Footnote 4 – Reconstructing the Magnificent Temple Herod Built

One cubit equals 52.5 centimeters (20.67 inches). This cubit is called the long or royal cubit to distinguish it from the short cubit, which was about 45 centimeters. The use of two different cubits is reflected in the Bible. For a discussion of cubits mentioned in the Bible, see Gabriel Barkay, “Measurements in the Bible,“ in sidebar to “Jerusalem Tombs from the Days of the First Temple,” BAR 12:02.