What Is This Tool?
This converter transforms weights from the ancient shekel used in Biblical Hebrew texts into the metric quintal, a unit measuring bulk mass. It is designed for users interested in relating historical units to modern metric measurements.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in shekels (Biblical Hebrew) into the input field.
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Select the target unit as quintal (metric) [cwt].
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Click the convert button to get the result in metric quintals.
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Review examples to understand typical conversions.
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Use results for research, comparison, or educational purposes.
Key Features
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Convert ancient shekel units to metric quintals with a simple interface.
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Supports historical and modern mass units useful for scholars and researchers.
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Browser-based tool accessible without installation.
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Includes examples for quick understanding.
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Provides contextual information about unit usage and definitions.
Examples
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10 shekels (Biblical Hebrew) converts to 0.00114 quintal (metric) [cwt].
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100 shekels (Biblical Hebrew) equals 0.0114 quintal (metric) [cwt].
Common Use Cases
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Analyzing ancient temple contributions and census taxes recorded in Biblical texts.
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Interpreting silver and metal payments in ancient Israelite trade and legal contracts.
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Comparing historical weights for archaeological and biblical scholarship.
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Reporting bulk agricultural commodity weights in metric quintals for trade or statistics.
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Facilitating modern understanding of ancient mass units within historical research.
Tips & Best Practices
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Use the tool to approximate ancient weights within a modern metric framework.
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Be aware that shekel weights varied historically and regionally, so consider conversions as estimates.
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Do not confuse the metric quintal with traditional hundredweight units used in Britain or the US.
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Apply conversions thoughtfully when comparing small shekel measures due to the large size of the quintal.
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Use this conversion for educational, archaeological, or commercial analyses involving historical data.
Limitations
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The shekel's actual mass varied across different times and locations making exact conversions approximate.
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Converting small shekel amounts into large bulk quintal units results in very small fractional values.
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The metric quintal differs from British and US hundredweight units, so care is needed to avoid confusion.
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This tool does not reflect precision used in scientific or legal weight standards but historical approximation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a shekel (Biblical Hebrew)?
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It is an ancient Near Eastern mass unit cited in Biblical Hebrew texts, traditionally equal to 20 gerahs and commonly estimated around 11.3 grams.
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How much does one metric quintal weigh?
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A metric quintal, also known as a metric centner, equals 100 kilograms and is used to measure bulk weights.
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Can I use this converter for precise scientific measurements?
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No, due to historical variation of the shekel mass and the large size of the quintal, conversions are approximations for contextual understanding.
Key Terminology
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Shekel (Biblical Hebrew)
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An ancient unit of mass used in Israelite commerce, estimated at about 11.3 grams and divided into 20 gerahs.
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Quintal (metric) [cwt]
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A metric unit of mass equal to 100 kilograms, used for measuring large bulk weights.
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Gerah
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A subdivision of the Biblical Hebrew shekel, where one shekel equals 20 gerahs.
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Hundredweight (cwt)
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Traditional units of mass differing by region: British long cwt is about 50.802 kg; US short cwt is about 45.359 kg, distinct from the metric quintal.