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Biblical Units of Weights and Measures
Weights and measures differed somewhat at various times and places in the ancient world. This table is based upon the best available information, but it is not intended to be mathematically precise; like the measurement equivalents, it merely gives approximate amounts and distances. There is uncertainty particularly about the ephah and the bath; future discoveries may give more light on these particular units of capacity.
The figures in this table are calculated on the basis of a shekel equaling 11.5 grams, a cubit equaling 18 inches and an ephah equaling 22 liters. The quart referred to is either a dry quart (slightly larger than a liter) or a liquid quart (slightly smaller than a liter), whichever is applicable. The ton referred to is the American ton of 2,000 pounds.
|
Weights |
|
Biblical Units of
Weight |
Approximate
American Equivalent |
Approximate
Metric Equivalent |
|
talent (60 minas)
mina (50 shekels)
shekel (2 bekas)
pim (2/3 shekel)
beka (10 gerahs)
gerah |
75 pounds
1 1/4 pounds
2/5 ounce
1/3 ounce
1/5 ounce
1/50 ounce |
34 kilograms
0.6 kilograms
11.5 grams
7.6 grams
5.5 grams
0.6 grams |
|
Length |
|
Biblical Unitsof
Length |
Approximate
American Equivalent |
Approximate
Metric Equivalent |
|
cubit
span
handbreadth |
18 inches
9 inches
3 inches |
0.5 meter
23 centimeters
8 centimeters |
|
Capacity (Dry Measure) |
|
Biblical Units of
Capacity (Dry Measure) |
Approximate
American Equivalent |
Approximate
Metric Equivalent |
|
cor {homer} (10 ephahs)
lethek (5 ephahs)
ephah (10 omers)
seah (1/3 ephah)
omer (1/10 ephah)
cab (1/18 ephah) |
6 bushels
3 bushels
3/5 bushels
7 quarts
2 quarts
1 quart |
220 liters
110 liters
22 liters
7.3 liters
2 liters
1 liter |
|
Capacity (Liquid Measure) |
|
Biblical Units of
Capacity (Liquid Measure) |
Approximate
American Equivalent |
Approximate
Metric Equivalent |
|
bath (1 ephah)
hin (1/6 bath)
log (1/72 bath) |
6 gallons
4 quarts
1/3 quart |
22 liters
4 liters
0.3 liter |
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