Numbers 18:16

KJV

And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, which [is] twenty gerahs.

KJV (with Strong's)

And those that are to be redeemed {H6299} from a month {H2320} old {H1121} shalt thou redeem {H6299}, according to thine estimation {H6187}, for the money {H3701} of five {H2568} shekels {H8255}, after the shekel {H8255} of the sanctuary {H6944}, which is twenty {H6242} gerahs {H1626}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sum to be paid for redeeming anyone a month old or over is to be five shekels of silver [two ounces], as you value it, using the sanctuary shekel (this is the same as twenty gerahs).

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And those that are to be redeemed of them from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary (the same is twenty gerahs).

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 18:16 meticulously details the divine regulation for the redemption of firstborn males in ancient Israel, stipulating the age at which redemption was required and the precise monetary value. This specific instruction underscores God's meticulous care in establishing the operational framework for the Levitical priesthood and the Tabernacle service, ensuring that all aspects of Israel's covenant relationship with Him were governed by clear, divine decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial section of Numbers (chapters 16-18) that addresses the aftermath of Korah's rebellion. Following this challenge to Aaron's priestly authority, God definitively reaffirms the exclusive nature of the Aaronic priesthood and the Levites' unique role in serving the Tabernacle. Chapter 18 specifically outlines the duties, responsibilities, and provisions for the priests and Levites, emphasizing their distinct separation for divine service. The redemption of the firstborn is directly linked to God's initial claim over all firstborn males, a claim that was subsequently satisfied by His taking the tribe of Levi in their place. This verse, therefore, clarifies how the remaining firstborn, those not from the tribe of Levi, were to be presented to God and then "bought back" for a set price, contributing to the support system for the very priests and Levites who served on behalf of the nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command concerning the firstborn traces back to the Exodus event, specifically the tenth plague, where God spared the firstborn of Israel while striking down those of Egypt ([Exodus 12:29](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29 - The Tenth Plague")). This act established God's perpetual claim over all firstborn, both human and animal, as a memorial of His redemptive power ([Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the firstborn often held a special status, inheriting a double portion and leadership responsibilities. However, in Israel, God asserted His ultimate ownership, requiring dedication or redemption. The "shekel of the sanctuary" was a standardized weight used for sacred transactions, ensuring fairness and preventing fraud, reflecting the importance of integrity in all dealings with God. This practice was part of the nascent Israelite cultic system being established in the wilderness, designed to shape their identity as a holy nation set apart for Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 18:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. The most prominent is the theme of **Divine Ownership and Redemption**. God's claim over the firstborn, reiterated here, serves as a constant reminder of His sovereign power and His redemptive act in Egypt. The redemption price symbolizes Israel's acknowledgment that all life, particularly that which is "first," belongs to God. This verse also highlights **Divine Provision and Support for the Priesthood**, as the redemption money, along with other offerings, formed part of the Levites' sustenance, enabling them to dedicate themselves fully to Tabernacle service. Furthermore, the precise instructions regarding age and value underscore the theme of **Meticulous Obedience to Divine Law**. God's covenant with Israel was detailed, requiring exact adherence to His commands, emphasizing the sanctity and integrity of all matters related to His worship and the maintenance of holiness within the community. This attention to detail reflects God's character and the seriousness with which He established His relationship with His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Redeemed (Hebrew, _padah_):** This verb signifies "to ransom," "to deliver," or "to buy back." In the context of the firstborn, it refers to the act of paying a price to release something or someone from a state of obligation or consecration to God. It acknowledges God's initial claim or ownership and provides a means to fulfill that obligation without sacrificing the firstborn, as was the case with the Levites being taken in place of the firstborn ([Numbers 3:12](/numbers/3-12 "Numbers 3:12 - Levites taken in place of the Firstborn")). The payment of five shekels served as a symbolic ransom, confirming God's right to the firstborn while allowing the parents to retain their child.
* **Estimation (Hebrew, _'erek_):** This term refers to a "valuation" or "assessment," specifically a fixed, set value determined by divine decree. It indicates that the price for redemption was not negotiable or subject to market fluctuations but was a divinely ordained standard. This ensured uniformity and fairness for all Israelites, preventing any arbitrary pricing and reinforcing the principle that God's laws are immutable and universally applicable within His covenant community.
* **Shekel of the Sanctuary (Hebrew, _sheqel haqqodesh_):** This phrase denotes a specific, standardized weight of silver used exclusively for sacred purposes within the Tabernacle and temple system. Unlike common commercial shekels, the "shekel of the sanctuary" maintained a consistent, authoritative weight, typically twenty gerahs. Its use here emphasizes the sacred nature of the transaction and the integrity required in all dealings related to God's holy institutions. It also served to prevent fraud and ensure that the offerings and redemptions were of the exact value prescribed by divine law ([Exodus 30:13](/exodus/30-13 "Exodus 30:13 - The Half-Shekel Offering")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou redeem":** This clause establishes the specific age at which a firstborn male was subject to redemption. The period of one month allowed for the initial vulnerability of infancy to pass and for the child's survival to be reasonably assured before the formal act of redemption was required. It signifies that from this early stage, the child's life was recognized as belonging to God, necessitating a formal act to "buy back" this divinely claimed life.
* **"according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels":** This specifies the fixed price for redemption. The "five shekels" was not a variable amount but a set valuation determined by God. This standardized fee ensured that the redemption process was equitable for all families, regardless of their economic status, emphasizing that the value was not based on the child's worth but on God's established decree for fulfilling His claim.
* **"after the shekel of the sanctuary, which [is] twenty gerahs":** This final phrase clarifies the precise standard of weight for the shekel. By referencing the "shekel of the sanctuary," the text ensures accuracy and integrity in the transaction. It explicitly states that this sacred shekel was equivalent to "twenty gerahs," a smaller unit of weight, leaving no ambiguity regarding the exact amount of silver required. This level of detail underscores the seriousness and precision God demanded in all matters pertaining to His covenant and worship.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 18:16 is **Legal Code**, characterized by its precise, prescriptive language and detailed stipulations. This verse functions as a specific statute within the broader Mosaic Law, outlining a particular requirement for the Israelite community. The meticulous enumeration of details—the age ("from a month old"), the exact amount ("five shekels"), and the precise standard of measurement ("shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs")—exemplifies the **Precision** and **Detail** inherent in divine legislation. This exactitude serves to remove ambiguity, ensuring strict adherence to God's commands and reflecting His orderly and holy character. Furthermore, the underlying concept of "redemption" carries significant **Symbolism**, pointing to the broader theological principle that what belongs to God can be "bought back" or consecrated to Him through a designated means, foreshadowing greater redemptive acts in salvation history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 18:16 is not merely an archaic law but a profound theological statement on God's sovereign ownership and the principle of redemption. It reiterates that all life, especially the "first" and best, ultimately belongs to the Creator. The redemption price served as a constant, tangible reminder of God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, where He claimed the firstborn as His own in a powerful display of judgment and salvation. This act of "buying back" the firstborn, initially claimed by God, foreshadows the ultimate redemption provided through Christ. It also highlights the divine economy, where resources (the redemption money) are channeled to support those consecrated for sacred service, ensuring the continuity of worship and the maintenance of God's presence among His people. The meticulousness of the law underscores God's demand for holiness and order in all aspects of His covenant relationship.

