THE FULL ARTICLE — from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915), general editor James Orr — public domain, printed whole.

be'-ka (beqa`, "half"): Half a shekel, the amount contributed by each male of the Israelites for the use of the Sanctuary (Ex 38:26). Its value varied according to the standard used, but on the ordinary, or Phoenician, standard it would represent about 122 grams.

See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.