No precise modern equivalents can be given for the units of measurement, weight and value used in the ancient world, which themselves varied at different times, in different places, and in different contexts of use. The approximate equivalents given below may be helpful as an indication of the order of magnitude implied by a particular term.
Mention is made (Gen 23:16) of a shekel measured "according to the weights current among the merchants;" its relationship to the sacred standard is uncertain.
The "pound" of the New Testament (Jn 12:3) may be referred to the Roman standard of about 12 oz. or 317 grams.
Related to gold or silver, the weights tabulated above are frequently used as measures of value. In the Old Testament "beka" (lit. half) is used to signify a half-shekel (Ex 38:26). The "talent" of the New Testament (Mt 18:24) evidently signifies a large but not precise monetary value.
Capacity: Dry Measures
Unit
Approx. equivalent in litres
Approx.equivalent in quarts and bushels
As read at
kab
1.1
1 quart
2 Kings 6:25
omer
2.2
2 quarts
Ex 16:32
ephah = 10 omers
22
20 quarts
Ex 16:36
cor = 10 ephahs
220
6 1/2 bushels
1 Kings 4:22
homer = 10 ephahs
220
6 1/2 bushels
Ezek 45:11
Capacity: Liquid Measures
Unit
Approx. equivalent in litres
Approx. equivalent in pints and gallons
As read at
log
0.3
7/10 pint
Lev 14:10
hin = 12 log
3.6
1 gallon
Num 15:7
bath = 6 hin
22
6 gallons
Ezek 45:14
cor = 10 bath
220
60 gallons
Ezek 45:14
Coins
The "daric" (1 Chr 29:7) was a gold coin weighing just over 8 grams or a quarter of an ounce, said to have been equivalent to a month's pay for a soldier in the Persian army. The gold "daric" referred to in Neh 7:70 may have weighed about 4:4 grams or an eighth of an ounce.
The "denarius" of the New Testament (Mk 14:5 is said to have been the equivalent of a day's wage for a laborer.
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