What Is This Tool?
This tool allows you to translate the ancient weight unit shekel (Biblical Hebrew) into the modern metric unit dekagram [dag]. It bridges historical mass measurements with contemporary standards, useful for research and understanding biblical era commerce and ritual weights.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in shekel (Biblical Hebrew) you want to convert
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Select the target unit as dekagram [dag]
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Click the convert button to see the equivalent mass in dekagrams
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Use the results to interpret or compare ancient measurements in modern metric units
Key Features
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Converts shekel (Biblical Hebrew) into dekagram [dag] based on established equivalences
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Browser-based and user-friendly interface for quick mass conversions
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Supports research, academic, and historical analysis involving ancient Near Eastern units
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Provides example calculations for easy understanding of the conversion process
Examples
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5 Shekels (Biblical Hebrew) equals 5.7 Dekagram [dag]
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10 Shekels (Biblical Hebrew) equals 11.4 Dekagram [dag]
Common Use Cases
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Analyzing temple contributions or census taxes from Hebrew Bible descriptions
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Determining weights for ancient Israelite silver or metal payments and fines
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Researching biblical-era offerings, commodity weights, and contract standards
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Translating historical mass units into modern metrics for academic or museum studies
Tips & Best Practices
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Consider historical and regional variation in the shekel’s exact mass when interpreting results
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Use this tool for approximate conversions rather than exact calculations
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Combine conversions with contextual research for thorough biblical and archaeological understanding
Limitations
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The shekel’s mass varied historically, making the conversion an approximation
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Dekagram is a precise modern unit, whereas the shekel value is reconstructed with some uncertainty
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Interpret conversion results carefully within the context of the period and region studied
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a shekel (Biblical Hebrew)?
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It is an ancient unit of mass used in biblical texts and Israelite commerce, traditionally considered as 20 gerahs and roughly around 11.3 grams.
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What does a dekagram [dag] represent?
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A dekagram is a metric mass unit equal to 10 grams, used for small weights in daily life and scientific measures.
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Why is the shekel to dekagram conversion approximate?
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Because the shekel’s actual weight differed by period and region, historical factors introduce variability.
Key Terminology
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Shekel (Biblical Hebrew)
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An ancient Near Eastern mass unit used in biblical commerce and rituals, roughly estimated around 11.3 grams.
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Dekagram [dag]
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A metric mass unit equal to 10 grams, derived from the gram with a deka- prefix for everyday weights.
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Gerah
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A smaller ancient unit of mass; twenty gerahs make one shekel in traditional reckoning.