Mina (in Greek μνᾶ, A.V. "pound"), a weight and coin which, according to the Attic standard, was equivalent to 100 drachmae (Plutarch, Solon, 16; Pliny, 21:109) or Roman denarii, i.e. (estimating the average value at the time of Christ) about $16. It is the sum named in the parable of Lu 19:13 sq., where the amount of 100 mince is therefore some $1600. On the other hand, the mina mentioned in 1 Macc. 14:24 (comp. 15:18) is a weight, and (as being originally equivalent to the Heb. shekel) it may be reckoned at 8220 Paris grains (Bickh, Metrol. Untersuch. page 124); and the sum of 1000 mince of gold would then amount to about $16,910. SEE MONEY.
Different from this is the Heb. maneh (מָנֶה), originally likewise a weight, but used of the precious metals, and hence ultimately determining the value of coin. The word has perhaps an etymological connection with the Greek mina. SEE METROLOGY.
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More