Leviticus 27:3-7

And thy estimation shall be of the male from twenty years old even unto sixty years old, even thy estimation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary. And if it be a female, then thy estimation shall be thirty shekels. And if it be from five years old even unto twenty years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels. And if it be from a month old even unto five years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male five shekels of silver, and for the female thy estimation shall be three shekels of silver. And if it be from sixty years old and above; if it be a male, then thy estimation shall be fifteen shekels, and for the female ten shekels.

50 Shekels of silver is about £197 £287 GBP by my reckoning. Thats £172 –  less than the price of a PS3 –  for a woman. Think on that you nerds.

UPDATE: Fun with maths.

3 Responses

1. yochannah

   October 31, 2009 at 10:36 pm

   Lol. Is this about slaves?

   Also, curious how you got £197? I’m not sure how one would know what a silver shekel thousands of years ago would be worth.

   A shekel is worth tiny little nothing now. I have some shekels in my pocket.

2. Hawklan

   November 1, 2009 at 7:13 pm

   I did it like this:

   One “Moses” shekel of pure silver was apparently 0.53 troy ounces, which is 0.58oz

   Silver is currently worth £9.89/oz, so one shekel is worth @ £5.74

   That makes 50 Shekels = £287

   Hmm I made a mistake before. I apologise for undervaluing. For ages 20-60 a man is worth £287 and a woman is worth £172.

   Surely though the woman’s value would depreciate? I’m not paying £172 for a 55 year old woman if I can pick up a 20 year old for the same price.

3. yochannah

   November 2, 2009 at 7:27 pm

   I’m not sure if using modern exchange rates and silver values make much sense, but.I don’t know any better way to estimate the value myself.

   Could it be that an older woman is worth more due to experience?

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