowing the approximate equivalents of biblical measurements, we gain insights into the practicalities of daily life during biblical times, enhancing our ability to draw meaningful spiritual lessons and apply biblical principles in our contemporary lives with relevance and accuracy.

UNDERSTAND

• Modern equivalents of biblical weights and measures clarify descriptions in Scripture, such as weights of talents or sizes of measures.
• Understanding biblical weights and measures offers insight into ancient culture and economy, enhancing understanding of biblical narratives.
• Understanding allows for better application of biblical principles in today's context, bridging ancient practices with modern life.

REFLECT

• How does understanding biblical weights and measures deepen your grasp of the practical details in Scripture?
• How can knowledge of these measurements illuminate the cultural and economic contexts of biblical narratives?
• What do you learn about understanding the Bible in context by learning about biblical weights and measures in modern terms?

ENGAGE

• Can you give examples where understanding the specific weights or measures used in the Bible enhances our interpretation of a story or principle?
• How does understanding biblical measurements contribute to our understanding of biblical themes like stewardship, justice, and economics?
• Discuss the significance of variations in biblical measurements across different historical and cultural contexts. How does this diversity impact our understanding of Scripture?