Keraia
Numbers 3

Numbers 3:48

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

Translations

Modern
Give the money to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for the excess among the Israelites.”
Traditional
And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.
Literal
And you shall give the silver to Aaron and his sons, with which is redeemed of them being in excess.”
Latin
…dabisque pecuniam Aaron et filiis ejus pretium eorum qui supra sunt.

Original

Hebrew
English
Give the money to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for the excess among the Israelites.”

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

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel

Glossary

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

Topics

Firstborn: Redemption of Money: Silver Used As Priest: Benefits of of the Firstborn Priests: Revenues of Redemption-Money of the First-Born Redemption: Redemption Money Paid to Priests The First Born of Israel: Price of, Given to the Priests