What Is This Tool?
This unit converter allows you to transform weight measures from the apothecary scruple, a historical mass unit used mainly in pharmacy, into the bekan, a Biblical Hebrew weight unit representing half of a shekel. It helps interpret and connect historical pharmaceutical and biblical weight systems.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the weight value in scruples (apothecary) in the input field
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Select scruple (apothecary) as the source unit and bekan (Biblical Hebrew) as the target unit
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Click the convert button to get the equivalent value in bekan
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Review the result and use it for historical or analytical interpretation
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Repeat for additional conversions as needed
Key Features
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Convert between scruple (apothecary) and bekan (Biblical Hebrew) units of weight
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Includes historic and biblical context for both units
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Provides precise conversion factors based on accepted ratios
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Facilitates research in pharmacy, biblical studies, and archaeology
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Browser-based, easy to use without installations
Examples
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5 scruples (apothecary) equal approximately 1.1368 bekan (Biblical Hebrew)
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10 scruples (apothecary) convert to about 2.2736 bekan (Biblical Hebrew)
Common Use Cases
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Interpreting old medical prescriptions listing weights in apothecary scruples
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Translating archival pharmaceutical or botanical recipes into biblical weight units
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Analyzing silver weights related to temple tax or offerings described in the Hebrew Bible
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Researching ancient Hebrew monetary and weight systems through numismatics and archaeology
Tips & Best Practices
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Always ensure the context of the measurement to apply the conversion appropriately
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Use the tool to support scholarly interpretation rather than precise laboratory work
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Cross-reference ancient shekel standards when studying the bekan due to historical variability
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Keep in mind the scruple unit is largely historical and used for archival purposes
Limitations
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Exact mass of the bekan varies due to differences in ancient shekel standards
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The scruple (apothecary) is a historical unit rarely used in modern practice
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Conversion results should be treated as approximate due to historical and measurement variations
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a scruple (apothecary)?
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It is a historical unit of mass used in pharmacy and medicine, approximately 1.296 grams, mainly used for interpreting older medical prescriptions.
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What does the bekan represent in biblical terms?
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The bekan is a Biblical Hebrew weight unit equal to half a shekel, commonly used for temple tax and silver offerings as described in the Hebrew Bible.
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Why do conversion results vary for the bekan?
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Variations in ancient shekel standards cause the bekan’s exact weight to differ, limiting the precision of conversions.
Key Terminology
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Scruple (apothecary)
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A historical weight unit used in pharmacy, equal to 20 grains or about 1.296 grams.
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Bekan (Biblical Hebrew)
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A Biblical Hebrew weight unit representing half a shekel, used in ancient religious and monetary contexts.
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Shekel
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An ancient unit of weight and currency in the Hebrew Bible, with variations affecting derivative units like the bekan.