In biblical times, the concept of money was intrinsically linked to the practice of weighing. Unlike modern currency, which is typically counted, ancient monetary systems often relied on the weight of precious metals such as gold, silver, and bronze. This method ensured a standardized value in trade and transactions, as the worth of money was determined by its weight rather than its face value.

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." In this passage, Abraham's purchase of the cave of Machpelah is conducted by weighing silver, highlighting the practice of using weighed metal as currency.

2. 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 was a specific weight standard used for offerings, underscoring the importance of precise measurements in religious and economic contexts.

3. 1 Kings 10:21 · "All King Solomon’s drinking vessels were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, for it was considered as nothing in the days of Solomon." While this verse does not directly mention weighing, it reflects the abundance of wealth during Solomon's reign, where the value of metals was understood in terms of weight.

4. Ezra 8:25-27 · "And I weighed out to them the offering of silver and gold and the articles that the king, his counselors, his officials, and all Israel present there had donated for the house of our God." Ezra's careful weighing of the offerings for the temple illustrates the meticulous nature of handling money and valuables in accordance with divine service.

5. Job 28:15-16 · "It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire." Here, the metaphorical use of weighing precious metals emphasizes the incomparable value of wisdom, which transcends material wealth.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The practice of weighing money in biblical times was not only a matter of economic necessity but also a reflection of integrity and fairness. Accurate weights and measures were crucial for maintaining justice in trade, as seen in Leviticus 19:35-36: "You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt."

The use of weights and measures was deeply embedded in the legal and moral fabric of Israelite society. Dishonest scales were condemned as an abomination (Proverbs 11:1), and the prophets often rebuked the people for corrupt practices in commerce (Amos 8:5).

Theological Implications:

The biblical emphasis on weighed money serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in financial dealings. It reflects a broader theological principle that God values justice and righteousness in all aspects of life, including economic transactions. The use of accurate weights and measures is a tangible expression of obedience to God's commandments and a reflection of His character as a God of truth and fairness.Genesis 23:16
And Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 43:21
And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.
Nave's Topical Index

Job 28:15
It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 32:9,10
And I bought the field of Hanameel my uncle's son, that was in Anathoth, and weighed him the money, even seventeen shekels of silver.
Nave's Topical Index

Zechariah 11:12
And I said to them, If you think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.
Nave's Topical Index

5007. talanton -- a balance, hence that which is weighed, ie a ...
... root Definition a balance, hence that which is weighed, ie a talent (about 3000
shekels ... a certain weight (and thence a coin or rather sum of money) or "talent ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5007.htm - 7k

The Restoration of the Jews.
... The title deeds were drawn up and subscribed, witnesses were summoned, the money
weighed and paid over, the whole transaction being regularly completed ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter ix the restoration of.htm

Jesus Predicts, the Rulers Plot For, and Judas Bargains for his ...
... a And they weighed unto him thirty pieces of silver. [There had been coined shekels
since the time of Simeon, or 143 bc, before that the money was weighed. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxvi jesus predicts the rulers.htm

Methodical Liberality
... similar precautions were taken against possible peculation on the part of the two
officials who had received the money, for it was apparently 'weighed out into ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/methodical liberality.htm

Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers.
... Money, oil, salt; doves"he must pay for all. ... an unspeakable grief has weighed down
my soul at the sight of the onward progress of the false teachings of this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter i jesus drives out.htm

How Crassus came into Judea, and Pillaged the Temple; and Then ...
... expedition against the Parthians, came into Judea, and carried off the money that
was in ... of the weight of three hundred minae, each of which weighed two pounds ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how crassus came.htm

Of Learning Philosophy, and what Great Qualifications are ...
... He was a madman, as it seems to me, who was angry with a man because he did not
throw away much money; doubtless he ought to have weighed gold as though to ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxv of learning philosophy and.htm

Eighth Commandment
... See if you will prove light when weighed against the law of God. ... A man who takes
money that does not belong to him never gets any lasting comfort. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/eighth commandment.htm

Titus ii. 14-Nov
... If a man were once for all deprived of money, he would no longer be tormented ... For
when we were weighed down with evils, and incurably diseased, it was of His ...
/.../homily v titus ii 14-nov.htm

The Story of one Furlough (1908-1910)
... The question that weighed heavily was, "Should I cancel the meetings for which I ...
close of the evening meeting an old gentleman put into my hands some money. ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/vii the story of one.htm

Sixth Commandment
... comes into my house and runs a dagger into my heart for my money, is a ... Ah, if many
of us were weighed now, we should find Belshazzar's doom written against us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/sixth commandment.htm

Why is the love of money the root of all kinds of evil? | GotQuestions.org

What is miracle money, and is it biblical to seek it? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about saving money? | GotQuestions.org

Money: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus