In biblical times, people used units of measurement that were based on everyday objects and human body parts, like the hand, arm, or foot. These units played important roles in construction, rituals, offerings, and trade. Here’s a summary of some key biblical measurements, their modern equivalents, and where they appear in Scripture.
1. Length Measurements
Used for measuring height, distance, and size—especially in construction of sacred objects and buildings like Noah’s Ark, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Temple.
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Cubit (Dhiraa) – Approx. 0.5 meters (about 18 inches)
A cubit was the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.
Bible Reference: “This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits…” (Genesis 6:15) -
Span (Shubiri) – Approx. 22.2 centimeters (about 9 inches)
The distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger with the hand spread out.
Bible Reference: “You have made my days a few handbreadths…” (Psalm 39:5, ESV) -
Handbreadth (Mkono) – Approx. 44.7 centimeters (about 17.6 inches)
Used in describing dimensions of the altar and other objects.
Bible Reference: “And the altar hearth shall be four cubits high, and from the altar hearth shall extend upward four horns.” (Ezekiel 43:15, often translated from multiples of handbreadths) -
Fathom (Pima) – Approx. 1.8 meters (6 feet)
Common for nautical use in the New Testament.
Bible Reference: “They took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms…” (Acts 27:28) -
Reed (Mwanzi) – Approx. 2.7 meters (about 9 feet)
Used in vision measurements, like in Ezekiel’s temple vision.
Bible Reference: “He measured the wall—it was one reed thick and one reed high…” (Ezekiel 40:5)
2. Dry Volume Measurements
Used to measure grain, flour, and other dry goods—especially in offerings and trade.
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Cab (Kabi) – Approx. 1 liter
Bible Reference: “A donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung…” (2 Kings 6:25) -
Omer (Pishi) – Approx. 2 liters
The daily portion of manna per person.
Bible Reference: “Each one is to gather as much as he needs—an omer for each person…” (Exodus 16:16) -
Ephah (Efa) – Approx. 22 liters
A common measurement for offerings and trade.
Bible Reference: “You shall have just balances, a just ephah…” (Leviticus 19:36)
3. Liquid Volume Measurements
Used to measure oil, wine, and water, especially for ritual use in the tabernacle or temple.
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Log – Approx. 0.31 liters
The smallest liquid measure in the Bible.
Bible Reference: “…with a log of oil, he shall wave them for a wave offering…” (Leviticus 14:10) -
Hin – Approx. 3.67 liters
Used for measuring oil or wine in offerings.
Bible Reference: “…with a grain offering of one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil.” (Exodus 29:40) -
Bath – Approx. 22 liters
A larger measure used in bulk trade or temple service.
Bible Reference: “Ten baths make a homer, for ten baths are a homer.” (Ezekiel 45:14) -
Kor (or Cor) – Approx. 220 liters
Large measure used in royal or commercial records.
Bible Reference: “Solomon’s provision for one day was thirty cors of fine flour…” (1 Kings 4:22) -
Homer (or Homeri) – Approx. 208 liters
The largest dry or liquid measure, used in mass storage.
Bible Reference: “You shall give one-sixth of an ephah from each homer of wheat…” (Ezekiel 45:13)
4. Weight Measurements
Important for weighing silver, gold, offerings, and currency.
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Shekel (Shekeli) – Approx. 11.42 grams
Standard unit of silver or gold used in trade and offerings.
Bible Reference: “Each one… shall give a half shekel…” (Exodus 30:13) -
Beka – Approx. 5.7 grams
Half a shekel, used for the temple tax.
Bible Reference: “A beka a head (that is, half a shekel)… for the service of the tent of meeting.” (Exodus 38:26) -
Gerah (Gera) – Approx. 0.57 grams
A very small unit, 1/20 of a shekel.
Bible Reference: “A shekel is twenty gerahs…” (Exodus 30:13) -
Mina – Approx. 570 grams
Larger weight used in commercial contexts.
Bible Reference: “Your mina has made ten minas more.” (Luke 19:16) -
Talent (Talanta) – Approx. 34.2 kilograms
The heaviest biblical unit of weight, often used symbolically to show great value.
Bible Reference: “To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one…” (Matthew 25:15)
Denarius (Dinari) – Approx. 3.85 grams
A Roman silver coin, equivalent to a day’s wage for a laborer.
Bible Reference: “A denarius for a day’s wage…” (Matthew 20:2)
be blessed.