Exodus 30:15
Exodus 30:15 in Multiple Translations
In making the offering to the LORD to atone for your lives, the rich shall not give more than a half shekel, nor shall the poor give less.
The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when they give the offering of Jehovah, to make atonement for your souls.
The man of wealth is to give no more and the poor man no less than the half-shekel of silver, when the offering is made to the Lord as the price for your lives.
When you give this offering to buy back your lives the rich are not to give more than a half shekel and the poor are not to give less.
The rich shall not passe, and the poore shall not diminish from halfe a shekel, when ye shall giue an offring vnto the Lord, for the redemption of your liues.
the rich doth not multiply, and the poor doth not diminish from the half-shekel, to give the heave-offering of Jehovah, to make atonement for your souls.
The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when they give the offering of the LORD, to make atonement for your souls.
The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering to the LORD to make an atonement for your souls.
The rich man shall not add to half a sicle, and the poor man shall diminish nothing.
Rich men must not pay more than this amount, and poor men must not pay less than this amount, when they pay this money to save their lives.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 30:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 30:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֶֽ/עָשִׁ֣יר
לֹֽא
יַרְבֶּ֗ה
וְ/הַ/דַּל֙
לֹ֣א
יַמְעִ֔יט
מִֽ/מַּחֲצִ֖ית
הַ/שָּׁ֑קֶל
לָ/תֵת֙
אֶת
תְּרוּמַ֣ת
יְהוָ֔ה
לְ/כַפֵּ֖ר
עַל
נַפְשֹׁתֵי/כֶֽם
הֶֽ/עָשִׁ֣יר
ʻâshîyr
H6223
rich
Art | Adj
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַרְבֶּ֗ה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
וְ/הַ/דַּל֙
dal
H1800
poor
Conj | Art | Adj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַמְעִ֔יט
mâʻaṭ
H4591
to diminish
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
מִֽ/מַּחֲצִ֖ית
machătsîyth
H4276
half
Prep | N-fs
הַ/שָּׁ֑קֶל
sheqel
H8255
shekel
Art | N-ms
לָ/תֵת֙
nâthan
H5414
to give
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
תְּרוּמַ֣ת
tᵉrûwmâh
H8641
contribution
N-fs
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לְ/כַפֵּ֖ר
kâphar
H3722
to atone
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
נַפְשֹׁתֵי/כֶֽם
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 30:15
הֶֽ/עָשִׁ֣יר
ʻâshîyr
H6223
"rich"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, the Hebrew word for 'rich' describes someone with wealth or noble status. It is used to describe people who are wealthy, like the rich man in certain parables. The word is often translated as 'rich' in English Bibles.
Definition: adj 1) rich, wealthy n 2) the rich, the wealthy, rich man
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: rich (man). See also: Exodus 30:15; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 45:13.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַרְבֶּ֗ה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
וְ/הַ/דַּל֙
dal
H1800
"poor"
Conj | Art | Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַמְעִ֔יט
mâʻaṭ
H4591
"to diminish"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to make something smaller or less. It can describe reducing a quantity or making something less effective. The KJV translates it as diminish or make few.
Definition: 1) to be or become small, be few, be diminished 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to diminish 1a2) to be too small 1b) (Piel) to become few 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make small, make few, diminish 1c2) to give less
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: suffer to decrease, diminish, (be, [idiom] borrow a, give, make) few (in number, -ness), gather least (little), be (seem) little, ([idiom] give the) less, be minished, bring to nothing. See also: Exodus 12:4; 2 Kings 4:3; Psalms 107:38.
מִֽ/מַּחֲצִ֖ית
machătsîyth
H4276
"half"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to something that is divided in half or the middle of something, like in 1 Kings 16:21 where the kingdom is divided. It can also refer to the middle of the day or noon, as in Acts 22:6.
Definition: 1) half, middle 1a) half 1b) middle, midday, noon
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: half (so much), mid(-day). See also: Exodus 30:13; Numbers 31:42; Nehemiah 8:3.
הַ/שָּׁ֑קֶל
sheqel
H8255
"shekel"
Art | N-ms
A shekel was a unit of weight or money in ancient Israel, like a coin or a measure of gold, silver, or copper. It was used for trade and commerce, as seen in the book of Exodus. The value varied depending on the material.
Definition: 1) shekel 1a) the chief unit of weight or measure 1a1) gold-1/10000 of a talent and equal to 220 grains 1a2) silver-1/3000 of a talent and equal to 132 grains 1a3) copper-1/1500 of a talent and equal to 528 grains Aramaic equivalent: te.qel (תְּקֵל "shekel" H8625B)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: shekel. See also: Genesis 23:15; Numbers 7:55; Jeremiah 32:9.
לָ/תֵת֙
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
תְּרוּמַ֣ת
tᵉrûwmâh
H8641
"contribution"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a contribution or offering given to God, often as part of a sacrifice or tribute. It appears in Leviticus and Numbers, where it describes the gifts the Israelites gave to God. This word highlights the importance of giving to God.
Definition: 1) contribution, offering 1a) a heave offering 1b) any offering 1c) an offering to God 1d) an offering (of grain, money, etc) 1e) contribution
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: gift, heave offering (shoulder), oblation, offered(-ing). See also: Exodus 25:2; Numbers 31:29; Proverbs 29:4.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לְ/כַפֵּ֖ר
kâphar
H3722
"to atone"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To cover means to coat or cover something, like when the ark was covered with pitch to protect it. This word is also used figuratively to describe making amends or forgiving someone, like in a sacrifice or atonement.
