CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 3:47 you are to collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/3-47.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/04_Num_03_47.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 3:47 - The Redemption of the Firstborn" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="you are to collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/3-47.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/3-47.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 47</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/3-46.htm" title="Numbers 3:46">◄</a> Numbers 3:47 <a href="/numbers/3-48.htm" title="Numbers 3:48">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />collect five pieces of silver for each of them (each piece weighing the same as the sanctuary shekel, which equals twenty gerahs).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />you shall take five shekels per head; you shall take them according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel of twenty gerahs),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />you are to collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take <i>them</i>: (the shekel <i>is</i> twenty gerahs:)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />you shall take five shekels for each one individually; you shall take <i>them</i> in the currency of the shekel of the sanctuary, the shekel of twenty gerahs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />you shall take five shekels apiece, per head; you shall take <i>them</i> in terms of the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />you shall take five shekels apiece, per head; you shall take them in terms of the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />you shall take five shekels apiece, per head; you shall take <i>them</i> in terms of the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />you shall take five shekels apiece, per head; you shall take <i>them</i> in terms of the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />you shall take five shekels apiece, per head, you shall take them in terms of the sanctuary shekel (the shekel is twenty gerahs),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />collect five shekels for each person, according to the standard sanctuary shekel—twenty gerahs to the shekel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />collect five shekels for each person, according to the standard sanctuary shekel—20 gerahs to the shekel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />thou shalt take five shekels apiece by the poll; after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs):<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />For each one, you are to collect five pieces of silver, weighed according to the official standards. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />thou shalt take five shekels apiece by the poll; after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs):<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />It will cost you two ounces of silver per person (using the standard weight of the holy place) to buy them back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />For each one pay five pieces of silver, according to the official standard, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />so collect five shekels for each individual, denominated in shekels of the sanctuary, that is, the shekel that weighs 20 gerahs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />you are to collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />collect five shekels for each one individually; you are to collect this amount in the currency of the sanctuary shekel (this shekel is twenty gerahs).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />you shall take five shekels apiece for each one; after the shekel of the sanctuary you shall take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs):<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: the shekel is twenty gerahs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />you shall take five shekels apiece for each one; according to the shekel of the sanctuary you shall take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs); <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />you have even taken five shekels apiece by the counted head—you take by the shekel of the holy place; the shekel [is] twenty gerahs;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> thou hast even taken five shekels a-piece by the poll -- by the shekel of the sanctuary thou takest; twenty gerahs the shekel is;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And thou shalt take five shekels by the heads, according to the holy shekel thou shalt take: twenty gerahs the shekel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt take five sides for every head, according to the weight of the sanctuary. A sicle hath twenty obols. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />you shall take five shekels for each head, by the measure of the Sanctuary. A shekel has twenty obols.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />you shall take five shekels for each individual, according to the sanctuary shekel, twenty gerahs to the shekel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />you shall accept five shekels apiece, reckoning by the shekel of the sanctuary, a shekel of twenty gerahs.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />You shall take five shekels apiece by the poll, by the shekel of the sanctuary shall you take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Take five shekels for a head in the shekel of Holiness; take twenty mayn to a shekel.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />thou shalt take five shekels apiece by the poll; after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them--the shekel is twenty gerahs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />thou shalt even take five shekels a head; thou shalt take them according to the holy didrachm, twenty oboli to the shekel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/3-47.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=1015" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm">The Redemption of the Firstborn</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">46</span>To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who outnumber the Levites, <span class="reftext">47</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: wə·lā·qaḥ·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">you are to collect</a> <a href="/hebrew/2568.htm" title="2568: ḥă·mê·šeṯ (Number-msc) -- Five. Masculine chamishshah; a primitive numeral; five.">five</a> <a href="/hebrew/2568.htm" title="2568: ḥă·mê·šeṯ (Number-msc) -- Five. Masculine chamishshah; a primitive numeral; five."