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מָנֶה

𐤌𐤍𐤄

mâneh

H4488 noun

SILEX Entry

Root מנה to count, appoint, assign

Definition

A unit of weight used in the ancient Near East, particularly as a standard for measuring precious metals or commodities. In biblical contexts, a 'maneh' (mina) represented a fixed, officially recognized measure, though its precise value varied over historical periods and may have differed regionally. The term also appears as a fixed amount associated with tribute, commerce, or temple offerings.

Semantic Range

(a) a fixed unit of weight; (b) a specific measure for silver or gold; (c) an appointed amount for tribute, fine, or offering; (d) a recognized standardized portion in commerce or temple economy

Root / Etymology

From the root מָנָה (manah), meaning 'to count, appoint, assign.' The noun מָנֶה (maneh) derives from the verbal idea of assigning or determining a fixed portion or measure. Root: מ־נ־ה.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The 'maneh' (mina) was a standard measure predating the Israelite period and was widely recognized throughout the ancient Near East, including Mesopotamia and Anatolia. Its precise value fluctuated: during the biblical period, it is often reckoned as equal to 50 shekels (e.g., Ezekiel 45:12), but could also be 60 shekels depending on the system (e.g., Babylonian). The weight is generally estimated between 500 and 600 grams, though this varied by era and local standard. In Israelite texts, מָנֶה predominantly appears in economic, cultic, or legal contexts and is sometimes paired with or contrasted to other measures such as the shekel or talent (כִּכָּר). English translations sometimes render it as 'pound,' but this loses the technical sense and context-dependent value of the ancient term. The word does not carry religious or ethnographic meaning. In later Hebrew and in rabbinic literature, 'maneh' retains this metrological sense but may have different numerical equivalents reflecting evolving standards.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from מָנָה; properly, a fixed weight or measured amount, i.e. (techn.) a maneh or mina; maneh, pound.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

מנה (m-n-h) — count, appoint, assign

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4482 מֵן with strings
H4487 מָנָה to be counted
H4489 מֹנֶה measured intervals
H4490 מָנָה the assigned portion
H4503 מִנְחָה with the apportioned offering

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H4488-02 מָנִים֙ manim HNcmpa minas appointed weight-units 4
H4488-01 הַ/מָּנֶ֖ה hamaneh HTd/Ncmsa the-maneh the appointed measure 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H4488-02 1 Kings 10:17 מָנִים֙ manim HNcmpa minas appointed weight-units
H4488-01 Ezekiel 45:12 הַ/מָּנֶ֖ה hamaneh HTd/Ncmsa the-maneh the appointed measure
H4488-02 Ezra 2:69 מָנִ֖ים manim HNcmpa minas appointed weight-units
H4488-02 Nehemiah 7:70 מָנִ֖ים manim HNcmpa minas appointed weight-units
H4488-02 Nehemiah 7:71 מָנִ֣ים manim HNcmpa minas appointed weight-units
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