Ancient Engineering Measurements

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the biblical description of a bowl with a diameter of 10 cubits and a circumference of 30 cubits, raising questions about the accuracy of these ancient measurements. The modern interpretations of a cubit as 18 inches and a handsbreadth as 4 inches lead to a ratio of circumference to diameter that suggests a value of 3, which does not align with the mathematical constant pi. Participants express skepticism regarding the engineering validity of using the outer diameter and inner circumference for calculations, ultimately concluding that the measurements may be inaccurate or poorly constructed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic geometric principles, specifically circumference and diameter.
  • Familiarity with ancient measurement systems, including cubits and handsbreadths.
  • Knowledge of the mathematical constant pi and its significance in geometry.
  • Basic engineering concepts related to measurement accuracy and construction standards.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the historical context of ancient measurement systems, particularly in biblical texts.
  • Explore the mathematical implications of ancient engineering practices and their accuracy.
  • Investigate modern interpretations of biblical measurements in engineering and architecture.
  • Study the significance of pi in various cultures and its historical calculations.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, mathematicians, historians, and anyone interested in the intersection of ancient texts and modern scientific principles.

1mmorta1
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Not sure where this one should go, please move if this is the wrong forum:

There is a verse in the Christian Bible where a bowl is described to have the following dimensions:

10 cubit diameter

30 cubit circumference

1 Handsbreadth thickness

A modern cubit is 18 inches, 1 handsbreadth is 4 inches.

At face value, the ratio between circumference and diameter is 3...which is not equal to pi. This would mean that the measurements are either incorrect, or that the structure was not made very well.

On the other hand, if you take the 10 cubit diameter from outer rim to outer rim, and consider the 30 cubit circumference as the circumference of the inner circle, pi = 3.139.

I am not wanting to start a religious discussion, I am just curious as to whether or not using the diameter from the outer rim and the circumference of the inner rim makes any sense to an engineer...

Is it likely that measurements like this would be taken? Or is it more likely that either construction and/or the actual values are inaccurate?

This question arises due to a discussion I am having with a religious colleague who is distressed to hear that the bible predicts that pi = 3.
 
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1mmorta1 said:
I am not wanting to start a religious discussion, I am just curious as to whether or not using the diameter from the outer rim and the circumference of the inner rim makes any sense to an engineer...
It doesn't make any sense to me.

I don't see either scientific or religious value in trying to "explain away" passages like the one you quote by sophistry, or pedantry.
 
AlephZero said:
It doesn't make any sense to me.

I don't see either scientific or religious value in trying to "explain away" passages like the one you quote by sophistry, or pedantry.

I can agree with that. The bible is a collection of legends and fairy tales to me, so I'm not much concerned.
 

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