### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מָנֶה (mâneh, `{{H4488}}`) derives from the verbal root מָנָה (mânah, `{{H4487}}`), meaning "to count," "to number," or "to appoint." This etymological connection is crucial, as it underscores the nature of the mâneh as a precisely "counted" or "measured" amount. Technically, the mâneh refers to a fixed unit of weight or currency, equivalent to the "mina" in various ancient Near Eastern cultures, such as the Babylonian and Assyrian systems. While modern translations often render it as "pound," this is an approximation of weight. In its original context, the mâneh represented a significant, standardized quantity, typically understood to be 50 or 60 shekels, though its precise value could vary historically and geographically. Its primary semantic range encompasses a measurable quantity of precious metals, specifically gold or silver, used in commercial transactions, royal treasuries, and temple contributions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mâneh appears in the Hebrew Bible in three distinct contexts, each illuminating its practical application:
* **Royal Wealth:** In [[1 Kings 10:17]], the mâneh is mentioned in the description of King Solomon's immense wealth. It states that Solomon made three hundred shields of hammered gold, "three minas of gold went to each shield." This highlights the mâneh as a substantial unit for measuring royal treasures and luxury items, underscoring the king's opulence and the vast resources at his disposal.
* **Temple Standards:** A pivotal occurrence is found in [[Ezekiel 45:12]], where the prophet Ezekiel, in his vision of the future temple and its regulations, provides a precise definition for the sacred weights: "The shekel shall be twenty gerahs; twenty shekels, twenty-five shekels, and fifteen shekels shall be your maneh." This sum totals sixty shekels (20 + 25 + 15 = 60), establishing the mâneh as equivalent to sixty shekels within the divinely ordained system for the temple. This passage is unique in its explicit breakdown and emphasizes the importance of accurate and standardized weights in the religious and economic life of the community. This definition likely reflects a specific cultic standard rather than a universal commercial one, though it would have influenced the latter.
* **Post-Exilic Contributions:** Following the return from Babylonian exile, the mâneh appears in the context of contributions for the rebuilding of the temple. [[Ezra 2:69]] (paralleled in [[Nehemiah 7:71]]) records that some of the heads of families gave to the treasury for the work, with some contributing "five thousand minas of silver." This demonstrates the mâneh's continued use as a unit for large-scale financial offerings and its role in the re-establishment of sacred institutions. It signifies substantial collective effort and sacrifice.
Across these occurrences, the mâneh consistently functions as a unit of significant value, primarily for gold and silver, underpinning economic transactions, royal displays, and religious donations.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of mâneh is enriched by its relationship to other terms and concepts concerning ancient weights and measures:
* **מָנָה (mânah, `{{H4487}}`):** As its root, this verb "to count" or "to number" emphasizes the precise, calculated nature of the mâneh. It signifies that the mâneh is not an arbitrary amount but a carefully quantified unit.
* **שֶׁקֶל (shekel, `{{H8255}}`):** The shekel was the foundational unit of weight and currency in ancient Israel. The mâneh is explicitly defined in terms of shekels in [[Ezekiel 45:12]], illustrating its place within a hierarchical system of weights. The relationship (typically 50 or 60 shekels to a mâneh) was fundamental to ancient commerce.
* **כִּכָּר (kikkar, `{{H3684}}`):** The talent (kikkar) was the largest unit of weight, typically comprising 50 or 60 mânehs/minas. This tripartite system (gerah < shekel < mâneh < talent) provided a comprehensive framework for measuring goods and wealth, from small transactions to national treasuries.
* **Concepts of Weights and Measures:** The biblical emphasis on "just weights and measures" ([[Leviticus 19:35-36]], [[Deuteronomy 25:13-16]], [[Proverbs 11:1]], [[Proverbs 20:10]]) provides the broader theological context for the mâneh. Its precise definition in Ezekiel underscores the divine standard for economic integrity and fairness.
* **Ancient Near Eastern Mina:** The Hebrew mâneh is functionally equivalent to the mina (Akkadian *manû*) found in Mesopotamian and other ancient Near Eastern cultures, reflecting a shared system of economic standards across the region.
### Theological Significance
While primarily a technical term for a unit of weight, the mâneh carries implicit theological significance within the biblical narrative:
* **Divine Standard of Justice and Equity:** The meticulous definition of the mâneh in [[Ezekiel 45:12]] is profoundly significant. It is situated within a passage outlining the ideal temple and its administration, emphasizing that even economic standards are subject to divine decree. This underscores God's concern for absolute fairness and integrity in all dealings, particularly those related to the sacred. Dishonest weights and measures are an abomination to the Lord, and the precise mâneh stands as a counterpoint to such injustice.
* **Stewardship and Accountability:** The use of the mâneh in the context of temple contributions ([[Ezra 2:69]]) highlights the concept of stewardship. The people's willingness to donate substantial amounts, measured in mânehs, speaks to their dedication to God's house and their understanding of their responsibility to contribute their resources for sacred purposes. It reflects a tangible expression of faith and commitment.
* **Order and Structure in God's Economy:** The existence of standardized units like the mâneh points to the divine desire for order, clarity, and predictability in human society, including its economic structures. This order is a reflection of God's own character, which is orderly and just.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מָנֶה (mâneh, `{{H4488}}`), derived from the root "to count," designates a precise, fixed unit of weight or currency, equivalent to the ancient Near Eastern mina. It is consistently used in the Old Testament to denote a substantial quantity of precious metals, typically gold or silver. Biblical occurrences reveal its application in measuring royal wealth ([[1 Kings 10:17]]), defining sacred economic standards for the temple ([[Ezekiel 45:12]] where it equals sixty shekels), and quantifying large contributions for religious purposes ([[Ezra 2:69]]). Theologically, the mâneh underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and order in economic affairs, particularly within the context of divine institutions. Its precise definition in Ezekiel serves as a testament to the divine standard for integrity in all human dealings, reflecting God's expectation of faithful stewardship and adherence to righteous measures.
TRV