What Is This Tool?
This unit converter allows you to translate weights measured in bekan, a Biblical Hebrew unit, into drachma, an ancient Biblical Greek unit of weight and currency. It is especially useful for scholars and enthusiasts in the fields of Biblical studies, archaeology, and numismatics.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the weight value in bekan (Biblical Hebrew) into the input field.
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Select bekan as the from unit and drachma as the to unit.
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Click the convert button to get the equivalent weight in drachma (Biblical Greek).
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Review the converted value for use in your study or documentation.
Key Features
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Converts Biblical Hebrew bekan units to Biblical Greek drachma weights.
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Facilitates comparison of ancient Hebrew and Greek weight systems.
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Browser-based and easy to access for quick conversions.
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Includes conversion consistent with historical archaeological research.
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Supports academic and historical economic analysis.
Examples
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2 Beken converts to approximately 3.35 Drachmae.
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0.5 Bekan converts to approximately 0.84 Drachma.
Common Use Cases
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Analyzing half-shekel temple tax contributions mentioned in Biblical texts.
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Estimating silver mass in Hellenistic-era coins for archaeological research.
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Translating ancient references of weights to modern understandings for economic studies.
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Cataloging and comparing historical coin finds between Hebrew and Greek systems.
Tips & Best Practices
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Consider the regional and chronological variations when interpreting converted values.
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Use the converter as a guide rather than an absolute measurement due to historical variability.
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Cross-reference conversion results with scholarly resources for archaeological or Biblical research.
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Apply conversions thoughtfully in context of the original ancient standards.
Limitations
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Weight values vary because ancient measurement standards differed by region and era.
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Bekan’s weight depends on the particular shekel standard applied, which varies historically.
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Drachma weight ranges from roughly 4.0 to 4.5 grams, affecting exact conversions.
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Conversion outputs are estimates and require contextual academic interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a bekan in Biblical Hebrew units?
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A bekan is a Biblical Hebrew unit of weight representing half a shekel, used to denote amounts such as temple taxes and offerings.
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What does the drachma represent in Biblical Greek?
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The drachma is an ancient unit of weight and a silver coin unit used in Hellenistic regions, serving both as a mass measure and a monetary denomination.
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Why do conversions between bekan and drachma vary?
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Variations arise from different ancient standards for the shekel and drachma weights depending on region and historical period, making conversions approximate.
Key Terminology
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Bekan (Biblical Hebrew)
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A weight unit in the Hebrew Bible representing half of a shekel, used for religious and economic measures.
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Drachma (Biblical Greek)
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An ancient Greek unit of weight and coin representing roughly 4.0 to 4.5 grams of silver, used in Hellenistic and Biblical contexts.
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Shekel
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An ancient standard of weight in Hebrew measurements, of which a bekan is half.