Shekel Of The King's Weight, Royal Shekel
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Shekel Of The King's Weight, Royal Shekel in the Bible?
The shekel by which Absalom's hair was weighed, probably the light shekel of 130 grains.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this specific weight standard clarifies the literal meaning of the narrative in 2 Samuel 14:26, where the immense weight of Absalom's hair is presented as a factual detail rather than hyperbole, grounding the biblical text in the material reality of ancient Near Eastern metrology.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Shekel Of The King's Weight, Royal Shekel were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Shekel Of The King's Weight, Royal Shekel in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Shekel Of The King's Weight, Royal Shekel clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
2 Samuel 14:26
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Shekel Of The King's Weight, Royal Shekel." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/shekel-of-the-kings-weight-royal-shekel/