Numbers 3:40

Translations

Modern

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Number every firstborn male of the Israelites a month old or more, and list their names.

Traditional

And the Lord said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.

Literal

And YHWH said to Moses, “Number all the firstborn males of the sons of Israel, from a son of a month and above, and lift up the number of their names.

Latin

Et ait Dominus ad Moysen: Numera primogenitos sexus masculini de filiis Israël ab uno mense et supra, et habebis summam eorum.

Original

Hebrew

English

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Number every firstborn male of the Israelites a month old or more, and list their names.

Notes

Numbers 3:40–51

There were 273 more firstborn sons in Israel from the non-Levite tribes than there were Levite males (compare Leviticus 3:39). The Levites acted as substitutes for Israel's firstborn sons (3:41; see study note on 3:11–13). The law required a redemption price of five pieces of silver for each extra firstborn son (Numbers 3:46–48; compare Leviticus 27:6).

It is unclear who paid this cost. This arrangement for special substitutes points to Christ’s role as a substitute. Through his death, Christ paid the redemption price for all humanity (see Mark 10:45; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:15).

Numbers 3:1–4:49

Israel's priests and Levites had duties like moving, assembling, protecting, and maintaining the Tent of Meeting. The way God organized the tribes highlighted his concern for these priestly tasks.

Related verses

Numbers 3:15
“Number the Levites by their families and clans. You are to count every male a month old or more.”
Psalm 87:6
The LORD will record in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” Selah
Revelation 3:5
Like them, he who overcomes will be dressed in white. And I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels.
Numbers 3:12
“Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel in place of every firstborn Israelite from the womb. The Levites belong to Me,
Revelation 14:4
These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been redeemed from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
Hebrews 12:23
…in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
Exodus 32:26–29
So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him.
2 Timothy 2:19
Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
Numbers 3:45
“Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites belong to Me; I am the LORD.
Isaiah 4:3
Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy—all in Jerusalem who are recorded among the living—
Luke 10:20
Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Philippians 4:3
Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of Numbers, Book of Priests and Levites Ransom

Topics

Census: The Numbering of Israel by Moses Firstborn: Levites Taken Instead of Firstborn of the Families of Israel Firstborn: Redemption of The First Born of Israel: Tribe of Levi Taken For The Levites: Taken Instead of the First-Born of Israel

Numbers 3:40

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