Weights: Maneh or Pound
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In biblical times, weights and measures were essential for trade, commerce, and daily life. Among these, the "maneh" or "pound" was a significant unit of weight used in ancient Israel and surrounding regions. Understanding these weights provides insight into the economic and social practices of the biblical world.

Maneh (Pound) in the Old Testament

The term "maneh" is often translated as "pound" in English Bibles. It is mentioned in various contexts, primarily related to commerce and offerings. The maneh was a standard unit of weight, and its value varied depending on the region and period. In Ezekiel 45:12 (BSB), the maneh is described in relation to other weights: "The shekel will consist of twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels will be your maneh." This passage indicates a specific calculation for the maneh, highlighting its importance in maintaining fair trade practices.

The maneh was also used in the context of temple offerings and royal treasuries. In 1 Kings 10:17 (BSB), we read about King Solomon's wealth: "He made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield, and the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon." Here, the maneh (mina) is a measure of gold, underscoring the opulence of Solomon's reign.

Cultural and Economic Significance

The maneh was integral to the economic systems of ancient Israel and its neighbors. It facilitated trade by providing a standardized measure for precious metals, grains, and other commodities. The use of the maneh in trade is evident in the transactions recorded in the Bible, where precise weights ensured fairness and trust between parties.

In addition to its economic role, the maneh had cultural and religious significance. It was used in the preparation of offerings and sacrifices, as seen in the detailed instructions for temple service. The precise measurement of offerings was crucial for maintaining the sanctity and order of worship practices.

Comparison with Other Weights

The maneh was part of a broader system of weights that included the shekel and the talent. The shekel was a smaller unit, while the talent was a larger one. The relationship between these weights is essential for understanding biblical references to wealth and offerings. For example, the talent was often used to describe large quantities of gold or silver, as in the construction of the tabernacle and temple.

Conclusion

The maneh, or pound, was a vital unit of weight in biblical times, reflecting the economic, cultural, and religious practices of ancient Israel. Its use in trade, temple offerings, and royal treasuries highlights its importance in maintaining order and fairness in society. Understanding the maneh and its role in the biblical world provides valuable insights into the daily life and spiritual practices of the people of the Bible.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Nehemiah 7:71
And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 45:12
And the shekel shall be twenty gerahs: twenty shekels, five and twenty shekels, fifteen shekels, shall be your maneh.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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: Gerah
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