Bible Dictionary

A Visit With Jesus
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Shekel

Measures & Money • Both
A shekel was a standard Hebrew unit of weight and a measure of monetary value, commonly used for silver and sometimes for gold and other materials. The sanctuary shekel was used in sacred contributions.
Biblical Usage
The sanctuary shekel was used in contributions connected with the tabernacle and temple. The temple contribution helped provide for public sacrifices; the coin called a stater paid this contribution for Peter and Jesus.
Scripture References
Exodus 30:13 Numbers 3:47 Ezekiel 45:12 1 Chronicles 21:25 1 Samuel 9:8 2 Chronicles 24:6 Matthew 17:24 Matthew 17:27