Pound
Summary
The term 'pound' in English translations represents different Hebrew and Greek units of weight and money, including the maneh (a weight of gold or silver) and the Roman libra (approximately 12 ounces).
☩As a Weight
The Hebrew maneh, sometimes translated 'pound,' was a unit of weight used for precious metals (1 Kings 10:17; Ezra 2:69; Nehemiah 7:71-72). The maneh was larger than a modern pound—fifty shekels according to Ezekiel 45:12. The Greek litra, used in John 12:3 and 19:39, was the Roman pound (libra) of twelve ounces, weighing approximately 4,950 grains—less than an English pound troy. Mary's perfume for Jesus' feet weighed a litra, and Nicodemus brought about 100 litrai of spices for Jesus' burial.
☩As Money
In the Parable of the Pounds (Luke 19:13-25), the Greek mna (mina) is translated 'pound.' This was a monetary unit worth 100 drachmas or denarii—representing approximately three to four months' wages for a common laborer. The nobleman gave each of his ten servants one mina to trade with during his absence. Unlike the talents in Matthew 25 (where servants received varying amounts based on ability), here each servant received the same amount, testing their faithfulness with equal opportunity.
Related Verses12 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Pound," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Pound," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).