Bible Dictionary
Gerah
A gerah was the smallest Hebrew weight and monetary unit, equal to one-twentieth of a shekel.
Definition
A gerah was the smallest Hebrew weight and monetary unit. It equaled one-twentieth of a shekel and was associated with a grain or kernel, probably of the carob tree.
Biblical Usage
The gerah is used in biblical regulations concerning valuations, ransom, and the counting of Levites.
Historical Background
The term came into use in a manner comparable to the word “grain,” from a small natural measure of weight.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A bean, probably of the carob tree, the smallest weight, and also the smallest piece of money, among the Hebrews, equal to the twentieth part of a shekel (Ex. 30:13; Lev. 27:25; Num. 3:47). This word came into use in the same way as our word “grain,” from a grain of wheat.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Weights And Measures AND Measures]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ge'-ra (gerah, "grain" or "kernel"): A weight, the 20th part of a shekel (Ex 30:13; Le 27:25; Nu 3:47; 18:16; Eze 45:12).</p><p>See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.</p>