The term "Gerah" refers to a unit of weight and currency used in ancient Israel, as mentioned in the Bible. It is the smallest weight measurement in the Hebrew system, equivalent to one-twentieth of a shekel. The gerah is significant in biblical texts, particularly in the context of religious offerings and the valuation of goods and services.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 30:13 : "Each one who crosses over to those already counted is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD." This passage highlights the use of the gerah in the context of the sanctuary shekel, emphasizing its role in religious offerings and the census tax.

2. Leviticus 27:25 : "Every valuation will be according to the sanctuary shekel, twenty gerahs to the shekel." Here, the gerah is again mentioned as part of the valuation system, underscoring its importance in determining the worth of vows and dedications to the Lord.

3. Numbers 3:47 : "You are to collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs." This verse refers to the redemption price for the firstborn sons of Israel, calculated using the gerah as part of the shekel measurement.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The gerah, as a unit of weight, was part of a broader system used throughout the ancient Near East. It was primarily used for weighing precious metals like silver and gold, which were the basis of currency in biblical times. The use of the gerah in the sanctuary shekel indicates its role in religious and economic life, serving as a standard for transactions and offerings.

In the broader cultural context, the gerah reflects the meticulous nature of the Hebrew system of weights and measures, which was integral to maintaining fairness and consistency in trade and religious practices. The precision of this system is evident in the detailed instructions given in the Law regarding offerings and valuations.

Theological Significance:

The gerah's inclusion in the biblical text underscores the importance of precision and integrity in worship and community life. By adhering to a standardized system of weights and measures, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to justice and equity, principles that are deeply rooted in the character of God as revealed in Scripture.

Furthermore, the use of the gerah in the context of offerings and valuations highlights the concept of proportional giving and the idea that every contribution, no matter how small, holds significance in the eyes of the Lord. This reflects the biblical theme that God values the heart and intention behind the offering more than the material value itself.

In summary, the gerah serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness in the details of worship and daily life, reflecting a broader biblical principle of living in accordance with God's standards.Gerah

[WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AND MEASURES]

Gerah

The smallest weight or coin among the Jews, the twentieth part of a shekel, and worth about two and a half cents, Exodus 30:13.

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 (Exodus 30:13; Leviticus 27:25; Numbers 3:47). This word came into use in the same way as our word "grain," from a grain of wheat. (n.) A small coin and weight; 1-20th of a shekel.GERAH

ge'-ra (gerah, "grain" or "kernel"): A weight, the 20th part of a shekel (Exodus 30:13 Leviticus 27:25 Numbers 3:47; Numbers 18:16 Ezekiel 45:12).

See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

1626. gerah -- a gerah (one-twentieth of a shekel)
... 1625, 1626. gerah. 1627 . a gerah (one-twentieth of a shekel). Transliteration:
gerah Phonetic Spelling: (gay-raw') Short Definition: gerahs. ...
/hebrew/1626.htm - 6k

1625. gerah -- cud
... 1624, 1625. gerah. 1626 . cud. Transliteration: gerah Phonetic Spelling:
(gay-raw') Short Definition: cud. ... 1624, 1625. gerah. 1626 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/1625.htm - 6k

1617. Gera -- the name of several Israelites, also a Benjamite ...
... Gera. Perhaps from gerah; a grain; Gera, the name of six Israelites -- Gera. see
HEBREW gerah. 1616, 1617. Gera. 1618 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/1617.htm - 6k

Book Four. The Modern Moravians, 1857-1907.
... at Northfield, Philadelphia and Harmony; in 1870 at Mamre and Unionville; in 1871
at Philadelphia; in 1872 at Sturgeon Bay; in 1873 at Zoar and Gerah; in 1874 ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/book four the modern moravians.htm

Gerah (1 Occurrence)
...GERAH. ge'-ra (gerah, "grain" or "kernel"): A weight, the 20th part of a shekel
(Exodus 30:13 Leviticus 27:25 Numbers 3:47; Numbers 18:16 Ezekiel 45:12). ...
/g/gerah.htm - 7k

Weights (14 Occurrences)
... weights were: (1.) The gerah (Leviticus 27:25; Numbers 3:47), a Hebrew word,
meaning a grain or kernel, and hence a small weight. It ...
/w/weights.htm - 21k

Gera (9 Occurrences)

/g/gera.htm - 10k

Measures (50 Occurrences)
... The shekel was divided into gerahs, 20 to a shekel (Exodus 30:13). The gerah (gerah)
is supposed to be some kind of seed, perhaps a bean or some such plant. ...
/m/measures.htm - 35k

Gerahs (5 Occurrences)

/g/gerahs.htm - 8k

Cud (9 Occurrences)
... choo, chu, (ma`aleh gerah, literally "bringing up" (American Revised Versions margin),
ie "chewing the cud," from garar, "to roll," "ruminate"): One of the ...
/c/cud.htm - 11k

Chew (5 Occurrences)
... choo, chu, (ma`aleh gerah, literally "bringing up" (American Revised Versions margin),
ie "chewing the cud," from garar, "to roll," "ruminate"): One of the ...
/c/chew.htm - 9k

Husk (2 Occurrences)
... towns and for exportation." "They were eaten as food, though only by the poorest
of the poor, in the time of our Lord." The bean is called a "gerah," which is ...
/h/husk.htm - 8k

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