[fidelis]

this has nothing to do g to do with the article but, speaking of ancient measurements, whenever I hear anyone mention a talent, i hear such a big range of weights. Anybody got a more specific definition?

You are correct that the descriptions we get widely vary. From what I understand, the definition of a talent depended upon the time and place it was being spoken of. From the Catholic Bible Dictionary:

TALENT An ancient unit of weight and value, normally that of metals such as silver and gold. The Hebrew talent (kikkar) was about 757 pounds or 35 kilograms (1 Kgs 9:14; 20:39).

The Greek talent (talanton) was also a large amount of money, but the unit varied greatly depending on the time, place, and metal (Matt 18:24; 25:15-18) 18:24; 25:15-18).

[MarlonRando]

exactly!!! I’ve heard around 200 pounds and you found over 700 pounds! I’m assuming no one knows for sure. Things get lost in thousands of years

[pepsi_junkie]

The Hebrew talent (kikkar) was about 757 pounds or 35 kilograms

methinks they got the conversion a bit wrong.