Numbers 3:47

Translations

Modern

…you are to collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs.

Traditional

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:)

Literal

…even you shall take five—five shekels per head; according to the shekel of the sanctuary you shall take them, the shekel being twenty gerahs.

Latin

…accipies quinque siclos per singula capita ad mensuram sanctuarii (siclus habet viginti obolos):

Original

Hebrew

English

…you are to collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs.

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.

Measurements

five shekels: About 2 oz (57 g)
twenty gerahs: About 0.4 oz (11.4 g)

Related verses

Exodus 30:13
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.
Leviticus 27:6
Now if the person is from one month to five years of age, then your valuation for the male shall be five shekels of silver, and for the female three shekels of silver.
Leviticus 27:25
Every valuation will be according to the sanctuary shekel, twenty gerahs to the shekel.
Numbers 18:16
You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your valuation: five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs.
Ezekiel 45:12
The shekel will consist of twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels will equal one mina.
Numbers 3:50
He collected the money from the firstborn of the Israelites: 1,365 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel.

Glossary

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

Topics

Firstborn: Redemption of Gerah: Also a Coin Equivalent to About Three Cents American Money and Three Half-Pence English Money Money of the Jews Regulated by the Standard of Sanctuary Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Gerah the Twentieth of a Shekel Priest: Benefits of of the Firstborn Redemption: Redemption Money Paid to Priests Shekel: A Weight, Equal to Twenty Gerahs The First Born of Israel: Price of Redemption For

Numbers 3:47

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