Weights and measures differed somewhat at
various times and places in the ancient world. This
table is based upon the best available information, but it is not intended to
be mathematically precise; like the measurement equivalents, it merely gives
approximate amounts and distances. There is uncertainty
particularly about the ephah and the bath; future discoveries may give more
light on these particular units of capacity.
The
figures in this table are calculated on the basis of a shekel equaling 11.5
grams, a cubit equaling 18 inches and an ephah equaling 22 liters. The quart
referred to is either a dry quart (slightly larger than a liter) or a liquid
quart (slightly smaller than a liter), whichever is applicable. The ton
referred to is the American ton of 2,000 pounds.