Definition: 1) to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to cover over, pacify, propitiate 1a2) to cover over, atone for sin, make atonement for 1a3) to cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites 1b) (Pual) 1b1) to be covered over 1b2) to be atoned for 1c) (Hithpael) to be covered
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation). See also: Genesis 6:14; Leviticus 16:32; Psalms 65:4.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
נַפְשֹׁתֵי/כֶֽם
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cp | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Exodus 30:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 30:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 30:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 30:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 30:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 30:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 30:15
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 30:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 30:15
- Sermons on Exodus 30:15
Context — The Census Offering
13Everyone who crosses over to those counted must pay a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD.
14Everyone twenty years of age or older who crosses over must give this offering to the LORD.
15In making the offering to the LORD to atone for your lives, the rich shall not give more than a half shekel, nor shall the poor give less.
16Take the atonement money from the Israelites and use it for the service of the Tent of Meeting. It will serve as a memorial for the Israelites before the LORD to make atonement for your lives.” 17And the LORD said to Moses,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 31:50 | So we have brought to the LORD an offering of the gold articles each man acquired—armlets, bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces—to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD.” |
| 2 | Leviticus 17:11 | For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul. |
| 3 | Exodus 30:12 | “When you take a census of the Israelites to number them, each man must pay the LORD a ransom for his life when he is counted. Then no plague will come upon them when they are numbered. |
| 4 | Job 34:19 | who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands. |
| 5 | Ephesians 6:9 | And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him. |
| 6 | Colossians 3:25 | Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. |
| 7 | Proverbs 22:2 | The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 21:3 | So David asked the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? How can I make amends so that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?” |
Exodus 30:15 Summary
This verse, Exodus 30:15, means that when the people of Israel made an offering to God to atone for their lives, everyone had to give the same amount, a half shekel, no matter how rich or poor they were. This shows that God values every person's life equally, and that our worth is not measured by how much money we have, as also seen in Job 31:15. It reminds us that we are all equal before God and that He loves and values each of us the same, similar to the concept in Psalm 72:12-14 where God's care for the poor and needy is described.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God specify that the rich should not give more than a half shekel in Exodus 30:15?
This was to emphasize that everyone, regardless of wealth, is equal before God and that the value of a person's life is not measured by their wealth, as seen in Exodus 30:15 and supported by Job 31:15 which says God is the creator of both rich and poor.
What is the significance of the half shekel in Exodus 30:15?
The half shekel was a required offering for atonement, reminding the people that their lives were precious to God and that atonement was necessary for their sins, similar to the concept in Leviticus 17:11 where the life of the flesh is in the blood.
Does Exodus 30:15 imply that the poor are less valued by God?
No, Exodus 30:15 does not imply that the poor are less valued by God, but rather that everyone, regardless of economic status, has the same value and worth in God's eyes, as seen in Psalm 72:12-14 which describes God's care for the poor and needy.
How does Exodus 30:15 relate to the concept of atonement in the Bible?
Exodus 30:15 is part of the larger concept of atonement in the Bible, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 3:24-25, where it is written that we are justified freely by God's grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's view of wealth and status?
- How does the concept of equal atonement for all people, regardless of wealth, reflect God's character?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of equality before God in my own life and relationships?
- What does this verse teach me about the value and worth that God places on my life?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 30:15
The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel,.... Which shows that the Israelites were alike in the esteem of God, their worldly circumstances making no
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 30:15
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, When thou takest ... Moses did so twice, and doubtless observed the law here prescribed.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 30:15
This was partly to teach them that all souls are of equal worth in themselves and price with God; that there is no respect of persons with God, and in God’ s worship and service, but gospel graces, ordinances, and privileges are common and equal to all, Exodus 12 16:18 ; that all persons are alike obnoxious to Divine justice, and are redeemed by one and the same price: partly to check the arrogance and vanity of the rich, who are very apt to despise the poor; and partly that by this means the number of the people might be exactly known when occasion required it.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 30:15
Exodus 30:15 The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when [they] give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.Ver. 15. The rich shall not give more.] They are both of a price, because in spirituals they are equal.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 30:15
(15) The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less.—See Note 2 on Exodus 30:12.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 30:15
15. Rich and poor are to contribute alike, for both stand in the same relation towards Jehovah.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 30:15
15. The rich shall not give more — This apportioning the same amount to rich and poor showed that in the meeting of Jehovah at the sanctuary all stood upon the same level.
Sermons on Exodus 30:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Overcoming Satan by the Blood of Jesus by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the concern of how to maintain righteousness and be a shining light in a world that is becoming increasingly dark. The preacher emphasizes th |
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(Gospel in the Book of Esther) 1. the Doom of the People by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of redemption and foreshadowing in the word of God. He emphasizes that even though the nation of Israel faced discipline and conseq |
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(Hebrews - Part 27): The Blood of Infinite Value by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of standing back from a painting to understand the passage being discussed. He emphasizes that sin leads to death and that when a perso |
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How to Apply the Blood by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the profound significance of the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, emphasizing the various provisions and effects of His sacrifice. It covers themes of rede |
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Metatron by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Messiahship of Jesus and how it can be proven to both Jewish and Gentile Christians. The speaker encourages the audience to share the vide |
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The Power of the Blood - Sermon 1 of 5 - the Passover Lamb by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching about the blood of Jesus. He believes that when the blood of Jesus is preached, it brings liberty and joy to con |
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(Easter Convention 2008) Quiet Time Tips by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal routine for prayer and devotion. He starts his day by spending the first half hour listening to old hymns, which helps him enter a s |