Current Money
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The term "current money" in the Bible refers to the standardized currency used in transactions during biblical times. This concept is significant in understanding the economic practices and societal norms of ancient cultures as depicted in the Scriptures. The use of money, as opposed to barter, indicates a level of economic development and the establishment of trade systems.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 23:16 : "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 current commercial standard." This passage highlights the use of "current money" in the form of silver shekels, which were weighed to ensure fairness and accuracy in transactions. The mention of a "commercial standard" suggests a recognized system of weights and measures, essential for trade and commerce.

2. Genesis 42:25 : "Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to return each man’s silver to his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. This order was carried out." Here, silver is again used as a form of currency, demonstrating its role as a medium of exchange. Joseph's actions reflect the importance of silver in trade, as well as its use in maintaining relationships and ensuring the welfare of others.

3. Exodus 30:13 : "Each one who crosses over to those already counted is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD." The sanctuary shekel represents a specific standard of currency used for religious offerings, indicating the integration of economic practices with spiritual obligations.

Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, the use of money evolved from simple barter systems to more sophisticated forms of currency, such as metal weights and coins. The shekel, mentioned frequently in the Bible, was a common unit of weight and currency. It was typically made of silver or gold and was used in various transactions, from purchasing land to paying temple taxes.

The concept of "current money" implies a recognized and accepted form of currency that facilitated trade and commerce. This system allowed for more complex economic interactions and contributed to the development of trade networks across regions.

Theological Implications:

The use of money in the Bible is often tied to themes of justice, fairness, and stewardship. The requirement for accurate weights and measures underscores the biblical emphasis on honesty and integrity in economic dealings. Furthermore, the use of money in religious contexts, such as temple offerings, highlights the intersection of material wealth and spiritual devotion.

The Bible also warns against the misuse of money, cautioning against greed and the love of wealth. Passages such as 1 Timothy 6:10 remind believers that "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil," urging a balanced and righteous approach to financial matters.

In summary, "current money" in the Bible serves as a window into the economic practices of ancient societies, reflecting broader themes of justice, stewardship, and the integration of faith and daily life.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Current Money

CURRENT MONEY

See MONEY, CURRENT.

Greek
3546. nomisma -- a custom, current coin
... money. From nomizo; what is reckoned as of value (after the Latin numisma), ie Current
coin -- money. see GREEK nomizo. (nomisma) -- 1 Occurrence. 3545, 3546 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3546.htm - 6k
Library

Jesus' Law for the Use of Money.
... That is to say, exchange your money into the kind of coin that is current
in the kingdom of God. Exchange your gold into lives. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/jesus law for the use.htm

That we must Take Pains to do Our Actions Very Perfectly.
... out of temperance, and be in the grace of God, and have an intention to please his
Divine majesty by this temperance, the work shall be current money, fit to ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter vii that we must 2.htm

Heb. 4:14 Our Profession
... bad coins is an indirect proof that there is something which it is worth while to
imitate, and that there is such a thing as good current money in circulation. ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xii heb 4 14 our.htm

Jesus Pays the Tribute Money.
... Jesus Pays the Tribute Money. ... payment of it was so irregular that its receivers kept
two chests; in one of which was placed the tax for the current year, and ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxii jesus pays the tribute.htm

The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ...
... that, although the Jews in Palestine had to pay the tribute-money before the ...
contributions were cast, was destined for the shekels of the current, and another ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the last events.htm

The Greatest Doing is Praying.
... great good. But it is a very pauper in its poverty alongside the bit of
money that is charged with the spirit-current of prayer. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the greatest doing is praying.htm

Foreign Exchange.
... A man going to Europe would provide himself with proper money to use. ... But
that sort of thing does not pass current up in this land. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/foreign exchange.htm

Rich in Good Works
... Good works are the coin that is current in God's kingdom: according to these will
be ... The man who is rich in money may become rich in good works, if he follows ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xviii rich in good works.htm

The Great Proclamation
... with English shillings in his pocket, but he finds that no coins go there but thalers,
or francs, or dollars, or the like; and his money is only current in his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the great proclamation.htm

Chapter xxiii
... hand as full value. Socher is the itinerant merchant or peddler. 'Abher
in reference to money means to be in current use. 17, 18. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxiii.htm

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