Shekel: Weight, the common standard both of weight and value among the
Hebrews. It is estimated at 220 English grains, or a little more than
half an ounce avoirdupois. The "shekel of the sanctuary"
(Exodus 30:13)
(Numbers 3:47) was equal to twenty gerahs
(Ezekiel 45:12) There were shekels
of gold
(1 Chronicles 21:25) of silver
(1 Samuel 9:8) of brass
(1 Samuel 17:5)
and of iron
(1 Samuel 17:7) When it became a coined piece of money, the
shekel of gold was equivalent to about 2 pound of our money.
Six gold shekels, according to the later Jewish system, were equal in
value to fifty silver ones. The temple contribution, with which the
public sacrifices were bought
(Exodus 30:13; 2 Chronicles 24:6) consisted of one
common shekel, or a sanctuary half-shekel, equal to two Attic
drachmas. The coin, a stater (q.v.), which Peter found in the fish's
mouth paid this contribution for both him and Christ
(Matthew 17:24,27)
A zuza, or quarter of a shekel, was given by Saul to Samuel
(1 Samuel 9:8)
