Money
during the Old Testament
Coins as money were not used till about 500 BC. Barter was used for transaction. Generally in the Old Testament, when an amount of silver or gold is given, such as 10 shekels of silver, this means that weight of silver, not 10 silver coins. There was no constant standard and the actual values of these terms changed from time to time, place to place, and with the honesty of the person. A rough guide is given in the table.
Weights
|
Biblical Unit |
|
Metric approximate |
Bible Reference |
|
Talent |
3,000 shekels |
34,000 grams |
|
|
Mina |
50 shekels |
600 |
Ezekiel 45:12 |
|
Shekel |
|
11.5 |
|
|
Pim |
2/3 shekel |
7.6 |
|
|
Beka |
1/2 shekel |
5.5 |
|
|
Gerah |
1/20 shekel |
0.6 grams |
Ex 30:13 |
Dry
Measure
|
Biblical Unit |
|
Metric Approximate |
|
Cor, Homer |
10 Ephahs |
220 Liters |
|
Lethech |
5 |
110 |
|
Ephah |
|
22 Liters |
|
Seah |
1/3 Ephah |
7.3 |
|
Omer |
1/10 |
2.2 |
|
Cab |
1/18 |
1.22 Liters |
Liquid
Measure
|
Biblical Unit |
|
Metric Approximate |
|
|
|
22 Liters |
|
Hin |
1/6 |
4 |
|
Log |
1/72 |
0.3 Liters |
The Bible gives some indication of purchasing power at various times:
Purchasing power
One Shekel
1 Seah (12.5 liters) fine meal, II Kings 7:16
2 Seah (25 liters) barley
2 Shekels
1 Ram, Lev. 5:15
50 Shekels
1 Homer (370 or 134 liters) of barley, Lev. 27:16
50X25=1,250 ? so it is not consistent?
150 pieces of silver
one horse I Kings 10:29
600 pieces of silver
one chariot from Egypt I Kings 10:29
Hosea bought back Gomer, the prostitute, and her three children (Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, and Lo-Ammi) for 15 pieces of silver plus 1.5 homer of barley.
Return to Money Used During Bible Times
Created
Last revised