Keraia
Numbers 3

Numbers 3:46

The Redemption of the Firstborn · Numbers 3:40–51
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Translations

Modern
To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who outnumber the Levites,
Traditional
And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;
Literal
And for the redemption of the three and seventy and two hundred being in excess over the Levites of the firstborn of the sons of Israel,
Latin
In pretio autem ducentorum septuaginta trium, qui excedunt numerum Levitarum de primogenitis filiorum Israël,

Original

Hebrew
English
To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who outnumber the Levites,

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.

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Levi: Son of Jacob; progenitor of the Levites

Glossary

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

Topics

Firstborn: Redemption of Priest: Benefits of of the Firstborn Redemption: Redemption Money Paid to Priests The First Born of Israel: Price of Redemption For