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.
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.
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.
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.
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