Exodus 30:13

KJV

This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel [is] twenty gerahs:) an half shekel [shall be] the offering of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

This they shall give {H5414}, every one that passeth {H5674} among {H5921} them that are numbered {H6485}, half {H4276} a shekel {H8255} after the shekel {H8255} of the sanctuary {H6944}:(a shekel {H8255} is twenty {H6242} gerahs {H1626}:) an half {H4276} shekel {H8255} shall be the offering {H8641} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone subject to the census is to pay as an offering to ADONAI half a shekel [one-fifth of an ounce of silver]- by the standard of the sanctuary shekel (a shekel equals twenty gerahs).

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

This they shall give, every one that passeth over unto them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary; (the shekel is twenty gerahs), half a shekel for an offering to Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 30:13 details the mandatory half-shekel offering required from every Israelite man aged twenty years and upward during a census. This specific amount, measured by the "shekel of the sanctuary" (a precise standard equivalent to twenty gerahs), was designated as an "offering of the LORD," serving as a ransom for their souls and contributing to the maintenance and service of the Tabernacle. It underscored the principle of equality before God, as rich and poor alike were required to give the same amount, emphasizing that all lives belong to Him and are equally in need of atonement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 30:13 is intricately woven into God's detailed instructions to Moses for the construction, furnishing, and administration of the Tabernacle, which spans chapters 25-31. Specifically, it follows immediately after [Exodus 30:11-12](/exodus/30-11-12 "Exodus 30:11-12 - The Census and Ransom"), where the Lord commands a census of the Israelite men of military age. The preceding verse, [Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - The Purpose of the Ransom"), explicitly states the purpose of this payment: "that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them." This half-shekel offering, therefore, is not merely a tax but a divinely mandated ransom, a symbolic act of atonement for the lives of those numbered, acknowledging God's ownership and provision. The subsequent verses, [Exodus 30:14-16](/exodus/30-14-16 "Exodus 30:14-16 - Details of the Half-Shekel Offering"), further elaborate on who must pay, the immutability of the amount, and its use for the "service of the tabernacle of the congregation," reinforcing its sacred purpose and communal benefit.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, censuses were often associated with military conscription or taxation, and sometimes, they were seen as potentially dangerous, incurring divine wrath if not properly consecrated or accompanied by an "act of atonement." The half-shekel offering in [Exodus 30:13](/exodus/30-13 "Exodus 30:13 - The Half-Shekel Offering") served as a "ransom for their souls" (as stated in [Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - The Ransom for Souls")), a protective measure against divine judgment during the numbering of the people. This was not a general tax but a specific, sacred contribution. The "shekel of the sanctuary" refers to a standardized, precise weight maintained within the Tabernacle, ensuring integrity and uniformity in sacred transactions, contrasting with potentially variable commercial weights. This standard, often heavier than common market shekels, highlighted the meticulousness and sanctity required in matters pertaining to God's commands. The "gerah" was the smallest unit of weight, with twenty gerahs making up one shekel, providing a clear and universally understood measure for the Israelites. This offering later became a recurring annual temple tax in subsequent periods of Israelite history, signifying ongoing communal support for the place of worship.
* **Key Themes:** The half-shekel offering in Exodus 30:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Exodus. Foremost is the theme of **holiness and separation**, as God establishes meticulous standards for approaching His presence and maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle. This offering, designated as "holy to the LORD," underscores the divine requirement for purity and consecration in all matters related to worship. Closely related is the theme of **atonement and redemption**, as the offering serves as a "ransom for their souls" ([Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - The Ransom for Souls")), highlighting humanity's inherent sinfulness and the need for divine provision to cover sin and avert judgment. The fixed, equal amount of the offering also powerfully conveys the theme of **equality before God**, demonstrating that all Israelites, regardless of their social or economic standing, are equally valuable in God's eyes and equally dependent on His grace for their lives and standing before Him. Finally, the use of the offering for the "service of the tabernacle" ([Exodus 30:16](/exodus/30-16 "Exodus 30:16 - Use of the Atonement Money")) reinforces the theme of **communal responsibility** in supporting the worship and presence of God among His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shekel (Hebrew, _sheqel_):** This term refers to a unit of weight, which also functioned as a standard monetary unit in ancient Israel and the broader Near East. The phrase "shekel of the sanctuary" (שֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ, _sheqel ha-qodesh_) indicates a specific, precise, and unchanging standard of weight maintained within the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). This sacred standard ensured fairness and accuracy in all transactions related to offerings and sacred duties, preventing fraud or deviation from God's prescribed amounts. It often represented a heavier or more reliable measure than common commercial shekels, underscoring the integrity and sanctity expected in divine matters.
* **Gerah (Hebrew, _gêrâh_):** From the root גָּרַר (_gārar_), meaning "to scrape" or "to drag," this word properly refers to a kernel, and by extension, a small weight or coin. It is explicitly defined in this verse as one-twentieth of a shekel. The inclusion of this precise conversion ("a shekel [is] twenty gerahs") underscores the meticulous detail of God's instructions and the importance of exactness in fulfilling His commands. It ensured that the Israelites, even those unfamiliar with the "shekel of the sanctuary," could accurately measure the required offering, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the exact amount.
* **Offering (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwmâh_):** From the root רוּם (_rûwm_), meaning "to be high" or "to lift up," this word refers to a present or contribution that is "heaved" or "lifted up" as an offering, especially in sacrifice or as tribute. In the context of Exodus 30:13, it signifies a sacred contribution specifically designated for the Lord, emphasizing its divine purpose and the act of giving it as an act of worship. This "heave offering" was distinct from other types of sacrifices, often representing a portion set apart for God from the general populace for the maintenance of the Tabernacle and its services.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered":** This clause establishes the universal obligation of the offering. "Every one that passeth among them that are numbered" refers to every male Israelite aged twenty years and upward, as specified in [Exodus 30:14](/exodus/30-14 "Exodus 30:14 - Age Requirement for the Offering"). The act of "numbering" implies a census, often for military or administrative purposes, and the payment serves as a protective ransom during such an enumeration, as detailed in [Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - The Ransom for Souls").
* **"half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary":** This specifies the exact amount required and the standard by which it is to be measured. The "half shekel" (בֶּצַע שֶׁקֶל, _betza sheqel_) is a fixed, non-negotiable sum. The reference to the "shekel of the sanctuary" ensures that the measurement is precise and consistent, adhering to a sacred standard rather than variable commercial weights. This highlights God's demand for integrity and exactness in matters of worship and obedience.
* **"(a shekel [is] twenty gerahs:)":** This parenthetical clarification provides a precise conversion rate, defining the standard shekel in terms of a smaller, universally understood unit. It eliminates any potential ambiguity regarding the weight of a shekel, reinforcing the meticulousness and clarity of God's instructions. This detail ensures that all Israelites, regardless of their familiarity with specific weights, could accurately determine the required half-shekel.
* **"an half shekel [shall be] the offering of the LORD.":** This final phrase declares the sacred nature and ultimate recipient of the payment. It is not merely a tax but a "terumah" (תְּרוּמָה), a heave offering or contribution, specifically designated for God. This emphasizes that the offering is a sacred act of worship and obedience, given directly to the Lord, and intended for His purposes, specifically the service and maintenance of the Tabernacle as mentioned in [Exodus 30:16](/exodus/30-16 "Exodus 30:16 - Use of the Atonement Money").

