Numbers 3:48

KJV

And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt give {H5414} the money {H3701}, wherewith the odd number {H5736} of them is to be redeemed {H6302}, unto Aaron {H175} and to his sons {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Give the redemption money for these extra people to Aharon and his sons."

Berean Standard Bible

Give the money to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for the excess among the Israelites.”

American Standard Version

and thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 3:48 concludes a precise divine directive concerning the redemption of the surplus firstborn males of Israel who were not covered by the Levite substitution. This verse meticulously instructs that the collected redemption money, a specified sum of silver, is to be given directly to Aaron and his sons, the priestly family. This act profoundly underscores God's meticulous order, His sovereign claim on all that is first, and His divine provision for the sustenance and support of those consecrated to sacred service within the Tabernacle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 3 meticulously details the divine census and consecration of the tribe of Levi, designating them as substitutes for all the firstborn males of Israel, whom God had claimed as His own after the Passover deliverance in Egypt. Following this census, Numbers 3:40-43 reveals a numerical discrepancy: there were 22,000 Levites but 22,273 firstborn males among the other tribes. This left an "odd number" or surplus of 273 firstborn males without a direct Levite counterpart. To redeem these individuals, God commanded a payment of five shekels per head (Numbers 3:47), totaling 1,365 shekels of silver. Numbers 3:48 then provides the final, crucial instruction regarding the disposition of this specific sum, ensuring its proper allocation within the divinely established order for the Tabernacle service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The background to this passage is rooted in God's initial claim on all the firstborn of Israel as His own, a consequence of sparing them during the tenth plague in Egypt while striking down the firstborn of Egypt (see [Exodus 12:29-30](/exodus/12-29-30 "Exodus 12:29-30 - The Tenth Plague and the Firstborn") and [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")). This act established a perpetual claim, signifying God's ownership and the sanctity of life. The Levites were subsequently chosen by God as a direct substitute for the firstborn of all Israel (as detailed in [Numbers 3:12-13](/numbers/3-12-13 "Numbers 3:12-13 - Levites as Substitutes for the Firstborn")). The redemption money for the 273 surplus firstborn was a practical and theological necessity, ensuring that every firstborn male was either directly substituted by a Levite or redeemed by a payment. This payment, directed to Aaron and his sons, served as a vital means of support for the priesthood, enabling them to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties in the Tabernacle, a common and necessary practice in ancient Near Eastern societies to support religious functionaries.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes found throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Ownership and Redemption**, where God's claim on His people, particularly the firstborn, is meticulously upheld and a price is paid for release. It also highlights **Divine Order and Meticulousness**, evident in the precise census, the numerical discrepancy, and the exact instructions for payment and distribution. Furthermore, the passage underscores the theme of **Provision for Sacred Service**, demonstrating God's care for those consecrated to Him and the community's responsibility to support the priesthood, enabling them to fulfill their unique roles in the worship and governance of Israel, as seen in the broader instructions for the Levites' support in [Numbers 18](/numbers/18 "Numbers 18 - Duties of Priests and Levites").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root verb carries a broad semantic range, meaning "to give," "to put," "to make," or "to assign." In Numbers 3:48, it functions as a direct imperative, emphasizing the divine command for the transfer of the money. It highlights the authoritative nature of God's instruction, ensuring that the collected funds are not merely deposited but actively and intentionally bestowed upon the designated recipients.
* **Money (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be pale," this noun primarily refers to "silver" and, by implication, "money." In this context, "the money" specifically denotes the 1,365 shekels of silver collected as the redemption price for the 273 surplus firstborn. Its mention underscores the tangible, material nature of the redemption payment, signifying a real transaction and a valuable resource dedicated to God's service.
* **Odd number (Hebrew, _ʻădaph'_):** This primitive root means "to be redundant," "to be more," or "to have over and above." Here, it precisely refers to the 273 firstborn males who exceeded the count of the Levites and thus did not have a direct, one-to-one Levite substitute. The use of this term highlights the meticulous nature of God's census and His precise accounting for every individual under His claim, ensuring no one is overlooked in the divine economy of redemption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt give the money,"**: This is a direct, imperative command from God, conveyed through Moses. "The money" refers specifically to the 1,365 shekels of silver collected as the redemption price for the 273 surplus firstborn, as detailed in the preceding verses (Numbers 3:47). This clause emphasizes the divine authority behind the transaction and the non-negotiable nature of the command, underscoring that this transfer is a divinely ordained act.
* **"wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed,"**: This phrase clarifies the precise purpose of the collected funds. It explicitly states that the money is the ransom or redemption price for those firstborn males who were not covered by the exact numerical count of the Levites. This reinforces the theological principle of redemption, where a payment is made to fulfill an obligation or secure release, ensuring that God's claim on all firstborn is fully honored and accounted for.
* **"unto Aaron and to his sons."**: This specifies the divinely appointed recipients of the redemption money. Aaron, as the High Priest, and his sons were the consecrated priestly family, responsible for the sacred service and administration of the Tabernacle. This allocation provided for their sustenance and resources, enabling them to devote themselves entirely to their priestly duties without distraction, thereby ensuring the continuity and integrity of Israel's worship and the proper functioning of the covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, as the entire chapter, culminating in this verse, consists of direct, authoritative instructions from God to Moses, emphasizing divine authority, meticulous planning, and the non-negotiable nature of the covenant stipulations. There is also an element of **Metonymy**, where "the money" (the means of redemption) stands in for the act of "redemption" itself (the outcome), as the payment is intrinsically linked to the release of the firstborn from their obligation to God. Furthermore, the entire scenario functions as **Symbolism**, where the tangible act of paying a price for release foreshadows the greater spiritual truth of redemption from sin through a divine payment, a profound theme that resonates throughout biblical theology.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 3:48 powerfully illustrates several core theological principles. It reinforces God's absolute ownership of all life, particularly the firstborn, a claim established at the Passover and perpetually acknowledged through the acts of substitution and redemption. The meticulous accounting and precise instructions underscore God's orderly character and His demand for holiness and obedience in His covenant people. Moreover, the allocation of the redemption money to the priesthood highlights the divine provision for those called to sacred service, emphasizing the community's responsibility to support those who minister in spiritual matters, thereby enabling them to focus on their divinely appointed roles. This passage is a microcosm of God's redemptive plan, where a price is paid to secure freedom and consecration, pointing forward to a greater redemption.

