What Is This Tool?
This tool allows users to convert weight values from the ancient mina (Biblical Greek) unit to the bekan (Biblical Hebrew) unit. Both units are historically significant in biblical and Near Eastern contexts for weighing silver and recording monetary amounts.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the weight value in mina (Biblical Greek) you want to convert
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Select mina (Biblical Greek) as the source unit
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Choose bekan (Biblical Hebrew) as the target unit
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Click the convert button to see the equivalent weight in bekan
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Use the results to compare or interpret historical and biblical weight measurements
Key Features
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Converts ancient weight units used in biblical and Near Eastern texts
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Provides a direct conversion rate between mina (Biblical Greek) and bekan (Biblical Hebrew)
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Supports analysis of historical economic, religious, and archaeological data
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Browser-based and easy to use without any installation
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Displays example conversions for quick reference
Examples
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1 mina (Biblical Greek) equals approximately 59.65 bekan (Biblical Hebrew)
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5 minas (Biblical Greek) convert to about 298.25 bekan (Biblical Hebrew)
Common Use Cases
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Comparing weights recorded in biblical and ancient Near Eastern documents
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Analyzing temple contributions or legal payments mentioned in the Hebrew Bible
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Researching archaeological finds related to ancient silver weights
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Studying ancient economic histories involving Greek and Hebrew monetary units
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Evaluating half-shekel temple tax or census contributions in biblical texts
Tips & Best Practices
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Always consider regional and historical variations when interpreting conversion results
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Use this tool as a guide rather than an exact measurement translator
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Include additional historical context when analyzing weight and monetary values
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Cross-reference with archaeological and numismatic evidence for accuracy
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Be mindful of differing shekel standards that affect the bekan’s weight
Limitations
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Exact weights for mina and bekan vary depending on period and region
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Conversions are approximate and should be interpreted carefully
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Differences in ancient local measurement systems affect accuracy
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Not all ancient monetary or weight units are covered beyond these two
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Does not account for variations in shekel standards impacting bekan weight
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the mina (Biblical Greek) unit used for?
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The mina was an ancient unit of mass used primarily for weighing precious metals and recording large monetary amounts in Greek and Near Eastern contexts.
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How is the bekan (Biblical Hebrew) defined?
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The bekan is a Biblical Hebrew unit of weight representing half of a shekel, used to describe silver amounts in biblical law and temple contributions.
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Why do conversion results vary for these units?
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Because the exact weights of minas and bekans differ by region and historical period, conversions are approximate and should be applied with context.
Key Terminology
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Mina (Biblical Greek)
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An ancient mass unit used in Greek and Near Eastern cultures, often for precious metals and large monetary amounts.
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Bekan (Biblical Hebrew)
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A Biblical Hebrew weight unit equal to half a shekel, used for silver amounts and temple taxes.
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Shekel
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An ancient monetary and weight unit, varying in value by region and time, foundational for bekan measurements.