Exodus 30:14

Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD.

Every one that passeth {H5674} among them that are numbered {H6485}, from twenty {H6242} years {H8141} old {H1121} and above {H4605}, shall give {H5414} an offering {H8641} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Everyone over twenty years of age who is subject to the census is to give this offering to ADONAI -

Everyone twenty years of age or older who crosses over must give this offering to the LORD.

Every one that passeth over unto them that are numbered, from twenty years old and upward, shall give the offering of Jehovah.

Commentary

Exodus 30:14 KJV is part of God's instructions to Moses concerning the half-shekel atonement money, a mandatory offering collected from every Israelite man aged twenty years and older during a census. This specific verse emphasizes the universal requirement for this contribution.

Context

This verse is found within a section of Exodus (chapters 25-31) detailing the intricate commands for the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people. Immediately preceding this verse, God commands a census of the Israelites, and the offering mentioned here is directly tied to that numbering. This offering was not a tax for government, but a sacred contribution for the maintenance and service of the Tabernacle, intended to make atonement for their souls.

Key Themes

  • Universal Responsibility: The phrase "Every one that passeth among them that are numbered" underscores that this was a non-negotiable obligation for all eligible males. It highlights a collective responsibility in supporting the community's spiritual life.
  • Equality Before God: As detailed in Exodus 30:15, both the rich and the poor were to give the exact same amount. This principle powerfully illustrates that all are equal in their need for atonement and in their standing before God, regardless of their worldly status.
  • Atonement and Redemption: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context (Exodus 30:12, 16) reveals the offering's primary purpose: "a ransom for their souls" or "atonement money." It served as a symbolic act of redemption, reminding the people that their lives belonged to God.
  • Support for Divine Worship: The funds collected from this offering were specifically designated for the "service of the tabernacle of the congregation" (Exodus 30:16), ensuring the ongoing upkeep and operation of the place of worship.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "offering" here is terumah (ืชึฐึผืจื•ึผืžึธื”), which typically refers to a heave offering or contribution, often a sacred gift lifted up or set apart for God. The act of "numbering" (from the root paqad, ืคึธึผืงึทื“) signifies a divine census, often with an associated purpose or consequence, in this case, the collection of the atonement money. The idea of "atonement" (kopher, ื›ึนึผืคึถืจ) is central to understanding the spiritual significance of this mandatory offering.

Practical Application

While we no longer give a half-shekel for the Tabernacle, the principles embedded in Exodus 30:14 remain highly relevant for believers today. It teaches us about the importance of:

  • Shared Responsibility: Every member of the faith community has a part to play in supporting its mission and ministries, whether through financial contributions, time, or talents.
  • Equality in Giving: The principle that rich and poor gave the same amount underscores that God values the heart and willingness to give, not merely the quantity. It reminds us that our worth before God is not tied to our material possessions.
  • Supporting Spiritual Work: Just as the Israelites supported the Tabernacle, believers today are called to support the work of the Church and other ministries that spread the Gospel and serve God's purposes, echoing the New Testament call for cheerful giving.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 1:20

    And the children of Reuben, Israel's eldest son, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

  • Numbers 26:2

    Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, throughout their fathers' house, all that are able to go to war in Israel.

  • Numbers 32:11

    Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me:

  • Numbers 1:3

    From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

  • Numbers 14:29

    Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,

  • Numbers 1:18

    And they assembled all the congregation together on the first [day] of the second month, and they declared their pedigrees after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, by their polls.
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