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8255.htm" title="8255: šə·qā·lîm (N-mp) -- (a measure of weight) shekel. From shaqal; probably a weight; used as a commercial standard.">shekels</a> <a href="/hebrew/1538.htm" title="1538: lag·gul·gō·leṯ (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- A skull, head, poll (of persons). By reduplication from galal; a skull; by implication, a head.">for each one,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6944.htm" title="6944: haq·qō·ḏeš (Art:: N-ms) -- Apartness, sacredness. From qadash; a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity.">according to the sanctuary</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: tiq·qāḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8255.htm" title="8255: bə·še·qel (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- (a measure of weight) shekel. From shaqal; probably a weight; used as a commercial standard.">shekel</a> <a href="/hebrew/6242.htm" title="6242: ‘eś·rîm (Number-cp) -- Twenty. From eser; twenty; also twentieth.">of twenty</a> <a href="/hebrew/1626.htm" title="1626: gê·rāh (N-fs) -- A gerah (one-twentieth of a shekel). From garar; properly, a kernel, i.e. A gerah or small weight.">gerahs.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8255.htm" title="8255: haš·šā·qel (Art:: N-ms) -- (a measure of weight) shekel. From shaqal; probably a weight; used as a commercial standard."></a> </span><span class="reftext">48</span>Give the money to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for the excess among the Israelites.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/30-13.htm">Exodus 30:13</a></span><br />Everyone who crosses over to those counted must pay a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/27-3.htm">Leviticus 27:3-7</a></span><br />if the valuation concerns a male from twenty to sixty years of age, then your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel. / Or if it is a female, then your valuation shall be thirty shekels. / And if the person is from five to twenty years of age, then your valuation for the male shall be twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/38-26.htm">Exodus 38:26</a></span><br />a beka per person, that is, half a shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone twenty years of age or older who had crossed over to be numbered, a total of 603,550 men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-13.htm">1 Samuel 2:13-14</a></span><br />or for the custom of the priests with the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling / and plunge it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or cooking pot. And the priest would claim for himself whatever the meat fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/12-4.htm">2 Kings 12:4</a></span><br />Then Joash said to the priests, “Collect all the money brought as sacred gifts into the house of the LORD—the census money, the money from vows, and the money brought voluntarily into the house of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/24-9.htm">2 Chronicles 24:9</a></span><br />And a proclamation was issued in Judah and Jerusalem that they were to bring to the LORD the tax imposed by Moses the servant of God on Israel in the wilderness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/10-32.htm">Nehemiah 10:32</a></span><br />We also place ourselves under the obligation to contribute a third of a shekel yearly for the service of the house of our God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-24.htm">Matthew 17:24-27</a></span><br />After they had arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the two drachmas?” / “Yes,” he answered. When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?” / “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">1 Peter 1:18-19</a></span><br />For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, / but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/13-13.htm">Exodus 13:13</a></span><br />You must redeem every firstborn donkey with a lamb, and if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. And every firstborn of your sons you must redeem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-32.htm">Exodus 21:32</a></span><br />If the ox gores a manservant or maidservant, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of that servant, and the ox must be stoned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/5-15.htm">Leviticus 5:15</a></span><br />“If someone acts unfaithfully and sins unintentionally against any of the LORD’s holy things, he must bring his guilt offering to the LORD: an unblemished ram from the flock, of proper value in silver shekels according to the sanctuary shekel; it is a guilt offering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/27-2.htm">Leviticus 27:2-8</a></span><br />“Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘When someone makes a special vow to the LORD involving the value of persons, / if the valuation concerns a male from twenty to sixty years of age, then your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel. / Or if it is a female, then your valuation shall be thirty shekels. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/23-35.htm">2 Kings 23:35</a></span><br />So Jehoiakim paid the silver and gold to Pharaoh Neco, but to meet Pharaoh’s demand he taxed the land and exacted the silver and the gold from the people, each according to his wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/5-11.htm">Nehemiah 5:11</a></span><br />Please restore to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses, along with the percentage of the money, grain, new wine, and oil that you have been assessing them.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">You shall even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shall you take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)</p><p class="hdg">five shekels</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/18-16.htm">Numbers 18:16</a></b></br> And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, which <i>is</i> twenty gerahs.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/27-6.htm">Leviticus 27:6</a></b></br> And if <i>it be</i> from a month old even unto five years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male five shekels of silver, and for the female thy estimation <i>shall be</i> three shekels of silver.