THEOSISJerome of Stridon
Let there be accurate scales and measures, ensuring that your ephah and bat are equal in capacity. The bat should hold a tenth of the korah, just as the ephah holds a tenth of the korah; these measures are derived from the korah. In your financial dealings, twenty obols will equal a shekel, and your mina consists of twenty, twenty-five, and fifteen shekels. The Greek version states: "Let there be correct measures and capacity for the quinix," indicating the importance of uniformity in measurement. A hinix equals one-tenth of a homor, and likewise for the ephah. All measures must correspond — the homor remains constant, while a shekel is the equivalent of twenty obols. Your mina still includes twenty, twenty-five, and fifteen shekels.
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However, the LXX's account can be confusing due to their mixing of both measure numbers and terms. Instead of using specific names like ephah, they resort to generic terms, and the translation from Hebrew to Greek has introduced inaccuracies regarding these weights. Thus, we will focus on the Hebrew context for clarity.
The term for weights, or "mozene" in Hebrew, refers to devices meant for measurement. The ephah, inaccurately translated in Greek, serves to measure various grains and produce, while the bat, or "bath," shares this capacity but is intended specifically for liquids like wine or oil. The kor, which equates to thirty modii, is utilized for both solids and liquids. In terms of division, the tenth of a kor measures three modii, signifying that the efa and bat resonate in their volume.
The shekel, or "stater" in Greek, contains twenty obols, and one mina encompasses sixty shekels, totaling twelve hundred obols. The mention of twenty shekels, twenty-five shekels, and fifteen shekels is not meant to confuse but to engage the listener’s attention. Many truths are shared through parable, ensuring those who are discerning may comprehend what is spoken (Luke 8). Often, divine messages are veiled in darkness, allowing understanding only to closer followers while keeping broader audiences unaware.
Sacred Scripture insists upon just weights: "Let there be no unequal measures in your possession; let your scales and measures be accurate" (Deuteronomy 25:13-15). Proverbs remind us that "both great and small weights are an abomination to the Lord" (Proverbs 11:1). This adherence should extend beyond commerce into all aspects of life, as it is written: "Create weights and measures by your words" (Sir 28:29). Thus, our speech, actions, and thoughts must be weighed and examined carefully.
The term obol represents a fraction of the shekel, illustrating the significance of small things: to the faithful, the world offers great richness, but for the unfaithful, not even a small portion (Proverbs 17:6). Likewise, in the Gospel, it teaches that one shall not depart until they have settled every debt, even to the last coin (Matthew 5:26). Scripture tells of ten minas entrusted to servants for trade (Luke 19) and other parables illustrating various monetary distributions among servants and laborers. The widow’s search for her lost coin illustrates the value of even what seems insignificant (Luke 17). The full meaning of these parables can be explored at a later time.