Weights: Dram
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The term "dram" is a unit of weight that appears in some translations of the Bible, though it is not found in the Berean Standard Bible (BSB). The dram is often used to translate the Hebrew term "adarkon" or the Greek "drachma," both of which refer to small units of weight or currency in ancient times. Understanding the dram in biblical contexts requires examining its historical and cultural significance in the ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman world.

Historical Context

In the ancient world, weights and measures were crucial for trade, commerce, and daily life. The dram, or drachma, was a small silver coin used in Greek-speaking regions and was equivalent to a day's wage for a skilled worker. The Hebrew "adarkon" is thought to be a similar unit of weight or coinage, possibly introduced during the Persian period when the influence of Greek culture began to permeate the region.

Biblical References

While the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention the dram, the concept is present in the broader biblical narrative through references to weights and measures. For example, in the context of temple offerings and trade, precise measurements were essential. The Bible emphasizes honest weights and measures as a reflection of integrity and righteousness, as seen in passages like Proverbs 11:1, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight."

Cultural Significance

The use of the dram or similar units in biblical times underscores the interconnectedness of the ancient world. The influence of Greek and Persian cultures on Israel and surrounding nations is evident in the adoption of such terms. This reflects the broader historical context in which the biblical narrative unfolds, where diverse cultures and economies intersected.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the emphasis on accurate weights and measures in the Bible serves as a metaphor for justice and fairness. It highlights God's concern for honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, including economic transactions. This principle is consistent with the broader biblical theme of justice, as seen in passages like Micah 6:8, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

In summary, while the specific term "dram" may not appear in the Berean Standard Bible, its conceptual presence is woven throughout the biblical text, reflecting the importance of fair and honest dealings in accordance with God's standards.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Nehemiah 7:70,71
And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basins, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Love to God
... Love is to the soul as the weights to the clock, it sets the soul a going towards ...
This may serve for a sharp reproof to such as have not a dram of love to God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/of love to god.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... us run with patience the race that is set before us.' (Heb.12:1) These professors
are easily beset with sin, yea, it did hang upon them as weights to hinder ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Resources
Translations and Criticisms ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

What is the Scofield Reference Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Weights

Weights and Measures

Weights of Sins

Weights of the Restraints Put on the Elements

Weights were Frequently Used in Scales or Balances

Weights: (Heavy) of the Exceeding Glory Reserved for Saints

Weights: All Metals Were Given By

Weights: Bekah or Half Shekel

Weights: Dram

Weights: Generally Regulated by the Standard of the Sanctuary

Weights: Gerah

Weights: Maneh or Pound

Weights: Must be Just

Weights: Provisions Were Sold By, in Times of Scarcity

Weights: Shekel

Weights: Sometimes Regulated by the King's Standard

Weights: Talent

Weights: The Jews: Forbidden to Have Unjust

Weights: The Jews: Forbidden to Have Various

Weights: The Jews: Frequently Used Unjust

Weights: Value of Money Estimated According To

Related Terms

Weight (143 Occurrences)

Balance (12 Occurrences)

Differing (5 Occurrences)

Balances (15 Occurrences)

Diverse (15 Occurrences)

Measures (50 Occurrences)

Ephah (55 Occurrences)

Weaving (4 Occurrences)

Scales (33 Occurrences)

Money (284 Occurrences)

Bag (52 Occurrences)

Divers (36 Occurrences)

Unequal (5 Occurrences)

Table (125 Occurrences)

Detests (7 Occurrences)

Standard (42 Occurrences)

Shekel (37 Occurrences)

Dishonest (33 Occurrences)

Honest (34 Occurrences)

Weighty (7 Occurrences)

Aramaic (12 Occurrences)

Hin (19 Occurrences)

Scale (38 Occurrences)

Disgusting (149 Occurrences)

Babylonia (17 Occurrences)

Yard-sticks (1 Occurrence)

Kesitah (3 Occurrences)

Justice (212 Occurrences)

Log (12 Occurrences)

Grain (413 Occurrences)

Gin (10 Occurrences)

Weightier (3 Occurrences)

Finger (35 Occurrences)

Fly (33 Occurrences)

Tackle (1 Occurrence)

Try (84 Occurrences)

Talent (16 Occurrences)

Royal (154 Occurrences)

Decisions (133 Occurrences)

Drop (32 Occurrences)

Deal (170 Occurrences)

Measuring (42 Occurrences)

Mina (6 Occurrences)

Maneh (1 Occurrence)

Pound (13 Occurrences)

Pull (32 Occurrences)

Bath (13 Occurrences)

Barley (35 Occurrences)

Backs (46 Occurrences)

Cubit (51 Occurrences)

Crane (2 Occurrences)

Accurate (7 Occurrences)

Seal (47 Occurrences)

Span (14 Occurrences)

Shears (1 Occurrence)

King's (375 Occurrences)

Language (112 Occurrences)

Carchemish (3 Occurrences)

Justify (19 Occurrences)

Tahpanhes (7 Occurrences)

Measure (269 Occurrences)

Line (131 Occurrences)

Redeemer (42 Occurrences)

Iron (104 Occurrences)

Cooked (35 Occurrences)

Concern (35 Occurrences)

Abominable (52 Occurrences)

Redemption (46 Occurrences)

Reed (41 Occurrences)

Fish (66 Occurrences)

Deceitful (46 Occurrences)

Olive (61 Occurrences)

Questions (76 Occurrences)

Unjust (44 Occurrences)

Trade (33 Occurrences)

Tree (245 Occurrences)

Alike (67 Occurrences)

Pleasing (185 Occurrences)

Laws (184 Occurrences)

Weights: Bekah or Half Shekel
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