A small unit of weight, approximately equivalent to one-twentieth of a shekel, used for weighing metals and commodities; by extension, the smallest denomination for currency in the biblical period. The term can also refer generically to a small, rounded object, such as a grain or kernel, from which the weight measurement is derived.

Etymology Derived from the root גרר (garar), meaning 'to scrape, scratch, drag.' The noun גֵּרָה (gêrâh) likely developed from the sense of a small, scraped-off particle or a kernel/grain, and was employed as a weight standard.

Reflexes  · not yet grouped by proto-form

LanguageWordMeaningSegmentationRoot
Bemba akala a grain/seed (generally used for a corn kernel or small round object) akala
Chichewa kala grain, seed akala
Kaonde akala grain akala
Lala akala grain akala
Lamba akala grain, seed, kernel akala