So I bought her for myself for fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a half of barley.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 2. Core. Septuagint “gomor of barley, and for a nebel of wine.” The woman must consequently have been of very mean condition. In the East wives are still, even among Christians, purchased according to their rank, often without being seen or consulted. The parents give part of the price to the bride. Calmet.—The unbelieving Jews, who refrain from idols, receive some temporal advantages; but not thirty pieces of silver, or three cores of wheat, denoting the faith of the blessed Trinity and the observance of the decalogue, whereby they might obtain eternal life. Towards the end of the world they shall be converted. Worthington.
1 homer is about 220 liters or 6 bushels