What Is This Tool?
This converter transforms measurements from the ancient shekel (Biblical Hebrew) unit of mass into the modern kilogram (kg). It aids in bridging ancient weight standards with contemporary SI units, useful for historical research and practical applications.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in shekels (Biblical Hebrew) you want to convert.
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Select 'shekel (Biblical Hebrew)' as the input unit and 'kilogram [kg]' as the output unit.
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Click the convert button to get the equivalent mass in kilograms.
Key Features
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Converts ancient shekel measurements to kilograms efficiently.
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Supports understanding of Biblical-era mass units in modern terms.
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Browser-based and easy to use for researchers and students.
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Includes practical examples for clarity.
Examples
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5 shekels (Biblical Hebrew) converts to 0.057 kilograms.
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10 shekels (Biblical Hebrew) converts to 0.114 kilograms.
Common Use Cases
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Interpreting temple contributions and the half-shekel census tax in the Hebrew Bible.
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Analyzing amounts of silver or metals used in ancient Israelite trade and fines.
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Determining weights for offerings, commodity exchanges, and legal contracts in Biblical times.
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Supporting biblical studies, archaeology, and historical trade research.
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Aiding museum curation and artifact restoration related to Near Eastern history.
Tips & Best Practices
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Use the converter to approximate mass values while considering historical context.
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Refer to multiple sources when analyzing ancient weights due to regional and temporal variations.
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Combine conversion results with archaeological and textual data for comprehensive study.
Limitations
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The shekel's exact mass varied by historical period and region; therefore, conversions are approximate.
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Traditional reckoning differences and metal purity affect precise weight comparisons.
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Modern SI units may not fully represent the cultural or ritual significance of the ancient shekel.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the shekel (Biblical Hebrew)?
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It is an ancient Near Eastern unit of mass referenced in Biblical Hebrew texts, used historically in Israelite commerce and ritual contexts.
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How accurate is the conversion from shekel to kilogram?
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Conversions are approximate because the shekel's mass varied historically and regionally, and metal purity also influenced weight.
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Why convert shekel measurements to kilograms?
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Converting to kilograms helps understand and compare ancient mass units using modern international standards, supporting research and education.
Key Terminology
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Shekel (Biblical Hebrew)
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An ancient Near Eastern unit of mass documented in Biblical Hebrew texts, used in commerce and ritual in Israelite culture.
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Kilogram [kg]
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The SI base unit of mass, representing the amount of matter in an object, defined since 2019 by a fixed Planck constant.
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Conversion Rate
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The factor used to convert one unit to another; here, 1 shekel equals approximately 0.0114 kilograms.