Weights and Measures

Biblical Israel used both weight-based and volume-based measurement systems. Weights (for precious metals and commercial transactions) included: the talent (the largest unit, approximately 75 lbs.), the mina (1/60 of a talent), the shekel (the common unit, approximately 0.4 oz.), the beka (half-shekel), and the gerah (1/20 of a shekel). Weighing was done with a balance scale and stone weights, and the Mosaic law condemned dishonest weights (Lev. 19:35–36; Prov. 11:1). Dry measures included the homer (the largest, approximately 6.5 bushels), the ephah (1/10 homer), the seah (1/3 ephah), the omer (1/10 ephah), and the cab (1/6 ephah). Liquid measures included the bath (equal to the ephah), the hin (1/6 bath), and the log (1/12 hin).

NT measurements reflect the Greco-Roman system: the modios (peck, Matt. 5:15), the choinix (quart, Rev. 6:6), the metretes (about 10 gallons, John 2:6). Roman length measures include the miliario (Roman mile, Matt. 5:41) and the stadion (furlong).