### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâneh**, represented by `{{H4488}}`, is a technical term for a unit of measure. Its base definition is "properly, a fixed weight or measured amount, i.e. (techn.) a maneh or mina; maneh, pound." This word, while not frequent, is significant in its context, appearing 5 times in 5 unique verses to specify large quantities of valuable materials.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H4488}}` functions exclusively as a unit of weight for precious metals, denoting significant value and wealth. It is used to quantify the amount of **gold** `{{H2091}}` used in the creation of royal items, such as the three hundred **shields** `{{H4043}}`, each requiring three **pound** `{{H4488}}` of gold [[1 Kings 10:17]]. The term is also prominent in the accounts of offerings given to the **treasure** `{{H214}}` for the **work** `{{H4399}}` of God's house, measuring thousands of **pound** of **silver** `{{H3701}}` ([[Ezra 2:69]]; [[Nehemiah 7:71]]; [[Nehemiah 7:72]]). In Ezekiel, the **maneh** `{{H4488}}` is explicitly defined as a standard composed of twenty, twenty-five, and fifteen **shekels** `{{H8255}}` [[Ezekiel 45:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the context of measurement and value for `{{H4488}}`:
* `{{H8255}}` **sheqel**: This is a primary weight used as a commercial standard. The **maneh** is defined by a specific number of **shekels**, making it a larger, aggregated unit [[Ezekiel 45:12]].
* `{{H1626}}` **gêrâh**: As a small weight or coin, twenty **gerahs** make up one **shekel** `{{H8255}}`, establishing it as the foundational small unit from which larger measures like the **maneh** are derived [[Ezekiel 45:12]].
* `{{H3701}}` **keçeph**: Meaning **silver** or money, this precious metal is frequently measured in **pound** `{{H4488}}` units, especially in the context of contributions to the temple ([[Nehemiah 7:71]]; [[Nehemiah 7:72]]).
* `{{H2091}}` **zâhâb**: The word for **gold**, which is measured by the **pound** `{{H4488}}` to describe the immense value of items in the king's possession [[1 Kings 10:17]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{H4488}}` is a technical term, its use carries theological weight through its context.
* **Sacred Contributions:** The measurement of offerings in thousands of **pound** `{{H4488}}` of **silver** `{{H3701}}` for the **treasure** `{{H214}}` of the **work** `{{H4399}}` highlights the immense value and scale of the people's devotion and generosity toward rebuilding the house of God ([[Ezra 2:69]]; [[Nehemiah 7:71]]).
* **God-Given Wealth:** The use of multiple **pound** `{{H4488}}` of **gold** `{{H2091}}` for hundreds of royal **shields** `{{H4043}}` serves as a tangible display of the nation's prosperity and the splendor of its king, reflecting a state of blessing [[1 Kings 10:17]].
* **Divine Standards:** The specific definition of the **maneh** `{{H4488}}` in Ezekiel is part of a divine command for just and standardized weights. This demonstrates God's concern for order, fairness, and integrity in both religious and civil matters [[Ezekiel 45:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4488}}` **mâneh** is a significant unit of weight, translating to a "pound" or "mina," used to measure large sums of valuable materials. Though it appears infrequently, its presence in scripture is tied to contexts of great value, whether quantifying the splendor of a king's court or the magnitude of sacred offerings for the service of God. It functions as a clear indicator of wealth and underscores the importance of established standards in the life of Israel.
TRV