Convert bekan (Biblical Hebrew) to pound (troy or apothecary) Online | Free weight-and-mass Converter

Bekan (Biblical Hebrew)

The bekan (also spelled bēqān) was an ancient Hebrew unit of weight mentioned in the Bible. It is generally understood to be half a shekel in weight.

Since a shekel weighed about 11 grams, the bekan would be approximately 5.5 grams. It was used mainly for weighing precious metals, especially silver, in trade and offerings.

Summary:

• 
  

  Equal to half a shekel (~5.5 grams)

  
  
• 
  

  Used in ancient Hebrew commerce and religious contexts

  
  
• 
  

  Important for measuring silver and other valuables

  
  

Pound (Troy or Apothecary)

The Troy pound is a traditional unit of weight used primarily in precious metals like gold, silver, and gemstones. Originating from the medieval French town of Troyes, it differs from the common avoirdupois pound. One troy pound equals 12 troy ounces, with each troy ounce weighing about 31.1 grams, making the troy pound approximately 373.24 grams.

Similarly, the apothecary pound was historically used in pharmacy and medicine for measuring ingredients. It also consists of 12 ounces but is slightly different in weight compared to the troy system. Both systems were crucial before the widespread adoption of the metric system and are still used today in specific fields for precision weighing.