What Is This Tool?
This converter allows users to transform weights measured in the ancient Biblical Hebrew shekel into grains, a traditional small mass unit. It supports understanding historical weights by relating them to a modern small-scale unit.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the weight in shekels (Biblical Hebrew) you need to convert
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Select the conversion unit as grain [gr]
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Click the convert button to obtain the equivalent weight in grains
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Review the result for historical or scientific analysis
Key Features
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Converts weight values from shekel (Biblical Hebrew) to grain (gr) precisely
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Based on historical and traditional unit definitions for accurate conversion context
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Browser-based tool requiring no installation or advanced setup
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Supports academic, archaeological, and scientific mass comparisons
Examples
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2 Shekels (Biblical Hebrew) equals approximately 351.8577704462 grains
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0.5 Shekel (Biblical Hebrew) converts to about 87.96444261155 grains
Common Use Cases
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Interpreting the half-shekel census tax and temple contributions in Biblical contexts
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Converting ancient silver or metal weights used in Israelite trade and legal contracts
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Relating archaeological weight measurements to modern units for study
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Applying ancient mass units within ballistics or apothecary fields requiring small units
Tips & Best Practices
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Understand that the Biblical shekel's exact weight varied historically and regionally
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Use the conversion primarily for academic and comparative purposes rather than commercial use
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Handle numbers carefully since grains measure very small masses relative to shekels
Limitations
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The shekel’s mass changed over time and region, so conversion results are approximate
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Grain units are much smaller, requiring careful calculation and interpretation
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The tool is intended mainly for historical or scholarly analysis, not practical daily use
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why convert shekel (Biblical Hebrew) to grain?
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Converting shekels to grains helps compare ancient weights to a universally recognized small mass unit, facilitating precise historical and scientific analysis.
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Is the exact weight of the Biblical Hebrew shekel fixed?
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No, the shekel varied in mass depending on historical period and location, so all conversions are based on typical estimates.
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Can I use this tool for modern commercial weighing?
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This tool is mainly designed for academic, archaeological, or historical study rather than contemporary commercial measurements.
Key Terminology
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Shekel (Biblical Hebrew)
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An ancient unit of mass used in Israelite commerce and ritual, often estimated at about 11.3 grams and consisting of 20 gerahs.
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Grain [gr]
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A traditional mass unit equal to exactly 64.79891 milligrams, used for very small masses in fields like ballistics and apothecary.
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Gerah
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A subdivision of the shekel; 20 gerahs make one shekel in traditional reckoning.