The term "pound" in the Bible is a translation of the Hebrew word "maneh" (מָנֶה). This unit of weight and currency is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, reflecting its significance in the ancient Near Eastern economy and society.

Biblical References and Usage

The maneh, or pound, is primarily referenced in the Old Testament. It was a standard of weight used for measuring precious metals such as gold and silver. The exact weight of a maneh varied over time and by region, but it is generally understood to have been approximately 0.57 kilograms or 1.25 pounds.

One of the notable mentions of the maneh is found in the book of Ezekiel, where it is used in the context of temple offerings and weights: "The shekel will consist of twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels, twenty-five shekels, and fifteen shekels will be your maneh" (Ezekiel 45:12). This passage highlights the maneh as a composite weight, emphasizing its role in the precise and fair measurement of offerings.

In the New Testament, the concept of a pound is also present, though it is translated from the Greek word "mna" (μνᾶ). The parable of the ten minas (or pounds) in Luke 19:11-27 illustrates the use of this unit as a measure of currency. In this parable, a nobleman entrusts his servants with minas, instructing them to engage in business until his return. The varying degrees of success among the servants serve as a metaphor for faithfulness and stewardship in the Kingdom of God.

Cultural and Historical Context

The maneh was an integral part of the ancient economic system, facilitating trade and commerce. It was used alongside other units of measurement such as the shekel and the talent. The standardization of weights and measures was crucial for maintaining fairness and integrity in transactions, a principle underscored by biblical teachings on honesty and justice.

The use of the pound in biblical times reflects the broader cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, where trade routes connected diverse peoples and economies. The exchange of goods and currency was a vital aspect of daily life, and the maneh played a key role in these interactions.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the use of the pound in Scripture underscores themes of stewardship, responsibility, and accountability. The biblical narrative often uses economic metaphors to convey spiritual truths, emphasizing the importance of using one's resources wisely and faithfully in service to God and others.

The parable of the ten minas, for example, challenges believers to consider how they are investing their God-given talents and resources. It serves as a reminder that all we possess is ultimately entrusted to us by God, and we are called to manage it in a way that honors Him and advances His Kingdom.

In conclusion, the biblical concept of the pound, or maneh, is rich with historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. It serves as a tangible reminder of the principles of justice, stewardship, and faithfulness that are woven throughout the biblical narrative.1 Kings 10:17
And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three pound of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 2:69
They gave after their ability to the treasure of the work three score and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 7:71,72
And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver.
Nave's Topical Index

4488. maneh -- maneh, mina (a measure of weight or money)
... Word Usage maneh (1), minas (4). maneh, pound. From manah; properly, a fixed weight
or measured amount, ie (techn.) A maneh or mina -- maneh, pound. see HEBREW ...
/hebrew/4488.htm - 6k

Chapter: 4:21-25 Lamp and Stand
... to the simple conditions of life among the Hebrew peasantry, who ... If the seed be the
Word, there is sore ... the principle on which the forfeited pound was given to ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 4 21-25 lamp and stand.htm

The Christian --A Debtor
... But now in the breast of this "Hebrew of Hebrews ... drunkenness by hearing the preaching
of God's Word even under ... proud of in having paid a farthing in the pound? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the christiana debtor.htm

Chapter xvi.
... meaning we ought to understand the word fornication, and ... sentence upon another, decided
that a pound of gold ... there is no evidence in the Hebrew Scriptures that ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xvi.htm

Synoptical Table
... to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek ... of myrrh and aloes, about an
hundred pound weight. ... and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the gospel of peter/synoptical table.htm

Anointed for Burial.
... 3. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard ... as knowing who had whispered the
first word of blame ... A Greek modification of the Hebrew words, "Save now, I ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/anointed for burial.htm

The Doctrine of the Last Things.
... question by the incident of the three Hebrew children in ... The word "see" in John
8:51 means that the ... Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the last.htm

The Last Farthing.
... and much clearer than in our version from the Hebrew:"in its ... relations of life"all
the matters, in a word, wherein one ... If you owe him a pound and he you a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the last farthing.htm

The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ...
... is faithful' - or, to paraphrase the word (pists), he ... proved himself, is accredited
(answering to {hebrew}) - in the ... the Roman pound, though it would, of course ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xviii the unjust steward.htm

Picture of a Pauline Church
... thin-nosed, sharp-eyed Jew: he has been a Shylock, cutting his pound of flesh ... The
third party took the name of Peter, or Cephas, as in their Hebrew purism they ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter viii picture of a.htm

The Leafless Tree
... yet there are not a few of the Hebrew race who ... By the word "substance" is meant the
life, the inward ... Here I see one with sixteen ounces to the pound of doctrine ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the leafless tree.htm

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