Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical times, the term "shilling" is not directly mentioned in the original texts of the Bible. However, the concept of currency and monetary exchange is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. The term "shilling" is often used in modern translations to help contemporary readers understand the value of money mentioned in biblical passages. It is important to note that the shilling, as a unit of currency, is more closely associated with British monetary systems and was not a part of the ancient Near Eastern economies.
Biblical Context of Money and CurrencyIn the Bible, various forms of currency are mentioned, reflecting the economic practices of the time. The most common forms of currency in biblical times included silver, gold, and other precious metals, often weighed and measured in talents, shekels, and drachmas. These units of currency were used for trade, tribute, and offerings.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, silver and gold are frequently mentioned as forms of wealth and currency. For example, in
Genesis 23:16 , Abraham purchases the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite for "four hundred shekels of silver, according to the current commercial rate." This transaction highlights the use of silver as a standard medium of exchange.
The Law of Moses also includes regulations concerning weights and measures, emphasizing the importance of honest transactions.
Leviticus 19:35-36 states, "You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt."
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, the use of money is evident in various parables and teachings of Jesus. The parable of the talents in
Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the responsibility of managing resources wisely. Although the term "talent" refers to a large sum of money rather than a shilling, the principle of stewardship is clear.
The account of the widow's offering in
Mark 12:41-44 also highlights the use of currency in the Temple. Jesus observes a poor widow contributing "two small coins, which amount to a small fraction of a denarius," demonstrating her sacrificial giving despite her poverty.
Cultural and Historical InsightsUnderstanding the historical and cultural context of currency in biblical times enriches the interpretation of Scripture. The economies of ancient Israel and the surrounding regions were primarily based on agriculture, trade, and barter. Currency facilitated these transactions, allowing for the exchange of goods and services.
The use of money in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for spiritual truths. Jesus frequently used monetary illustrations to teach about the kingdom of God, stewardship, and the value of eternal treasures over earthly wealth.
ConclusionWhile the term "shilling" is not found in the original biblical texts, the concept of currency is integral to understanding the economic and social dynamics of the biblical world. By examining the use of money in Scripture, believers can gain insights into the principles of stewardship, generosity, and the eternal value of spiritual riches.
Library
A Story of a Barber's Payments, Introduced for the Sake of...
... satisfied with this beggary, so as to get with my labour a pay of three pence, when
by going thither I might amass riches by a large gain ofshillings?' And so...
"There, Baby!" Said Diamond; "I'M So Happy that I Can Only Sing...
... "We should have all starved, my precious Diamond," said his mother, whose pride
in her boy was even greater than her joy in theshillings....
Early History of American Lutheranism.
... In his History of the Lutheran Church in America Dr. A. Graebner writes: "Whoever
came to church tipsy, was to pay 40shillings and do public penance....
To the Rev. A. Brandram
... by William Clowes, 1828 (I would give my right hand for a thousand of them); these
I sold (on the bookseller's account) for 70 reals or 17shillings each, and...
First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
... 6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.7 Philip answered
him, Two hundredshillings' worth of bread is not sufficient for them...
He Got up in the Morning as Soon as He Heard the Men Moving In...
... "He knows I'm getting theshillings for father.... "Well, I think the distance
is a good deal over three miles"-that's twoshillings....
Civ. Jesus Arrives and is Feasted at Bethany.
... diffusive.] 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, that should betray him,
saith, 5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundredshillings, and given...
Preparation for Service
... "Ah," thought I, "if only I had twoshillings and a sixpence instead of this
half-crown, how gladly would I give these poor people one shilling of it!" But to...
Harvest Joy
... countryman, who picked up a sovereign; but when he went with it to the bank, it
turned out to be a light sovereign, and he only got eighteenshillings for it....
In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... In the bazaars you might get a complete suit for your slave for eighteen or nineteen
shillings, [544] and a tolerable outfit for yourself from 3l. to 6l....
Thesaurus
Shillings (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Shillings (7 Occurrences).
... "Are we," they asked, "to go
and buy two hundred
shillings' worth of bread and give them food?" (WEY ASV).
...Mina (6 Occurrences)
... When used in a monetary sense, the maneh of silver was worth about 6 pounds 17
shillings, or USD34 (in 1915); the gold maneh was equal to about 102 pounds 10...
Maneh (1 Occurrence)
... When used in a monetary sense, the maneh of silver was worth about 6 pounds 17
shillings, or USD34 (in 1915); the gold maneh was equal to about 102 pounds 10...
Shilling (8 Occurrences)
Shiloah (1 Occurrence)
300 (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 300 (4 Occurrences). John 12:5 "Why was not that perfume
sold for 300shillings and the money given to the poor?" (WEY)....
Visit (97 Occurrences)
... Himself intended to visit. (WEY). Luke 10:35 The next day he took out two
shillings and gave them to the innkeeper. "'Take care of him...
Nearly (13 Occurrences)
... Matthew 18:28 But no sooner had that servant gone out, than he met with one of his
fellow servants who owed him 100shillings; and seizing him by the throat...
Unit (7 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A single thing or person. 2. (n.) The least whole number; one. 3. (n.) A
gold coin of the reign of James I., of the value of twentyshillings....
Wedge (3 Occurrences)
... nearly two pounds troy. Its value would be 102 British pounds 10shillings
or USD510.00 (in 1915). See MONEY; POUND. A wedge, or...
Resources
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