Keraia
Numbers 3

Numbers 3:49

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

Modern
So Moses collected the redemption money from those in excess of the number redeemed by the Levites.
Traditional
And Moses took the redemption money of them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites:
Literal
And Moses took the redemption silver from those exceeding over those who were redeemed by the Levites.
Latin
Tulit igitur Moyses pecuniam eorum, qui fuerant amplius, et quos redemerant a Levitis,

Original

Hebrew
English
So Moses collected the redemption money from those in excess of the number redeemed by 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

Levi: Son of Jacob; progenitor of the Levites Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

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

Topics

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