What Is This Tool?
This tool allows users to convert ancient units of weight from bekan, a Biblical Hebrew measure of half a shekel, to assarion, a Roman-era unit used for small masses. It supports historical and archaeological studies by providing approximate conversions between these ancient measurement systems.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the weight value in bekan (Biblical Hebrew)
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Select bekan as the input unit
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Choose assarion (Biblical Roman) as the output unit
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Click convert to get the equivalent weight in assarion
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Use the results to interpret ancient weight references in historical texts
Key Features
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Converts weight units used in Biblical Hebrew and Roman contexts
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Based on scholarly approximations for historical units
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Supports research in archaeology, numismatics, and Biblical studies
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Easy browser-based conversion interface
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Includes practical examples for better understanding
Examples
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1 bekan = 23.688 assarion
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2 bekan = 47.376 assarion
Common Use Cases
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Assessing the half-shekel temple tax mentioned in Biblical texts
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Analyzing silver offerings and legal payments in ancient laws
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Examining ancient Hebrew silver weights and monetary systems
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Estimating masses of small ancient commodities like coins and spices
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Scholarly work in archaeology, numismatics, and historical economics
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Providing context for Biblical and classical translations mentioning weights
Tips & Best Practices
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Use the converter for approximate comparisons rather than precise measures
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Consider the historical variability of unit weights in your analysis
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Apply the tool in conjunction with archaeological and textual research
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Cross-reference conversions with scholarly literature for accuracy
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Utilize examples provided to verify understanding
Limitations
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Units are ancient and weights varied by region and period
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Assarion is not a standardized modern unit and varies in magnitude
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Conversions are approximate and rely on scholarly reconstructions
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Not suitable for modern precise weight measurement
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Interpretations depend on historical context and source material
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a bekan in Biblical Hebrew?
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A bekan is an ancient Biblical Hebrew unit of weight representing half of a shekel, used historically in the Hebrew Bible for various payments and offerings.
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Is the assarion a modern standard unit?
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No, the assarion is a historical Roman/Biblical unit whose exact size varied, and it is not standardized in modern measurements.
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Can this tool be used for exact weight conversions?
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No, this tool provides approximate conversions based on historical estimates suitable for academic and research purposes, not precise measurements.
Key Terminology
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Bekan (Biblical Hebrew)
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An ancient unit of weight used in the Hebrew Bible, equal to half a shekel.
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Assarion (Biblical Roman)
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A historical Roman unit of mass for small quantities, referenced in ancient texts and inscriptions.
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Shekel
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An ancient unit of weight and currency used in Biblical times and varied by historical period.