gerah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHistorical / Technical / Religious
Quick answer
What does “gerah” mean?
An ancient Hebrew unit of weight and coin, equal to one-twentieth of a shekel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An ancient Hebrew unit of weight and coin, equal to one-twentieth of a shekel.
Used in historical and religious contexts, particularly in reference to biblical measurements of silver or gold, and sometimes cited in discussions of ancient economies or scriptural passages.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage or spelling. The term is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries connotations of antiquity, biblical scholarship, or specialised historical study.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both regions, encountered only in very specific texts or discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “gerah” in a Sentence
[Number] + gerah(s) + of + [substance]worth + [number] + gerah(s)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gerah” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The gerah measurement was standardised.
- A gerah weight of silver was found.
American English
- The gerah weight was standardised.
- A gerah coin was discovered.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business.
Academic
Used in history, theology, archaeology, or numismatics papers discussing ancient Israelite systems.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used with precision in historical metrology or biblical commentaries.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gerah”
- Mispronouncing as /dʒɛrə/ or /ɡɛrə/.
- Using it as if it were a modern term.
- Confusing it with 'shekel'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an exclusively historical/religious term with no application to modern weights, currency, or everyday language.
Estimates vary, but it is generally considered to be approximately 0.57 grams, based on the weight of the shekel.
Yes, the standard plural is 'gerahs' (e.g., 'ten gerahs').
It is included due to its occurrence in English translations of the Bible and its use in scholarly works discussing ancient history, making it a loanword in specialised English vocabulary.
An ancient Hebrew unit of weight and coin, equal to one-twentieth of a shekel.
Gerah is usually historical / technical / religious in register.
Gerah: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪərɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪrɑː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not worth a gerah (very rare, modelled on 'not worth a penny')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GEerah' sounds like 'GEneral RARe Historical unit'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A METAPHOR FOR EXTREME SMALLNESS or MINIMAL VALUE (though this is a very learned/extended metaphor).
Practice
Quiz
In what context would you most likely encounter the word 'gerah'?