* [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")
* [Leviticus 27:6](/leviticus/27-6 "Leviticus 27:6 - Valuation of Persons")
* [Numbers 3:47](/numbers/3-47 "Numbers 3:47 - Redemption Price for the Firstborn")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient regulation, while no longer literally practiced by believers today, offers enduring principles for our lives. The concept of God's ownership over the firstborn reminds us that all our lives, our "firstfruits"—be it our time, talents, or treasures—are ultimately His. We are called to live with an awareness that we are not our own, but have been bought with a price. This should inspire a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to consecrate our lives to His purposes. The meticulous nature of God's instructions in this verse also challenges us to consider the importance of obedience, even in seemingly small details, trusting that God's wisdom in His commands is perfect. Just as Israel's firstborn were redeemed, we too have been redeemed from the bondage of sin, not with silver or gold, but by the precious blood of Christ. This profound reality should shape our daily decisions, our stewardship, and our worship, prompting us to live lives that reflect our redeemed status and honor the One who paid the ultimate price for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I acknowledge God's ultimate ownership over my life and resources today?**
* **How does the concept of "redemption" in Numbers 18:16 deepen my understanding of Christ's work on the cross?**
* **Where in my life might God be calling me to greater precision and obedience, even in areas I consider small?**
* **How can I live more intentionally as someone who has been "bought with a price" and set apart for God's purposes?**

### FAQ

**Why was there a specific age (one month old) for the redemption of the firstborn?**

Answer: The specification of "from a month old" for the redemption of the firstborn male allowed for a period of initial infancy to pass. In ancient times, infant mortality rates were high, and waiting a month ensured that the child had survived the most vulnerable stage of life. This practical consideration meant that the parents would not be required to pay the redemption price for a child who might not live beyond the first few weeks. It also provided a clear, standardized point in time for the obligation to be fulfilled, ensuring consistency across all Israelite families in their adherence to God's law concerning the firstborn, whom God had claimed as His own after the [Passover event in Egypt](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29 - The Tenth Plague").

**What was the significance of the "shekel of the sanctuary" and "twenty gerahs"?**

Answer: The "shekel of the sanctuary" was a standardized weight of silver, distinct from common commercial weights, used specifically for sacred transactions within the Tabernacle system. Its purpose was to ensure absolute integrity, honesty, and consistency in all offerings, tithes, and redemptions made to God. By specifying "which is twenty gerahs," the text further clarifies the exact equivalence, leaving no room for ambiguity or fraud. A gerah was a small unit of weight, and twenty gerahs made up one shekel. This meticulous detail underscores God's demand for precision and purity in all matters related to His worship and the administration of His covenant laws, as seen in other regulations like the [half-shekel offering](/exodus/30-13 "Exodus 30:13 - The Half-Shekel Offering"). It emphasized that God's standards were fixed and inviolable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 18:16, with its emphasis on the redemption of the firstborn, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant law required a monetary payment for the physical redemption of the firstborn male, foreshadowing God's claim and the need for a ransom, Jesus embodies the perfect, once-for-all redemption for all humanity. He is the "firstborn over all creation" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), the "firstborn from the dead" ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Head of the Church")), and the "firstborn among many brothers and sisters" ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - God's Purpose for Believers")). Unlike the five shekels of silver, our redemption is not bought with perishable things but "with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect" ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption through Christ's Blood")). He is the true Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to redeem us from the curse of the law and the bondage of sin ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). Through His finished work on the cross, we are bought with a price ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Glorify God with Your Body")), becoming God's own possession, consecrated not by a monetary estimation but by the infinite value of His Son's life.

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

Exodus 30:13

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.

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.

Leviticus 27:25

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

Leviticus 27:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons [shall be] for the LORD by thy estimation.

Leviticus 27:7

And if [it be] from sixty years old and above; if [it be] a male, then thy estimation shall be fifteen shekels, and for the female ten shekels.