Reduced to English troy-weight, the Hebrew weights were: (1.) The gerah (Lev. 27:25; Num. 3:47), a Hebrew word, meaning a grain or kernel, and hence a small weight. It was the twentieth part of a shekel, and equal to 12 grains. (2.) Bekah (Ex. 38:26), meaning "a half" i.e., "half a shekel," equal to 5 pennyweight. (3.) Shekel, "a weight," only in the Old Testament, and frequently in its original form (Gen. 23:15, 16; Ex. 21:32; 30:13, 15; 38:24-29, etc.). It was equal to 10 pennyweight. (4.) Ma'neh, "a part" or "portion" (Ezek. 45:12), equal to 60 shekels, i.e., to 2 lbs. 6 oz. (5.) Talent of silver (2 Kings 5:22), equal to 3,000 shekels, i.e., 125 lbs. (6.) Talent of gold (Ex. 25:39), double the preceding, i.e., 250 lbs. Generally regulated by the standard of the sanctuary -- Ex 30:24. Sometimes regulated by the king's standard -- 2Sa 14:26. Were frequently used in scales or balances -- Job 31:6; Isa 40:12. Mentioned in scripture Gerah. -- Ex 30:13; Eze 45:12. Bekah or half shekel. -- Ge 24:22. Shekel. -- Ex 30:13; Eze 45:12. Dram. -- Ne 7:70,71. Maneh or pound. -- Ne 7:71; Eze 45:12. Talent. -- 2Sa 12:30; Re 16:21. Value of money estimated according to -- Ge 23:16; 43:21; Jer 32:9. All metals were given by -- Ex 37:24; 1Ch 28:14. Provisions were sold by, in times of scarcity -- Le 26:26; Eze 4:10,16. The Jews Forbidden to have various. -- De 25:13,14. Forbidden to have unjust. -- Le 19:35,36. Frequently used unjust. -- Mic 6:11. Illustrative Of sins. -- Heb 12:1. Of the restraints put on the elements. -- Job 28:25. (Heavy,) of the exceeding glory reserved for saints. -- 2Co 4:17.
Weights