King James Bible Dictionary

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 (17:5), and of iron (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).

A weight equal to twenty gerahs
Exodus 30:13; Numbers 3:47; Ezekiel 45:12

Fractions of, used in currency
Exodus 30:13; 1 Samuel 9:8; Nehemiah 10:32

Used to weigh:

Gold
Genesis 24:22; Numbers 7:14; Numbers 7:20-86; Joshua 7:21; 1 Kings 10:16

Silver
Joshua 7:21; Judges 8:26; Judges 17:2-3

Cinnamon
Exodus 30:23

Hair
2 Samuel 14:26

Iron
1 Samuel 17:7

Myrrh
Exodus 30:23

Rations
Ezekiel 4:10

Fines paid in
Deuteronomy 22:19; Deuteronomy 22:29

Fees paid in
1 Samuel 9:8

Sanctuary revenues paid in
Exodus 30:13; Nehemiah 10:32

Of different standards:

Of the sanctuary
Exodus 30:13

Of the king's weight
2 Samuel 14:26

Corrupted
Amos 8:5

[MONEY]

SHEK'EL, noun [Heb. to way; Low Latin siclus.] An ancient weight and coin among the Jews and other nations of the same stock. Dr. Arbuthnot makes the weight to have been equal to 9 pennyweights, 2 4/7 grains, Troy weight, and the value of 2 Samuel 3:1 3/8d. sterling, or about half a dollar. Others make its value 2 Sam 6d. sterling. The golden shekel was worht 1. 16. 6. pounds sterling, about $8, 12.