Definition

1. Noun:
   • The basic unit of money in Israel: The shekel is the official currency of the State of Israel. Its modern form is known as the New Israeli Shekel (NIS).
   • An ancient unit of weight and money: Historically, a shekel was a unit of weight used in the ancient Near East and later a silver coin used by the Hebrews and other peoples.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Modern Currency):
  • The price of the book is fifty shekels.
  • I need to exchange my dollars for shekels before traveling to Tel Aviv.
• Noun (Historical):
  • In ancient times, goods were often valued in shekels of silver.
  • The artifact was sold for thirty shekels, as described in the biblical text.

Advanced Usage

• "To make the shekels": (informal) To earn money.
  • He's out there working hard to make the shekels for his family.
• "Not worth a shekel": (idiomatic) To be worthless or of no value.
  • After the scandal, his promise wasn't worth a shekel.

Variants and Related Words

• New Israeli Shekel (NIS): The full name of the modern currency, often abbreviated as ₪ or ILS.
• Shekalim: The Hebrew plural form of "shekel."
• Half-shekel: A historical denomination; also refers to a specific biblical tax.

Synonyms

• Currency: Money, legal tender.
• Coin: Specie (for the historical context).

Related Phrases

• "To count one's shekels": (idiomatic) To carefully assess one's financial resources.
  • Before making a large investment, it's wise to count your shekels.

Related Idioms

• "The thirty pieces of silver": An idiom stemming from the biblical story of Judas Iscariot, often conflated with the idea of shekels as payment for betrayal, meaning blood money or a price for treachery.
  • He felt he was paid the thirty pieces of silver for testifying against his friend.

Noun

1. the basic unit of money in Israel