מָנֶה
properly, a fixed weight or measured amount, i.e. (techn.) a maneh or mina
Definition
The Hebrew word מָנֶה (mâneh) refers to a standard unit of weight and monetary value in the ancient Near East, equivalent to a mina. It represented a significant amount, specifically 50 shekels according to the sanctuary standard (Ezekiel 45:12). In the Bible, it is used to quantify large donations of precious metals, such as gold and silver, for religious and royal purposes. For example, in 1 Kings 10:17, it measures the gold used for shields in Solomon's temple, while in Ezra 2:69 and Nehemiah 7:71-72, it measures the voluntary offerings given for rebuilding the temple.
Biblical Usage
The word is used exclusively in contexts of weighing and contributing precious metals, appearing only five times in the Old Testament. Its usage is concentrated in historical books detailing temple construction and royal wealth: three times in the post-exilic accounts of Ezra and Nehemiah regarding temple donations, once in the description of Solomon's lavish kingdom (1 Kings 10:17), and once in the prophetic vision of Ezekiel's restored temple measurements and standards (Ezekiel 45:12). It consistently denotes a large, standardized weight for gold and silver.
Etymology
Derived from the root verb מָנָה (mānâ, H4487), meaning 'to count, number, or appoint.' This root conveys the idea of assigning a specific, measured portion. The noun מָנֶה thus developed to signify a 'fixed weight' or 'allotted amount,' reflecting its function as a standardized unit in economic and religious systems.
Semantic Range
The maneh highlights the themes of sacred measurement, proportional giving, and divine order in worship. Its definition in Ezekiel 45:12 as part of God's revealed standards for a restored community underscores that just weights and measures are matters of theological integrity and social justice. Understanding it as a specific weight enriches reading by clarifying the scale of contributions for God's work, moving beyond a vague 'pound' to appreciate the substantial, deliberate generosity involved in projects like temple building.
In the ancient Israelite economy, the maneh was a major weight unit, part of a system where value was based on weight of metal (e.g., silver, gold). One maneh equaled 50 shekels, and 60 manehs made one talent. This was a standard across the ancient Near East, though the exact weight could vary by region and time period. The biblical texts, especially Ezekiel, emphasize using a true and 'holy' standard, contrasting with possibly corrupt commercial practices.
shekel (sheqel, H8255) — a much smaller basic unit of weight; 50 shekels = 1 maneh. talent (kikkār, H3603) — a much larger unit of weight; 1 talent = 60 manehs.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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