Gerah
גֵּרָה/GEE-ruh/
“Grain or kernel”
☩Definition
The gerah was both the smallest weight and the smallest monetary unit used by the Hebrews. It was defined as one-twentieth of a shekel, as specified in several passages establishing sanctuary offerings and valuations. The name derives from a word meaning 'berry' or 'grain,' suggesting that small seeds may have originally served as standard weights.
Key verses:Exodus 30:13Leviticus 27:25Ezekiel 45:12
☩Value
Based on the shekel's weight, a gerah would have weighed approximately 13.5 Paris grains and had a monetary value of about 3 cents in contemporary terms. According to rabbinic tradition, it weighed as much as sixteen grains of barley. The Septuagint and Vulgate translate it as 'obol,' the smallest Greek coin.
Key verses:Numbers 3:47Numbers 18:16
Related Verses5 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Gerah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Gerah," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).