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 30:13 employs several literary devices to convey its message with precision and emphasis. **Precision** is paramount, evident in the exact specification of "half a shekel" and the explicit definition of a shekel as "twenty gerahs." This meticulous detail underscores God's demand for exactness and order in worship and obedience, leaving no room for ambiguity or arbitrary interpretation. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** of the phrase "half a shekel," which serves to emphasize the fixed and unchangeable nature of the offering, highlighting the principle of equality before God where every individual, regardless of wealth or status, contributes the same amount. Furthermore, the concept of the offering itself carries strong **Symbolism**. It is not just a monetary contribution but a "ransom for their souls," symbolizing the acknowledgment of God's ownership over life and the necessity of atonement for sin. This symbolic act prefigures the ultimate redemption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 30:13, with its mandate for a universal half-shekel offering, profoundly underscores several core theological truths. Firstly, it highlights the concept of **atonement and redemption**, where the payment served as a "ransom for their souls" ([Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - The Ransom for Souls")), acknowledging that all lives belong to God and require a covering for sin. Secondly, it powerfully teaches **equality before God**. The requirement for every man, rich or poor, to give the exact same amount emphasizes that all individuals are equally valuable in God's sight and equally in need of His grace and atonement. There is no distinction based on wealth, status, or perceived righteousness when it comes to one's standing before the Lord. Finally, the offering's designation for the "service of the tabernacle" ([Exodus 30:16](/exodus/30-16 "Exodus 30:16 - Purpose of the Atonement Money")) illustrates the principle of **communal responsibility** for sustaining the means of worship and maintaining the presence of God among His people.

* [Leviticus 27:25](/leviticus/27-25 "Leviticus 27:25 - Shekel of the Sanctuary")
* [Matthew 17:24-27](/matthew/17-24-27 "Matthew 17:24-27 - The Temple Tax")
* [2 Corinthians 8:12-15](/2_corinthians/8-12-15 "2 Corinthians 8:12-15 - Equality in Giving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today are not under the Mosaic Law to pay a literal half-shekel temple tax, the enduring spiritual principles embedded in Exodus 30:13 remain profoundly relevant for understanding our relationship with God and our role in His kingdom. This passage reminds us that our lives are not our own; they are a gift from God, and we are all equally dependent on His grace and equally in need of spiritual atonement. Our salvation is not earned by works, wealth, or social standing, but is a free gift received through faith in Christ's complete and perfect sacrifice. Furthermore, the communal aspect of the offering calls us to recognize our shared responsibility in supporting the work of God's kingdom. Our giving, whether of financial resources, time, or talents, should be motivated by a spirit of worship, gratitude, and a recognition of God's abundant provision, contributing to the spread of the Gospel, the care of the church body, and the advancement of God's purposes in the world. This giving should reflect the equality we share in Christ, where every contribution, given from the heart, is equally valued by God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of the "half-shekel" offering challenge our modern notions of status, wealth, and contribution within the community of faith?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, practically demonstrate our understanding that our lives belong to God and that we are equally in need of His grace?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the importance of precision and integrity in our spiritual walk and our dealings with God?**
* **How does our giving, in its various forms, reflect our communal responsibility for the work of God's kingdom today?**

### FAQ

**What was the purpose of the half-shekel offering in Exodus 30:13?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the half-shekel offering, as stated in [Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - The Ransom for Souls"), was to serve as a "ransom for their souls" (כֹּפֶר נַפְשָׁם, _kopher nafsham_) for every Israelite man aged twenty years and upward who was counted in the census. This payment was a symbolic act of atonement, acknowledging God's ownership of all life and preventing a plague from striking the people during the numbering. It was not a general tax but a sacred contribution specifically for the "service of the tabernacle of the congregation" ([Exodus 30:16](/exodus/30-16 "Exodus 30:16 - Use of the Atonement Money")), used for its maintenance, the purchase of sacrificial animals, and the needs of the priests.

**Why was it specifically "half a shekel" and not a full shekel or a different amount?**

Answer: The precise amount of "half a shekel" was divinely ordained, emphasizing the principle of equality before God. [Exodus 30:15](/exodus/30-15 "Exodus 30:15 - Equality of the Offering") explicitly states, "The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel." This fixed amount ensured that every individual, regardless of their economic status, made the same contribution, signifying that all lives are equally valuable to God and equally in need of atonement. It underscored that salvation and standing before God are not based on human merit or wealth, but on His grace and provision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The half-shekel offering in Exodus 30:13, given as a "ransom for their souls," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect ransom provided by Jesus Christ. While the Mosaic offering was a recurring, symbolic payment that covered the lives of the Israelites in a temporal sense, it pointed forward to the once-for-all, complete redemption accomplished by Christ. Just as the half-shekel was a fixed amount, demonstrating that all were equally in need of atonement, so too does Christ's sacrifice apply equally to all humanity, without distinction of Jew or Gentile, rich or poor ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Equality in Christ")). He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose precious blood is the ultimate "ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The funds from the half-shekel supported the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God among His people; in the New Covenant, Christ Himself is the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy This Temple")), and believers, united in Him, become the spiritual dwelling place of God ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation")). Thus, the half-shekel offering serves as a profound Old Testament type, fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who paid the full and final price for our eternal redemption, making us truly equal and reconciled before God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 27:25

And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel.

Numbers 3:47

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:)

Ezekiel 45:12

And the shekel [shall be] twenty gerahs: twenty shekels, five and twenty shekels, fifteen shekels, shall be your maneh.

Exodus 38:26

A bekah for every man, [that is], half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty [men].

Matthew 17:24

¶ And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute [money] came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

Matthew 27:24

When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it].