What is a…
maneh

also known as: mina

Hebrew: מָנֶה —transliteration: mins

Hebrew: Ma'neh, Meaning: “a part” or “portion” (Ezek. 45:12)

These is a unit of weight (used for silver, gold, goods, or as currency equivalents in the ancient Near East). They functioned like standardized “stones” or metal pieces placed on balance scales for honest trade. Weights were often inscribed or shaped distinctly.

A maneh is a larger unit, equivalent to a “pound” of weight or value, used for larger transactions, temple contributions, or as currency equivalents (e.g., Ezra 2:69).

In pre-exilic Israelite practice, it was often 50 shekels (evidenced in some calculations from Exodus 38 and 1 Kings 10). However, Ezekiel 45:12 redefines or standardizes it in the visionary future system as 60 shekels—aligning more closely with the Babylonian sexagesimal (base-60) system, which was influential during the Babylonian Captivity when Ezekiel prophesied.

And the shekel shall be 20 gerahs; 20 shekels, 25 shekels, and 15 shekels shall be your maneh. —Ezekiel 45:12

20 + 25 + 15 = 60
Therefore: 1 mina = 60 shekels

This is not arbitrary addition; it likely refers to practical weight pieces or coin denominations in circulation:

When used together on a balance scale or in trade, these three pieces would total exactly one mina (60 shekels). The phrasing emphasizes that merchants, officials, and the sanctuary must recognize and use these as composing the full, honest mina—no more, no less.

Approximate modern equivalent: ~670–980 grams (1.5–2.2 pounds), depending on the shekel standard used.

Since 1 shekel = 20 gerahs, then: 1 mina = 60 × 20 = 1,200 gerahs

Maneh is translated “pound” in 1 Kings 10:17 KJV, Ezra 2:69 KJV, and Neh. 7:71-72 KJV

A heavier weight is the talent (Hebrew: kikkār, a very large unit, roughly 30–75 kg or 66–165 lbs, often 60 minas or 3,000-3,6000 shekels depending on the standard).

A maneh of gold consisted of 100 common shekels. (Compare 1 Kings 10:17, and 2 Chronicles 9:16).

More information

Article Version: April 17, 2026