| Biblical Unit | Equivalent to | Comments | Bible Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bath | = 1 ephah = 22 liters = 5.8 U.S. Gallons |
Used as one of the measures for liquids. The equivalence values are based on the Old Testament use of bath as a liquid measurement. | 1Kings 7:26; Isaiah 5:10; Eze. 45:11 |
| Cubit | = 43 to 53 centimeters = 17 to 21 inches U.S. |
Very common Biblical measure of length. Cubits are based on the distance between the tip of the middle finger and the elbow. | Genesis 6:13-16; Matthew 6:27; Luke 12:25 |
| Ephah | = 10 omers = .62 bushels = 22 liters = 20 dry quarts U.S. |
Used as a dry measure. | Exodus 16:36; 1Samuel 17:17 |
| Farthing | = 2 mites = 1/4th of a cent U.S. |
Used as a measure of money in the New Testament. | Matthew 5:26; 10:29; Mark 12:42 |
| Gerah | = 1/20th of a Shekel = .57 grams = .02 ounces U.S. |
One of the common weights used. Used also as a sum of money. It is the smallest weight and smallest piece of money used among Hebrews. | Leviticus 27:25; Numbers 3:47 |
| Hin | = 1/6th of a Bath = 3.7 liters = 1 Gallon U.S. |
Used as a measurement of liquids. | Exodus 29:40; 30:24; Numbers 15:4 |
| Biblical Unit | Equivalent to | Comments | Bible Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homer (Cor) |
Dry Measure = 10 Ephahs = 211 liters = 6 bushels U.S. Liquid Measure = 10 Baths = 220 liters = 58 Gallons U.S. |
One of the common measures that can be used for dry or liquid volume. | Ezekiel 45:11, 13-14 |
| Mina | = 50 shekels = 1/60th talent = 567 grams = 1.26 pounds U.S. |
Used as a measure of weight and sum of money. | Ezra 2:69; Ezekiel 45:12 |
| Mite | = 1/2 Roman quadran = 1/2 farthing = 1/8th of a cent U.S. |
Used as a measure of money in the New Testament. The Greek word means the smallest bronze of copper coin used. | Luke 12:59; 21:2 |
| Omer | = 1/10 ephah = 2.2 dry liters = 2 dry quarts U.S. |
Used as a dry measure. The original language word from which we get Omer is also sometimes translated as the English word sheaf. A sheaf was considered a quantity of grain big enough to bundle. | Exodus 16:22; Exodus 32-33, 36 |
| Penny | = 16 cents U.S. | Used as a measure of money. The word is translated pence or pennyworth in the New Testament. | Matthew 18:28; 20:2, 9; Mark 6:37; 14:5 |
| Pound | Weight = 100 shekels Money = 100 Roman denarii = 100 Greek drachmas = $16.00 U.S. |
One of the common Biblical weights that is also used for money. | 1Kings 10:17; Ezra 2:29; Luke 19:13,16,18 |
| Sabbath day journey |
= 2,000 cubits = .91 Kilometers = 1,000 yards U.S. |
A Sabbath day's journey, according to Jewish tradition, was the maximum allowable distance one could travel on the Sabbath and not violate the law. | Acts 1:12; Joshua 3:4 |
| Shekel | = 20 gerahs = 11.4 grams = .4 ounces U.S. |
Used as a measure of weight and money. | Genesis 23:15-16; Exodus 21:32; 30:13; Ezekiel 45:12 |
| Span | = 1/2 cubit = 22.8 centimeters = 9 inches U.S. |
Used as a measure of length. A span is the width of a spread out human hand from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the pinky finger. | Exodus 28:16; 1Samuel 17:4; Ezekiel 43:13 |
| Talent | = 3,000 shekels = 60 minas = 34.3 kilograms = 75 U.S. pounds |
One of the common Biblical weights that is also used for money. | Exodus 38:24-29; 1Kings 9:14; Matthew 18:24; Revelation 16:21 |