What is a Beka in the Bible?
Quick Summary
A beka in the Bible is a small Hebrew weight equal to half a shekel. It appears mainly in passages about offerings and the census tax. The beka helped ensure fairness, accuracy, and shared responsibility among the people of Israel.
Introduction
Biblical writers used a careful system of weights to maintain fairness in worship and economic life. The beka is one of the smaller units in that system. Closely tied to the shekel, the beka appears in contexts where precision matters, especially in offerings connected to the Tabernacle.
The beka reveals how even small measures carried spiritual meaning in Israel’s life. By understanding this unit modern readers gain a clearer sense of how Scripture handles worship, responsibility, and integrity.
What Is a Beka?
The term “beka” means “half,” specifically half a shekel. Exodus 38:26 notes that every adult male gave a beka as part of the census offering. This ensured uniformity. Rich and poor alike contributed the same amount.
A beka weighed around five to seven grams depending on the shekel standard used in a given historical period. Archaeological discoveries of marked stone and metal weights confirm consistent use of the half shekel measure.
Where the Beka Appears in Scripture
The Census Offering
Exodus 38:25 to 26 gives the most direct description of the beka. Each adult male offered a beka of silver as a contribution for the work of the Tabernacle. The shared offering created a sense of unity. The total collected was then used for the bases of the sanctuary’s structure.
The emphasis on half a shekel highlights equal participation. No household could buy a larger influence or avoid its share. The beka became a symbol of shared covenant commitment.
Connections to the Temple Tax
In later periods the half shekel offering continued in synagogue and temple life. While the New Testament describes the temple tax in coinage rather than in weights, the tradition behind it reaches back to the beka standard.
Theological Meaning
The beka carries meaning beyond economics. It expresses inclusivity and fairness. Each person had a part to play in building and maintaining the community.
Daily and Spiritual Life
Though small, the beka points to a pattern of shared responsibility. The amount did not place undue burden on the poor or privilege the wealthy. It created a common expectation.
The beka also reflects an ethic of precision. Measurements in worship were not vague. They expressed gratitude and reverence through consistency.
Why the Beka Matters for Biblical Interpretation
The beka helps modern readers see the link between fairness, worship, and community in Scripture. It grounds discussions of the census tax in specific amounts. It also highlights the role of individual contributions in building sacred space.
Understanding the beka sheds light on passages where half a shekel plays a background role and enriches appreciation for the attention Scripture gives to equity
Kenneth A. Kitchen’s On the Reliability of the Old Testament discusses Near Eastern economic systems, excavated weights and inscriptions, and compares Hebrew, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian standards..
FAQs
How heavy was a beka?
About five to seven grams depending on the shekel standard.
How does a beka relate to a shekel?
One beka equals half a shekel.
Where does the Bible mention a beka?
In Exodus 38:25 to 26 as part of the census offering.
What does the beka symbolize?
Fairness and shared responsibility among God’s people.
Did people use beka weights for trade?
Yes. Because silver served as currency, small weights like the beka helped ensure accurate transactions.
See Also
• Bible Measurement Converter Tool