* [Exodus 13:13](/exodus/13-13 "Exodus 13:13 - Redemption of the Firstborn with a Lamb or Price")
* [Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - Levites' Inheritance from Tithes")
* [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While rooted in the specific ancient Israelite context, Numbers 3:48 offers profound and enduring principles for believers today. The foundational concept of redemption—a price paid to secure release—serves as a powerful reminder that we, too, have been "bought with a price" ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - You Were Bought with a Price")). Just as the firstborn were God's, and the surplus required a specific payment, our lives are not our own but belong to God by virtue of His redemptive work. This truth should inspire a life of profound dedication and consecration to Him, recognizing His ownership over every aspect of our being. Furthermore, the provision for Aaron and his sons establishes a timeless precedent for supporting those in full-time ministry. Just as the priests were freed from worldly concerns to devote themselves to sacred duties, so too are those who serve in spiritual leadership today worthy of the church's financial and prayerful support, enabling them to faithfully shepherd God's people and proclaim His truth without distraction. This passage calls us to consider our own stewardship, our recognition of God's ownership, and our commitment to upholding His divine order in all aspects of life and ministry, reflecting His meticulous care and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "redemption" in Numbers 3:48 deepen your understanding of God's claim on your life and the infinite cost of your salvation?**
* **In what practical ways can we apply the principle of supporting those in spiritual service today, following the precedent set by the provision for Aaron and his sons?**
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's commands in this passage speak to His character, and what does that imply about our responsibility to live orderly and obedient lives in response to His divine order?**

### FAQ
**Why was money required for redemption if the Levites were already substitutes for the firstborn?**

Answer: The Levites were indeed designated as a general substitute for the firstborn of all Israel, fulfilling God's claim on the firstborn from the time of the Passover ([Numbers 3:12-13](/numbers/3-12-13 "Numbers 3:12-13 - Levites as Substitutes")). However, when the census was taken, there was a numerical discrepancy: 22,000 Levites but 22,273 firstborn males from the other tribes. This meant there was an "odd number" or surplus of 273 firstborn males who did not have a direct, one-to-one Levite counterpart. To ensure that *every* firstborn was accounted for under God's claim and to maintain the principle of redemption, a monetary payment of five shekels per head was instituted for these 273 individuals ([Numbers 3:46-47](/numbers/3-46-47 "Numbers 3:46-47 - Redemption Price for the Surplus Firstborn")). This ensured that God's ownership was acknowledged for every firstborn, whether through a Levite substitute or a monetary ransom, upholding the divine principle of redemption for all.

**What was the significance of giving the redemption money to Aaron and his sons?**

Answer: Aaron and his sons constituted the priestly family, set apart by God to minister in the Tabernacle and perform the sacred duties of worship, sacrifice, and instruction ([Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron and His Sons Appointed Priests")). The allocation of this redemption money directly to them served as a practical means of financial support and provision. This ensured that the priests could devote themselves entirely to their divinely appointed responsibilities without being burdened by the need to earn a living through secular means. It highlights God's meticulous care for His servants and the community's responsibility to sustain those dedicated to spiritual service, a principle reiterated in later biblical texts concerning the support of ministers ([Numbers 18:20-21](/numbers/18-20-21 "Numbers 18:20-21 - The Priests' and Levites' Portion")). This provision enabled the priesthood to maintain the integrity and continuity of Israel's worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 3:48, with its profound emphasis on redemption through a paid price and the principle of substitution, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "money" paid for the "odd number" of firstborn foreshadows the immeasurable price of our redemption, not with corruptible things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ Himself ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Precious Blood")). Just as the Levites served as substitutes for the firstborn, and a payment was made for those not covered, Christ Himself became the ultimate substitute, paying the ransom for all humanity ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Give His Life a Ransom")). He is the true Lamb of God, whose perfect sacrifice takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His atoning work, we are redeemed from the curse of the law and the bondage of sin, brought into God's family as His own consecrated people ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") and [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). The provision for Aaron and his sons also points to Christ, our Great High Priest, who, having offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, now lives to intercede for us and sustains us through His grace ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Permanent Priest")), enabling us to live as His redeemed ones, consecrated for His eternal service.

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.