The Science in the Bible

Entry 5 · Section 1: Measure

Weights, the Shekel, and Honest Scales

A buyer and seller balance goods against marked stone weights in an ancient market.

Scripture: Lev 19:35–36; Prov 11:1

MetrologyEconomics

The five weights at the book's shekel of a stated quantity, drawn at relative volume for a limestone weight stone. The gerah is 1/20 of the shekel; the talent is 3,000 of them.
The five weights at the book's shekel of a stated quantity, drawn at relative volume for a limestone weight stone. The gerah is 1/20 of the shekel; the talent is 3,000 of them.

The question

How much does a small error or deliberately false stone transfer in each transaction?

Why it matters

A balance can be precise yet still produce dishonest results when its reference weight is false.

Suggest a correction or new direction
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