What Is This Tool?
This tool converts weights from bekan, a Biblical Hebrew unit representing half a shekel, to dekagram, a modern metric unit equal to 10 grams. It is useful for expressing ancient Hebrew weights in contemporary terms for research and practical purposes.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter a numerical value in the bekan input field.
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Select bekan as the source unit and dekagram as the target unit.
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Click the convert button to see the equivalent value in dekagram.
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Refer to provided examples to understand typical conversions.
Key Features
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Converts bekan units, used in Biblical texts, to dekagram units.
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Uses an established conversion rate of 1 bekan = 0.57 dekagram.
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Ideal for biblical scholarship, archaeology, and historical analysis.
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Browser-based and easy to use with no installation needed.
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Provides examples to illustrate common conversions.
Examples
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2 Bekan equals 1.14 Dekagram.
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5 Bekan equals 2.85 Dekagram.
Common Use Cases
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Analyzing half-shekel temple taxes or census contributions described in the Hebrew Bible.
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Interpreting prescribed silver amounts for offerings and legal payments in Biblical law.
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Supporting numismatic and archaeological examinations of ancient Hebrew silver weights.
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Facilitating historical studies on ancient economies by converting old units into metric values.
Tips & Best Practices
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Consider the variability in ancient shekel standards when interpreting results.
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Use this conversion to aid comparative analysis rather than exact measurement.
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Combine this tool's output with historical and archaeological context for comprehensive understanding.
Limitations
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The bekan’s value varies based on different ancient shekel standards, so conversion results are approximate.
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Dekagram is a modern metric unit and may not reflect the historical and cultural aspects of the bekan.
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Accuracy depends on the assumed shekel weight, which can differ among sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a bekan in Biblical terms?
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A bekan is a Biblical Hebrew weight unit representing half of a shekel, used for silver amounts in ancient Hebrew law and texts.
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What does the dekagram measure?
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A dekagram is a metric mass unit equal to 10 grams, commonly used for small everyday weights.
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Why is the conversion between bekan and dekagram approximate?
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Because the ancient shekel standards varied, the bekan’s weight also changes depending on the source, making the conversion an estimate.
Key Terminology
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Bekan (Biblical Hebrew)
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An ancient Hebrew unit of weight equal to half a shekel, used in Biblical contexts for silver payments and taxes.
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Dekagram [dag]
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A modern metric mass unit equal to 10 grams, used for small everyday weights and compatible with the SI system.
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Shekel
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An ancient unit of weight used in Hebrew measurements, the full unit of which a bekan represents half.