Measurements in the Bible

When I read the Bible, and come across measurements, I’m always curious about them.

I find it helpful to learn about them, that way when I read the Bible, I can imagine the size of what I’m reading about.

The Israelites Gather Manna in the Wilderness ...Image via Wikipedia

For example, when the Bible tells about the manna the Israelites picked up by the omer-full, if you imagine taking a 2 quart pitcher outside and picking up little seeds, you can get a feel of what they went through. I think it would have taken quite a bit of time to pick up that much manna.

Here are a few of the most commonly used measurements mentioned in the Bible and their approximate equivalents:

shekel – .4 ounces – was also used as money
talent – 3,000 shekels – 75 pounds

handbreadth – 3 inches
span – 3 handbreadths – 9 inches
cubit – 18 inches

omer – 2 quarts
ephah – 10 omers – 20 quarts

hin – 1 gallon –
bath – 1 ephah – about 6 gallons

Here are a few websites if you want to learn more about the measurements in the Bible:

Weights and Measures
Bible Weights and Measures
Online Bible Dictionary Measurements

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2 Comments

  1. Hi Linda,

    What a useful post! I came across this when you first posted but did not have a chance to comment at that time. I just came back for the link because I came across a blogger in need of the measurements – I left the link on her site – hopefully she will stop by!

    Hugs
    Ramona
    http://create-with-joy.blogspot.com

  2. Ramona left me the link to your post…so helpful! I'm reading the bible in 90 days and hate reading about all the different measurements because I don't understand them. Thanks for this post…it will be a big help!

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