The term "gerah" refers to a unit of weight and currency used in ancient Israel, as mentioned in the Bible. It is the smallest unit of weight in the Hebrew system, equivalent to one-twentieth of a shekel. The gerah is significant in biblical texts, particularly in the context of religious offerings and valuations.

Biblical References

The gerah is first mentioned in the Book of Exodus, where it is used to describe the weight of the half-shekel offering required for the census of the Israelites. Exodus 30:13 states, "Everyone who crosses over to those counted must pay a half shekel according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD."

In Leviticus, the gerah is again referenced in the context of valuations and offerings. Leviticus 27:25 notes, "Every valuation will be according to the sanctuary shekel, twenty gerahs to the shekel." This indicates the standardization of weights and measures in the religious and economic practices of ancient Israel.

The Book of Numbers also mentions the gerah in the context of census and offerings. Numbers 3:47 instructs, "You are to collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs."

Cultural and Religious Significance

The use of the gerah as a unit of weight and currency underscores the importance of precise measurements in the religious and economic life of ancient Israel. The gerah's role in the sanctuary shekel system highlights the meticulous nature of offerings and valuations, ensuring that the Israelites adhered to the standards set forth by God.

The gerah's mention in the context of the census and offerings also reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience and dedication to God's commandments. By adhering to the specified weights and measures, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to the covenant relationship with God.

Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, standardized weights and measures were crucial for trade, commerce, and religious practices. The gerah, as part of the shekel system, provided a consistent standard that facilitated these activities. The use of the gerah and other units of measurement reflects the advanced administrative and economic systems in place during the biblical period.

The gerah's equivalence to one-twentieth of a shekel also illustrates the hierarchical structure of weights and measures, which was common in ancient societies. This system allowed for precise calculations and transactions, essential for maintaining order and fairness in both religious and secular contexts.

Conclusion

The gerah, as the smallest unit of weight and currency in ancient Israel, played a vital role in the religious and economic life of the Israelites. Its mention in the Bible underscores the importance of precision and obedience in the worship and service of God. Through the use of standardized weights and measures, the Israelites were able to fulfill their religious obligations and maintain a just and orderly society.1626. gerah -- a gerah (one-twentieth of a shekel)
... 1625, 1626. gerah. 1627 . a gerah (one-twentieth of a shekel). Transliteration:
gerah Phonetic Spelling: (gay-raw') Short Definition: gerahs. ...
/hebrew/1626.htm - 6k

The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary.
... from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation for the money
of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary (the same is twenty gerahs). ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the perpetual virginity of blessed.htm

Gerahs (5 Occurrences)
...Gerahs (5 Occurrences). ... Leviticus 27:25 All your valuations shall be according
to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs to the shekel. ...
/g/gerahs.htm - 8k

Weighs (12 Occurrences)
... shall give this, everyone who passes over to those who are numbered, half a shekel
after the shekel of the sanctuary; (the shekel is twenty gerahs;) half a ...
/w/weighs.htm - 9k

Shekel (37 Occurrences)
... ounce avoirdupois. The "shekel of the sanctuary" (Exodus 30:13; Numbers
3:47) was equal to twenty gerahs (Ezek. 45:12). There were ...
/s/shekel.htm - 23k

Gerah (1 Occurrence)
... Gerah (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 45:12 The shekel shall be twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels
plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels shall be your mina. ...
/g/gerah.htm - 7k

Valuation (22 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS DBY YLT NAS RSV). Leviticus 27:25 All your valuations shall be according
to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs to the shekel. ...
/v/valuation.htm - 14k

Twenty (282 Occurrences)
... shall give this, everyone who passes over to those who are numbered, half a shekel
after the shekel of the sanctuary; (the shekel is twenty gerahs;) half a ...
/t/twenty.htm - 40k

Gerar (10 Occurrences)

/g/gerar.htm - 12k

Scale (38 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Numbers 3:47 Will be five shekels for every one, by the scale of the
holy place (the shekel is twenty gerahs); (BBE). Numbers ...
/s/scale.htm - 22k

Shekels (92 Occurrences)
... Numbers 3:47 you shall take five shekels apiece for each one; after the shekel of
the sanctuary you shall take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs): (WEB KJV JPS ...
/s/shekels.htm - 37k

Valuations (1 Occurrence)
... Valuations (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 27:25 All your valuations shall be according
to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs to the shekel. (WEB JPS). ...
/v/valuations.htm - 6k

What was the sanctuary shekel? | GotQuestions.org

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