THEOSISJerome of Stridon
Let there be accurate scales, a correct ephah, and a proper bat. The ephah and the bat must be equal in measurement, with the bat representing one-tenth of a korah, and the ephah also being one-tenth of a korah; the korah will serve as the standard for these measures. Additionally, there will be twenty obols in one shekel, and your mina shall consist of twenty shekels, twenty-five shekels, and fifteen shekels. According to the Septuagint, you should possess precise balances and accurate measures, where the measure and capacity of the quinix must be uniform. The hinix will be equivalent to one-tenth of the homor, and likewise, the ephah will equal one-tenth of the homor. The homor is to be of the same standard, while the shekel will correspond to the mass of twenty obols.
Read more (553 words)
In this text, the Septuagint is confusing and unclear, having mixed both the numerical values and the terminology used. Instead of translating ephah, they opted for the general term "measure," and "quinix" was used in place of bat; the Hebrew word homer, which translates back to Greek as κο'ρος (kor), ended up being rendered incorrectly as homor, and once again, bat was mistranslated. It is best, therefore, to refer to the Hebrew text for clarity and provide our explanation based on its literal sense.
The weights, or "mozene" in Hebrew, refer to tools for weighing. The ephah, mistakenly referred to in Greek as ἐφι, is utilized for measuring various fruits like wheat, oats, and vegetables. The bat, known as "bath" in Hebrew, has the same capacity as the ephah but is designated specifically for liquids such as wine and oil. A kor comprises thirty modii and can be used for both solid and liquid measurements. Three modii, which make up the tenth part of a kor, is termed efa in the context of dry goods and bat or vad for liquids, indicating that efa and bat share the same measurement.
Moreover, a shekel, referred to in Greek as στατη'ρ, contains twenty obols. The mina, recognized as Mina, comprises sixty shekels, totaling one thousand two hundred obols. As for the mention of twenty shekels, twenty-five shekels, and fifteen shekels constituting a mina, it shouldn't confuse the reader; the variations in numbers have been presented to engage the listener's attention. Thus, many teachings are delivered through parables and veiled language, so that those with the ability to understand may truly hear (Luke 8). In all prophetic messages, the truth may be obscured to ensure that only the closest disciples comprehend, while those further removed from the truth may not grasp its meaning.
Consequently, the Holy Scriptures instruct us to maintain equitable weights and measures, declaring: "Let there be no differing measures, whether large or small within your possession" (Deuteronomy 25:13-15). Proverbs reiterates this principle, stating (Proverbs 11:1): "A false balance is abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight." This guideline applies not solely in commerce and daily life but also calls for integrity in all aspects, as the Scripture advises: "By your words create weights and measures" (Sir 28:29), encouraging that our words, actions, and thoughts are all subjected to careful consideration.
Regarding the obol, understood as one-twentieth of a shekel, we see it discussed elsewhere as a minuscule element: to the faithful, all of creation embodies wealth, yet to the unfaithful, it is as if they possess nothing—"they shall not hold even an obol" (Proverbs 17:6). The same sentiment is expressed in the Gospel: "he shall not depart from there until he has paid the last farthing" (Matthew 5:26), indicating even the smallest coin must be accounted for. We find narratives about ten minas entrusted to each servant to be invested (Luke 19) and another parable about talents distributed among servants, as well as the debtor who owed five hundred and fifty denarii (Luke 7), and the laborers in the vineyard receiving a denarius each (Matthew 20), along with the widow who lost a drachma, only to find it after lighting a candle (Luke 17). The implications of these lessons are not the focus of our discussion at this moment.