</p><p class="hdg">the shekel</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/3-50.htm">Numbers 3:50</a></b></br> Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five <i>shekels</i>, after the shekel of the sanctuary:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/30-13.htm">Exodus 30:13</a></b></br> This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel <i>is</i> twenty gerahs:) an half shekel <i>shall be</i> the offering of the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/27-25.htm">Leviticus 27:25</a></b></br> And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/16-22.htm">Apiece</a> <a href="/genesis/41-35.htm">Collect</a> <a href="/numbers/3-22.htm">Five</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-25.htm">Gerahs</a> <a href="/numbers/3-35.htm">Head</a> <a href="/numbers/3-32.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/numbers/1-2.htm">Poll</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-52.htm">Reckoning</a> <a href="/numbers/3-38.htm">Sanctuary</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-3.htm">Scale</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-25.htm">Shekel</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-16.htm">Shekels</a> <a href="/genesis/37-4.htm">Terms</a> <a href="/numbers/3-43.htm">Twenty</a> <a href="/exodus/30-13.htm">Weighs</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/7-86.htm">Apiece</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-28.htm">Collect</a> <a href="/numbers/3-50.htm">Five</a> <a href="/numbers/18-16.htm">Gerahs</a> <a href="/numbers/5-18.htm">Head</a> <a href="/numbers/3-50.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-20.htm">Poll</a> <a href="/numbers/23-9.htm">Reckoning</a> <a href="/numbers/3-50.htm">Sanctuary</a> <a href="/numbers/3-50.htm">Scale</a> <a href="/numbers/3-50.htm">Shekel</a> <a href="/numbers/3-50.htm">Shekels</a> <a href="/numbers/3-50.htm">Terms</a> <a href="/numbers/7-86.htm">Twenty</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-25.htm">Weighs</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-1.htm">The sons of Aaron</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-5.htm">The Levites are given to the priests instead of the firstborn</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-14.htm">Are numbered by their families</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-21.htm">The families, number, and charge of the Gershonites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-27.htm">Of the Kohathites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-33.htm">Of the Merarites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-38.htm">The place and charge of Moses and Aaron</a></span><br><span class="reftext">40. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-40.htm">The firstborn are freed by the Levites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">44. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-44.htm">The balances are refunded</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>you are to collect five shekels for each one</b><br>In this passage, God commands Moses to collect a redemption price for the firstborn males of Israel. The five shekels represent a specific value set for the redemption of the firstborn, which is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. This redemption price is rooted in the Exodus narrative, where God spared the firstborn of Israel during the Passover (<a href="/exodus/12-12.htm">Exodus 12:12-13</a>). The concept of redemption is significant throughout Scripture, symbolizing deliverance and pointing to the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ (<a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">1 Peter 1:18-19</a>). The number five in biblical numerology often signifies grace, which is fitting for a redemption price.<p><b>according to the sanctuary shekel</b><br>The sanctuary shekel was a standard weight used in the tabernacle and later the temple, ensuring uniformity and fairness in religious transactions. This standardization reflects the importance of integrity and honesty in worship and offerings to God. The sanctuary shekel was likely heavier than the common shekel, emphasizing the sacredness of the transaction. This standard is mentioned in other parts of the Pentateuch, such as <a href="/exodus/30-13.htm">Exodus 30:13</a>, where it is used for the census tax. The use of a sanctuary shekel underscores the divine authority and holiness associated with the tabernacle.<p><b>of twenty gerahs</b><br>A gerah is a small unit of weight, and twenty gerahs make up one shekel. This precise measurement highlights the meticulous nature of the law and the importance of exactness in following God's commands. The use of gerahs as a subunit of the shekel indicates a well-developed system of weights and measures in ancient Israel, which is supported by archaeological findings of weights from this period. This precision in measurement can be seen as a reflection of God's order and justice, themes that are prevalent throughout the Bible.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, who received instructions from God regarding the census and redemption of the firstborn.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a></b><br>The brother of Moses and the first high priest, involved in the priestly duties and the redemption process.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/levites.htm">Levites</a></b><br>The tribe set apart for priestly duties, replacing the firstborn sons of Israel in service to God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, whose firstborn sons were to be redeemed.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/sanctuary_shekel.htm">Sanctuary Shekel</a></b><br>The standard unit of currency used in the tabernacle, emphasizing the sacredness of the transaction.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_principle_of_redemption.htm">The Principle of Redemption</a></b><br>The redemption of the firstborn underscores the principle that all life belongs to God. This principle is fulfilled in Christ, who redeems us from sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_obedience.htm">The Value of Obedience</a></b><br>The specific amount of five shekels highlights the importance of precise obedience to God's commands. Our obedience should reflect our reverence for God's holiness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_substitution.htm">The Role of Substitution</a></b><br>The Levites' substitution for the firstborn points to the greater substitution of Christ for humanity. Reflect on how Christ's sacrifice fulfills this Old Testament type.