Talent
“Circle, round, a disk-shaped weight”
Summary
The talent was the largest unit of weight among the Hebrews, equivalent to approximately 3,000 shekels, used primarily for measuring precious metals and large sums of money.
☩Weight and Value
The talent (Hebrew kikkar, meaning 'circle' or 'round') was the largest weight measurement among the Hebrews, equivalent to 3,000 shekels of the sanctuary and equal to 60 minas. As a weight, it was used for measuring gold, silver, bronze, iron, and lead. The value varied according to whether it was silver or gold: a silver talent was worth approximately 410 British pounds (in early 20th century terms), while a gold talent was worth approximately fifteen times as much. A talent of gold formed the crown of the Ammonite king, and Solomon received 666 talents of gold annually.
☩Use in Scripture
Talents appear throughout Scripture as measures of significant wealth. A hill sufficient for the site of Samaria was sold for two talents of silver. Naaman brought ten talents of silver as a gift for healing. Various tributes imposed by foreign kings were measured in talents. In Revelation, hailstones weighing about a talent each fall from heaven during the final judgments—approximately 90 pounds each, representing the maximum weight a strong man could lift.
☩Figurative Usage
In Jesus' parable of the talents, the master entrusts his servants with talents according to their ability, then later requires an accounting of how they used them. From this parable, the word 'talent' has come to signify any gift, ability, or opportunity that God gives to individuals for promoting His glory. Everything we possess—time, health, abilities, influence, wealth, and position—may be considered talents entrusted to us for faithful stewardship.
Related Verses46 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Talent," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Talent," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Talent," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).