passive participle of פָּדָה. ransomed (and so occurring under פָּדָה); as abstractly (in plural masculine) a ransom; (that are) to be (that were) redeemed.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pâdûwy**, represented by `{{H6302}}`, is a term meaning **ransomed** or **(that are) to be (that were) redeemed**. It is a passive participle, indicating a state of having been ransomed. This specific term appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, all within the third chapter of Numbers, highlighting its focused application in a singular, significant event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6302}}` is used exclusively within the context of the census and duties of the Levites. It specifically describes the Israelite firstborn who needed to be ceremonially bought back because they exceeded the number of available Levites. The term applies to the two hundred and seventy-three firstborn of the children of Israel who were "more than the Levites" [[Numbers 3:46]]. The money for this "odd number" `{{H5736}}` of them "is to be redeemed" and was commanded to be given to Aaron and his sons [[Numbers 3:48]]. Moses collected this redemption money and gave it to Aaron, fulfilling the LORD's command regarding them that "were redeemed" [[Numbers 3:51]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the specific context of being ransomed or redeemed:
* `{{H1060}}` **bᵉkôwr** (firstborn): This identifies the subjects who are to be redeemed. The LORD's claim over every **firstborn** [[Exodus 13:2]] establishes the need for the redemption detailed in Numbers 3, where there were more **firstborn** of Israel than Levites [[Numbers 3:46]].
* `{{H3881}}` **Lêvîyîy** (Levite): This term identifies the group that stood in place of the firstborn. Those who were **redeemed** `{{H6302}}` were the ones in excess of the number of the **Levites** [[Numbers 3:46]]. The Levites themselves were set apart and had no inheritance in the land, because the LORD was their portion [[Numbers 18:20]].
* `{{H6306}}` **pidyôwm** (ransom): This noun is the concrete payment for redemption. Moses was commanded to take the **redemption** money [[Numbers 3:49]] for those not covered by the Levites. This links the action of being redeemed to a tangible **ransom** [[Exodus 21:30]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6302}}` is centered on the principles of substitution and divine ownership.
* **Divine Ownership and Substitution:** The background for this redemption is the LORD's `{{H3068}}` claim over every **firstborn** `{{H1060}}` in Israel [[Exodus 13:2]]. The **Levites** `{{H3881}}` were taken in their place. The act of redeeming the "odd number" `{{H5736}}` reinforces that a price is required to buy back what rightfully belongs to God [[Numbers 3:48]].
* **The Price of Redemption:** The process required a payment of **money** `{{H3701}}` for those who were "to be redeemed" [[Numbers 3:48]]. This establishes a foundational principle that redemption has a cost, a theme echoed elsewhere when the **redemption** `{{H6306}}` of a soul is described as "precious" [[Psalms 49:8]].
* **Fulfillment of Command:** The entire process was carried out by **Moses** `{{H4872}}` "as the LORD **commanded**" `{{H6680}}` him [[Numbers 3:51]]. This underscores that the system of redemption is not a human invention but a divinely instituted ordinance that must be followed precisely.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6302}}` **pâdûwy** provides a specific, tangible picture of what it means to be **ransomed** or **redeemed**. Though its use is confined to a single episode in Numbers, it illustrates a crucial theological transaction: the substitution of the Levites for the firstborn of Israel and the payment of redemption money for those remaining. It demonstrates that redemption is a divinely commanded act, involving a price and acknowledging God's ultimate ownership.
TRV