In biblical times, the shekel was a unit of weight and currency used in various ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel. The term "shekel" originates from a Hebrew word meaning "to weigh" or "weight." It served as both a unit of weight and a form of currency.

The shekel was a significant measure of value and was used to weigh precious metals like gold and silver. Its weight varied over time and across different regions but was generally equivalent to around 11.3 grams (0.4 ounces) based on historical estimates. However, it's essential to note that the actual weight of a shekel could vary in different periods and locations.

In the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, the shekel is frequently mentioned in contexts related to commerce, payments, offerings, and assessing the value of items. It played a vital role in transactions, valuing goods, and in the collection of taxes or contributions for religious purposes.

The shekel was used not only in Israel but also in neighboring regions as a standard unit of trade and exchange. It had cultural and economic significance, serving as a measure of value for goods and commodities in ancient societies.