Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of money and its value was integral to daily life, commerce, and religious practices. The Bible provides numerous references to money, illustrating its role in society and its spiritual implications.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, money was often measured in terms of weight, using units such as shekels, talents, and minas. The shekel, for instance, was a standard unit of weight and currency. Genesis 23:16 records Abraham's purchase of the cave of Machpelah: "Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants." The value of money was also tied to precious metals like gold and silver. These metals were not only used for trade but also for religious offerings and temple adornments. In Exodus 25:3 , God instructs the Israelites to bring offerings of "gold, silver, and bronze" for the construction of the Tabernacle. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Roman currency system was prevalent, with coins such as denarii, drachmas, and talents being commonly used. The denarius, a silver coin, was a day's wage for a laborer, as seen in Matthew 20:2 : "He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard." The New Testament also addresses the spiritual implications of money. Jesus frequently taught about the dangers of wealth and the love of money. In Matthew 6:24 , He warns, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Spiritual Implications The Bible consistently emphasizes the potential for money to lead individuals away from spiritual truths. In 1 Timothy 6:10 , Paul writes, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." The value of money is also depicted in parables, such as the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where money symbolizes the gifts and responsibilities entrusted to believers. The faithful use of these resources is commended, while neglect or misuse is condemned. Tithing and Offerings The practice of tithing, giving a tenth of one's income, is a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting the acknowledgment of God's provision and sovereignty. In Malachi 3:10 , God challenges His people: "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this," says the LORD of Hosts, "and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure." Conclusion Throughout Scripture, money is portrayed as a tool that can be used for good or ill. Its value is not only in its purchasing power but also in its potential to reflect one's heart and priorities. The Bible calls believers to a stewardship that honors God, recognizing that all resources ultimately belong to Him. Library Whether it is Lawful to Ask for any Other Kind of Consideration ... Enrollment by Households in Egypt Whether Using Money is the Act of Liberality? The Anointing of Jesus. Jesus and the Bethany Sisters. Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Thesaurus Money-value (1 Occurrence)Money-value. Money-lenders, Money-value. Mongrel . Multi-Version Concordance Money-value (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 27 ... /m/money-value.htm - 6k Were (28152 Occurrences) Money-lenders (1 Occurrence) Mongrel (1 Occurrence) Bilhan (3 Occurrences) Jezebel (20 Occurrences) Monthly (11 Occurrences) Sacrifice (300 Occurrences) Sodomite (1 Occurrence) Resources What does the Bible say about saving money? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about lending money? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian invest money in the stock market? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Money-value (1 Occurrence)Leviticus 27:18 Subtopics Related Terms |
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