Topical Bible: Money: Usually Taken by Weight

◄ Money: Usually Taken by Weight ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, money was often measured by weight rather than by a standardized coinage system. This practice is evident throughout the Scriptures, where various terms and units of weight are used to describe monetary transactions. The use of weight as a measure for money reflects the economic practices and cultural context of the ancient Near East.

Units of Weight

The primary units of weight used in the Bible for monetary purposes include the shekel, talent, and mina. The shekel was a common unit of weight, approximately equivalent to 11.5 grams or 0.4 ounces. The talent was a much larger unit, often used for significant transactions, and was equivalent to about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms. The mina, another unit of weight, was approximately 1.25 pounds or 0.6 kilograms.

Biblical References

The practice of weighing money is mentioned in several biblical passages. In Genesis 23:16, Abraham purchases the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite, and the transaction is described as follows: "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" . This passage highlights the use of silver as a medium of exchange and the importance of accurate weights in commercial dealings.

In 2 Samuel 18:12, the concept of weighing money is again evident when Joab's armor-bearer refuses to kill Absalom for a reward: "But the man replied, 'Even if a thousand shekels of silver were weighed out into my hands, I would not raise my hand against the king’s son. For we heard the king command you and Abishai and Ittai, ‘Protect the young man Absalom for my sake.’" . Here, the offer of a reward is expressed in terms of weight, emphasizing the value and significance of the amount.

Cultural and Economic Context

The use of weight to measure money reflects the broader economic practices of the ancient world, where precious metals such as gold and silver were the primary forms of currency. These metals were often melted down and formed into ingots or bars, which were then weighed to determine their value. The accuracy of weights and measures was crucial for fair trade, and dishonest scales were condemned in Scripture. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight" .

Symbolic and Theological Implications

The biblical emphasis on honest weights and measures carries symbolic and theological significance. It underscores the importance of integrity and fairness in economic transactions, reflecting God's character and His desire for justice among His people. The prophets frequently denounced the use of false weights as a sign of moral decay and social injustice. In Micah 6:11, the Lord questions, "Can I excuse dishonest scales or bags of false weights?" , highlighting the moral implications of economic practices.

In summary, the practice of taking money by weight in biblical times provides insight into the economic systems and cultural values of the ancient world. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, including financial dealings, as a reflection of God's righteous standards.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 23:16
And Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 32:10
And I subscribed the evidence, and sealed it, and took witnesses, and weighed him the money in the balances.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter xliii
... Three things are taken along: "this gift" (hamminchah hazzo'th ... the coinage of money
"silver" (k??seph "usually translated "money" because silver ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xliii.htm

Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers.
... The Kingdom of God shall be taken from you and it shall ... Money, oil, salt; doves"he
must pay for all ... Let us find out where he usually spends the night; then we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter i jesus drives out.htm

The Property of Widows or of all the Faithful...
... Great care must be taken that the property entrusted by ... with breasts girded, and
virgins who usually were shut ... be preserved in the case of trust-money, and care ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxix the property of.htm

The Nailing of Jesus to the Cross.
... holy women gave a man some money, and begged ... These precautions were taken lest his
wounds should be ... below, which operation was more than usually painful, on ...
/.../chapter xxxviii the nailing of.htm

Two Kinds of Riches
... both of which diabolical things are taken as illustrations of ... so as to include, not
only money, but all ... We usually suppose that by so stigmatising the material ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/two kinds of riches.htm

Christ Before Pilate.
... These capital cases at Jerusalem were usually brought up at ... the judgment hall, where
Jesus had been taken, the Jews ... of the payment of the tribute-money, and (3 ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ before pilate.htm

The Poor Debtor.
... of all your business operations"be taken away, and ... prepared to endure the privations
that usually attend the ... one doubts that the creditor, whose money is not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/the poor debtor.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... at once said: "If I have taken anything from ... charitable gifts, or even to change
money out of ... sympathy, even familiar intercourse with one usually regarded as ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

From the Beginning of 1785 to the End of 1786
... much; but it is a sad observation, they that have most money have usually least
grace ... Above all, especial care shall be taken that due attention be paid to ...
/.../chapter 1 from the beginning.htm

Grace and Graces
... The prophet is usually coupled in Paul's writings with the ... The gifts of money, or
of direction, or of pity ... is but partially understood if it is taken to mean no ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/grace and graces.htm