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_offerings.htm">The Sanctity of Offerings</a></b><br>The use of the sanctuary shekel emphasizes the sacredness of offerings to God. Our giving should be done with a heart of worship and reverence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_and_order.htm">God's Provision and Order</a></b><br>God's provision of the Levites for service demonstrates His order and care for His people. Trust in God's provision and His perfect plan for your life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_sanctuary_shekel.htm">What is the sanctuary shekel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_ezekiel's_measures_differ.htm">Why do the weights and measures in Ezekiel 45:9–12 differ from earlier biblical standards, creating potential contradictions within the text? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_need_precious_materials_for_god's_temple.htm">Why would an omnipotent God require precious materials for a temple, as implied in 1 Chronicles 29? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_redeem_273_extra_firstborns.htm">Numbers 3:43 – Why is there a mismatch requiring the redemption of 273 surplus firstborn, suggesting an uneven count? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(47) <span class= "bld">Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll.</span>--It is not stated in what manner the 273 families of whom the redemption money was exacted were determined. Inasmuch, however, as the law of the redemption of the firstborn by the payment of five shekels came into operation from this time (<a href="/numbers/18-16.htm" title="And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shall you redeem, according to your estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs.">Numbers 18:16</a>), it seems probable that the money was exacted in the case of those who had been most recently born; or it may be that the matter was decided by lot.<p><span class= "bld">After the shekel of the sanctuary.</span>--See <a href="/exodus/30-13.htm" title="This they shall give, every one that passes among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD.">Exodus 30:13</a>, where the expression occurs for the first time, and the value of the shekel is stated, as in this verse.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 47.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Five</span> <span class="cmt_word">shekels apiece.</span> This amount had already been fixed (<a href="/leviticus/27-6.htm">Leviticus 27:6</a>, if indeed this chapter does not belong to a later period as the commutation value of a male child under five years old who had been vowed unto the Lord. If the redeeming of the first-born by the Levites began with the eldest, those that were left over would all be within this age. A shekel. See <a href="/exodus/30-13.htm">Exodus 30:13</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/3-47.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">you are to collect</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלָקַחְתָּ֗</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lā·qaḥ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">five</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲמֵ֧שֶׁת</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·mê·šeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2568.htm">Strong's 2568: </a> </span><span class="str2">Five</span><br /><br /><span class="word">shekels</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁקָלִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(šə·qā·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8255.htm">Strong's 8255: </a> </span><span class="str2">A weight, a commercial standard</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for each one,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַגֻּלְגֹּ֑לֶת</span> <span class="translit">(lag·gul·gō·leṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1538.htm">Strong's 1538: </a> </span><span class="str2">A skull, head, poll (of persons)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">according to the sanctuary</span><br /><span class="heb">הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙</span> <span class="translit">(haq·qō·ḏeš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6944.htm">Strong's 6944: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sacred place, thing, sanctity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">shekel</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּשֶׁ֤קֶל</span> <span class="translit">(bə·še·qel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8255.htm">Strong's 8255: </a> </span><span class="str2">A weight, a commercial standard</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of twenty</span><br /><span class="heb">עֶשְׂרִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(‘eś·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6242.htm">Strong's 6242: </a> </span><span class="str2">Twenty, twentieth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gerahs.</span><br /><span class="heb">גֵּרָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(gê·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1626.htm">Strong's 1626: </a> </span><span class="str2">A gerah (one-twentieth of a shekel)</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/3-47.htm">Numbers 3:47 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/3-47.htm">Numbers 3:47 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/3-47.htm">Numbers 3:47 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/3-47.htm">Numbers 3:47 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/3-47.htm">Numbers 3:47 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/3-47.htm">Numbers 3:47 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/3-47.htm">Numbers 3:47 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/3-47.htm">Numbers 3:47 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/3-47.htm">Numbers 3:47 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/3-47.htm">Numbers 3:47 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/3-47.htm">OT Law: Numbers 3:47 You shall take five shekels apiece (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/3-46.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 3:46"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 3:46" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/3-48.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 3:48"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 3:48" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>