What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to transform weights measured in pounds, a contemporary mass unit, into the ancient shekel (Biblical Hebrew), which was historically used in Israelite commerce and ritual. It is useful for scholars and enthusiasts examining ancient texts or artifacts.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the weight value in pounds [lbs]
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Select 'pound [lbs]' as the starting unit and 'shekel (Biblical Hebrew)' as the target unit
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Click the convert button to get the equivalent weight in shekels
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Review the result to assist with historical or biblical weight interpretation
Key Features
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Converts weights from pound [lbs] to shekel (Biblical Hebrew) instantly
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Based on the established conversion rate linking modern and ancient units
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Supports interpretation of biblical and archaeological weights in modern terms
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Simple, browser-based tool requiring no download or installation
Examples
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Converting 2 pounds equals 79.577608772 shekels (Biblical Hebrew)
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0.5 pounds converts to 19.894402193 shekels (Biblical Hebrew)
Common Use Cases
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Analyzing temple contributions and census tax weights mentioned in the Hebrew Bible
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Interpreting amounts of metals used in ancient Israelite trade and payments
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Researching weights for offerings and contracts in biblical and archaeological studies
Tips & Best Practices
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Use this tool to compare modern pound measurements with ancient biblical units
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Apply conversions cautiously, considering historical variations in the shekel's value
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Combine conversions with broader research for accurate biblical or archaeological analyses
Limitations
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The shekel was not a standardized unit and varied across time and regions
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Conversions use an approximate fixed value, which may affect precision
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Results should be viewed as estimates for historical and interpretive contexts
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the pound (lbs) unit used for?
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The pound is a unit of mass in the avoirdupois system commonly used for measuring human body weight, labeling packaged goods, and specifying weights in US customary units.
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What was the shekel (Biblical Hebrew) used for?
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The shekel was an ancient unit of mass used in Israelite commerce and ritual, including temple contributions, payments, fines, and trade in Biblical-era contexts.
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Is the conversion from pounds to shekels exact?
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No, due to historical variations and the lack of a standardized shekel, the conversion is approximate based on an accepted average value.
Key Terminology
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Pound [lbs]
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A unit of mass in the avoirdupois system defined as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms, widely used in the United States.
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Shekel (Biblical Hebrew)
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An ancient Near Eastern mass unit cited in Biblical Hebrew texts, used in commerce and ritual, approximately 11.3 grams in weight.
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Conversion Rate
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The fixed ratio used to transform one unit into another, here 1 pound equals about 39.79 shekels (Biblical Hebrew).