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Numbers 3:47

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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:)

Thou shalt even take {H3947} five {H2568} shekels {H8255} apiece by the poll {H1538}, after the shekel {H8255} of the sanctuary {H6944} shalt thou take {H3947} them:(the shekel {H8255} is twenty {H6242} gerahs {H1626}:)

you are to take five shekels [two ounces] for each of these (use the sanctuary shekel, which is equal to twenty gerahs).

you are to collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs.

thou shalt take five shekels apiece by the poll; after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs):

Commentary

Numbers 3:47 specifies the redemption price for the excess firstborn males of Israel who were not replaced by the Levites. This verse is part of God's meticulous instructions to Moses regarding the census, the consecration of the Levites, and the handling of offerings and redemptions related to the Tabernacle.

Context

In Numbers chapter 3, God commands a census of the Levites, setting them apart for service in the Tabernacle. This divine decree establishes the Levites as substitutes for the firstborn males of all Israel, whom God had claimed as His own during the Passover judgment in Egypt (Exodus 13:2, 13). After counting 22,000 Levites (Numbers 3:39), God also commanded the counting of the firstborn males of the other tribes, which numbered 22,273 (Numbers 3:43). Since there were 273 more firstborn than Levites, a redemption payment was required for these individuals. Verse 47 details this specific payment: five shekels per person, measured according to the standard of the sanctuary shekel.

Key Themes

  • Redemption and Substitution: The central theme is the concept of "buying back" or releasing someone from an obligation or claim. The Levites served as a substitute for the firstborn, and when a direct substitute wasn't available, a monetary redemption was required. This foreshadows the greater spiritual redemption provided through Christ.
  • Divine Ownership and Holiness: God's claim on the firstborn, established during the Exodus, signifies His ultimate ownership of all Israel. The meticulous rules for redemption highlight God's holiness and the sacredness of His claims.
  • Precision in Divine Law: The specific monetary value ("five shekels") and the exact standard of measurement ("the shekel of the sanctuary") underscore the precision and importance God placed on adherence to His commands, even in financial matters related to worship.

Linguistic Insights

The verse introduces two key terms related to ancient Israelite currency and weight:

  • Shekel of the Sanctuary (שֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ, shekel ha-kodesh): This refers to a specific, standardized weight for the shekel, distinct from common market shekels. It was likely a heavier or more accurate standard, ensuring that payments and offerings made to God were consistent and of the correct value. This standard is also mentioned in Leviticus 27:25, emphasizing its importance in religious transactions.
  • Gerah (גֵּרָה, gerah): This is a smaller unit of weight, with twenty gerahs making up one shekel. The inclusion of this detail further emphasizes the exactness required for these sacred payments, highlighting God's demand for accuracy and integrity in all matters pertaining to His service.

Practical Application

Numbers 3:47, while detailing an ancient law, offers enduring spiritual principles:

  • The Cost of Redemption: This passage reminds us that redemption is not free. Although the monetary payment was for a specific historical context, it points to the ultimate price paid for our spiritual redemption. The redemption we have in Christ is not paid with silver or gold but with His precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19).
  • God's Standards and Provision: Just as God set precise standards for the Israelites, He continues to have standards for His people today. He also provides the means for us to meet those standards, ultimately through His Son.
  • Obedience in Detail: The meticulous nature of God's instructions encourages believers to pay attention to the details of God's Word and to obey Him wholeheartedly, even in seemingly small matters.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 27:6 (5 votes)

    And if [it be] from a month old even unto five years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male five shekels of silver, and for the female thy estimation [shall be] three shekels of silver.

  • Exodus 30:13 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Leviticus 27:25 (4 votes)

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

  • Numbers 18:16 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Ezekiel 45:12 (3 votes)

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

  • Numbers 3:50 (2 votes)

    Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five [shekels], after the shekel of the sanctuary: