שֶׁ֫קֶל (she.qel)
she.qel
shekel
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 51 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun sheqel denotes a standard unit of weight used as currency in ancient Israel. Derived from a root meaning "to be light," it originally referred to the physical mass of metal rather than stamped coins, which appeared much later. The texts distinguish between gold, silver, and copper shekels, with the silver variety serving as the primary commercial standard.
This weight system provided a consistent measure for value across diverse transactions. In Genesis 23:15, Abraham weighs out silver to buy a burial cave, illustrating how trade relied on precise scales rather than fixed denominations. The law in Exodus 30:13 establishes the "holy shekel" as the specific weight required for the temple tax, ensuring that every contributor gave an equal amount regardless of their economic status.
Translators typically render this term simply as "shekel," preserving its identity as a measure of mass. The consistency of this standard allowed for fair exchange in both everyday commerce and religious obligations, anchoring economic life in a tangible, measurable reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shekel represents more than just ancient currency; it signifies a standard of value rooted in precise measurement. In a world that often measures worth by status or appearance, this term reminds us that God values consistency and fairness. When Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah, he paid full weight in silver, honoring the transaction with integrity. This act shows that faithful living involves giving what is truly owed, not what is convenient.
Later, the law required every Israelite to contribute half a shekel for the sanctuary, regardless of their wealth. The rich gave no more, and the poor gave no less. This equal contribution highlighted that before God, everyone stands on the same footing. It was not about the amount but the willingness to participate in the community’s worship. Such standards encourage us to examine our own offerings, ensuring they reflect sincere devotion rather than outward show.
Understanding this measure helps us appreciate the tangible nature of biblical faith. Trust is built through reliable actions and honest dealings. As you navigate your daily responsibilities, consider how integrity in small matters reflects a heart aligned with divine principles. May your life be marked by fairness and grace, trusting that God sees the sincerity behind every act.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 51 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- by/ [the] shekel of25×
- shekel[s]19×
- shekels18×
- the/ shekel7×
- for/ a shekel6×
- shekel[s] of3×
- to/ shekels1×
- shekels of1×
- a shekel of1×
- a shekel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/שֶׁ֣קֶל18×
- שֶׁ֖קֶל14×
- שְׁקָלִ֖ים8×
- בְּ/שֶׁ֥קֶל5×
- בְּ/שֶׁ֗קֶל3×
- שָֽׁקֶל\׃2×
- שָׁ֑קֶל2×
- שֶׁ֥קֶל2×
- שֶׁ֣קֶל2×
- שְׁקָלִֽים\׃2×
- שְׁקָלִ֥ים2×
- שְׁקָלִ֣ים2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 30:15
The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when they give the offering of Yahweh, to make atonement for your souls.
This verse emphasizes that both the rich and poor give the exact same amount, showing that spiritual equality outweighs economic status.
-
Genesis 23:16
Abraham listened to Ephron. Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the current merchants’ standard.
Abraham weighs out the silver precisely, demonstrating that honest trade and respect for agreements are central to faithful living.
-
Exodus 30:13
They shall give this, everyone who passes over to those who are counted, half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs); half a shekel for an offering to Yahweh.
The text specifies a half shekel as an offering to Yahweh, linking financial contribution directly to atonement and communal responsibility.