Bible Dictionary
WEIGHT
A weight was a stone, metal piece, or other standard used to measure quantity in a balance. Scripture also uses “weight” figuratively for importance, glory, burden, or hindrance.
Definition
A weight is a stone, metal piece, or other standard used to measure quantity on a balance. Weights could be made of stone, bronze, or lead and took various shapes. Figuratively, weight can mean importance, glory, burden, or hindrance.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses weight for measurable quantities and figuratively for glory, important matters, burdens, and obstacles that must be laid aside.
Historical Background
Known forms included lion-shaped, animal-shaped, barrel-shaped, spindle-shaped, cubical, octagonal, and many-sided weights. Hemispherical stone weights have also been found in Palestine.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>wat (Measure of quantity) mishqal, (mishqol (Eze 4:10), from shaqkal, "to weigh" 'ebhen, "a stone" used for weighing in the balance): Weights were commonly of stone or bronze (or of lead, Zec 5:7,8). They were of various forms, such as the lion-shaped weights of Babylonia and Assyria, or in the form of birds and other animals. The Hebrew and Phoenician weights, when made of stone, were barrel-shaped or spindle-shaped, but in bronze they were often cubical or octagonal or with numerous faces (see illustration under WEIGHTS AND MEASURES). Hemispherical or dome-shaped stone weights have been found in Palestine (PEFS, 1902, p. 344; 1903, p. 117; 1904, p. 209).</p><p>Figurative: The phrase "without weight" (2Ki 25:16) signifies a quantity too great to be estimated. "Weight of glory" (2Co 4:17, baros) has a similar meaning, but with a spiritual reference. "Weighty," "weightier" (Mt 23:23; 2Co 10:10, barus, baruteros), signify what is important. The Greek (ogkos) (Heb 12:1), is used in the sense of burden, hindrance, as is also the Hebrew neTel (Pr 27:3).</p><p>H. Porter</p>