gerah (Biblical Hebrew) Unit Converter

Definition of gerah (Biblical Hebrew) unit

A gerah (Hebrew: גֵּרָה, gērāh) was a small Biblical Hebrew unit of mass, equal to one-twentieth of a shekel. Its approximate modern equivalent is 0.57 grams, although the exact value varied with historical standards.

History of gerah (Biblical Hebrew) unit

The gerah is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as an established weight within Israelite monetary and sacrificial systems. Exodus 30:13 defines the half-shekel sanctuary contribution as twenty gerahs, while Leviticus 27:25 and Numbers 18:16 use the same relationship. Ezekiel 45:12 likewise states that a shekel contained twenty gerahs. The term probably reflects an ancient Near Eastern weight tradition, but its precise origin is uncertain. Since surviving weights and shekels differed by place and period, scholars estimate a gerah at roughly 0.5–0.6 grams rather than one universally fixed amount.

Applications of gerah (Biblical Hebrew) unit

Today, the gerah is used mainly in Biblical studies, historical metrology, archaeology, and educational discussions of ancient Israelite currency. It is not a modern trade or legal unit. When conversion is needed, references commonly calculate one gerah as approximately 0.57 grams, or one-twentieth of a reconstructed shekel. Such figures are estimates, useful for illustrating relative value rather than asserting precision.

Complete list of gerah (Biblical Hebrew) unit conversion