Dram
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The dram was a unit of weight or volume used in ancient times, equivalent to about 1/8 of an ounce or 3.75 cubic inches.
What is the meaning of Dram in the Bible?
The dram was a unit of weight or volume used in ancient times, equivalent to about 1/8 of an ounce or 3.75 cubic inches.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the dram clarifies the precise quantities of spices, oils, and precious metals mentioned in biblical texts, revealing the economic value and practical scale of offerings and trade in ancient Israel.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Dram. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Dram in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Dram clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.
How to Cite This Entry
"Dram." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/dram/