Exodus 38:26
Exodus 38:26 in Multiple Translations
a beka per person, that is, half a shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone twenty years of age or older who had crossed over to be numbered, a total of 603,550 men.
A bekah for every man, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men.
a beka a head, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that passed over to them that were numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men.
A beka, that is, half a shekel by the holy scale, for everyone who was numbered; there were six hundred and three thousand, five hundred and fifty men of twenty years old and over.
This represents a beka per person, or half a shekel (using the sanctuary shekel standard) from everyone twenty years of age or older who had been censused, a total of 603,550 men.
A portion for a man, that is, halfe a shekel after ye shekel of the Sanctuarie, for all them that were numbred from twentie yeere olde and aboue, among sixe hundreth thousande, and three thousand, and fiue hundreth and fiftie men.
a bekah for a poll (half a shekel, by the shekel of the sanctuary,) for every one who is passing over unto those numbered, from a son of twenty years and upwards, for six hundred thousand, and three thousand, and five hundred and fifty.
a beka a head, that is, half a shekel, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, for everyone who passed over to those who were counted, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty men.
A bekah for every man, that is , half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men .
There were moreover a hundred talents of silver, whereof were cast the sockets of the sanctuary, and of the entry where the veil hangeth.
All the men who were at least 20 years old were counted, and they each paid the required amount. That was a total of 603,550 men.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 38:26
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 38:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֶּ֚קַע
לַ/גֻּלְגֹּ֔לֶת
מַחֲצִ֥ית
הַ/שֶּׁ֖קֶל
בְּ/שֶׁ֣קֶל
הַ/קֹּ֑דֶשׁ
לְ/כֹ֨ל
הָ/עֹבֵ֜ר
עַל
הַ/פְּקֻדִ֗ים
מִ/בֶּ֨ן
עֶשְׂרִ֤ים
שָׁנָה֙
וָ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה
לְ/שֵׁשׁ
מֵא֥וֹת
אֶ֨לֶף֙
וּ/שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
אֲלָפִ֔ים
וַ/חֲמֵ֥שׁ
מֵא֖וֹת
וַ/חֲמִשִּֽׁים
בֶּ֚קַע
beqaʻ
H1235
bekah
N-ms
לַ/גֻּלְגֹּ֔לֶת
gulgôleth
H1538
head
Prep | N-fs
מַחֲצִ֥ית
machătsîyth
H4276
half
N-fs
הַ/שֶּׁ֖קֶל
sheqel
H8255
shekel
Art | N-ms
בְּ/שֶׁ֣קֶל
sheqel
H8255
shekel
Prep | N-ms
הַ/קֹּ֑דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
Art | N-ms
לְ/כֹ֨ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
הָ/עֹבֵ֜ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Art | V-Qal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/פְּקֻדִ֗ים
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
מִ/בֶּ֨ן
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-ms
עֶשְׂרִ֤ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Adj
שָׁנָה֙
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
וָ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Conj | Adv | Suff
לְ/שֵׁשׁ
shêsh
H8337
six
Prep | Adj
מֵא֥וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
אֶ֨לֶף֙
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
וּ/שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Conj | Adj
אֲלָפִ֔ים
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
וַ/חֲמֵ֥שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
five
Conj | Adj
מֵא֖וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
וַ/חֲמִשִּֽׁים
chămishshîym
H2572
fifty
Conj | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 38:26
בֶּ֚קַע
beqaʻ
H1235
"bekah"
N-ms
A beka is a unit of weight or money in the Bible, equal to half a shekel, and is mentioned in Exodus 38:26 as a required offering.
Definition: 1) half, part also called "shekel of the sanctuary" or "holy shekel" 2) half a shekel (meton) There appears to be at least three different shekels, one of silver, gold and copper. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment of the subject.
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: bekah, half a shekel. See also: Genesis 24:22; Exodus 38:26.
לַ/גֻּלְגֹּ֔לֶת
gulgôleth
H1538
"head"
Prep | N-fs
This word means 'head' or 'skull', often used to count people in a census. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Numbers 1:2, where God instructs Moses to take a census of the Israelites. The word can also refer to the skull as a physical part of the body.
Definition: 1) head, poll, skull 1a) skull 1b) head, poll (of census)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: head, every man, poll, skull. See also: Exodus 16:16; Numbers 3:47; 1 Chronicles 23:24.
מַחֲצִ֥ית
machătsîyth
H4276
"half"
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/שֶּׁ֖קֶל
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.
בְּ/שֶׁ֣קֶל
sheqel
H8255
"shekel"
Prep | 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.
הַ/קֹּ֑דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
Art | N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
לְ/כֹ֨ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עֹבֵ֜ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Art | V-Qal
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
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.
הַ/פְּקֻדִ֗ים
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
מִ/בֶּ֨ן
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עֶשְׂרִ֤ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
שָׁנָה֙
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
וָ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Conj | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
לְ/שֵׁשׁ
shêsh
H8337
"six"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
מֵא֥וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
אֶ֨לֶף֙
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
וּ/שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
אֲלָפִ֔ים
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
וַ/חֲמֵ֥שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
מֵא֖וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
וַ/חֲמִשִּֽׁים
chămishshîym
H2572
"fifty"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number fifty, used in various biblical contexts like measurements and quantities. It appears in Leviticus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) fifty 1a) fifty (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of fifty (with other numbers) 1c) fiftieth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: fifty. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:2; Isaiah 3:3.
Study Notes — Exodus 38:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 38:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 38:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 38:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 38:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 38:26
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 38:26
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 38:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 38:26
- Sermons on Exodus 38:26
Context — An Inventory of Materials
24All the gold from the wave offering used for the work on the sanctuary totaled 29 talents and 730 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel.
25The silver from those numbered among the congregation totaled 100 talents and 1,775 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel—
26a beka per person, that is, half a shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone twenty years of age or older who had crossed over to be numbered, a total of 603,550 men.
27The hundred talents of silver were used to cast the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil—100 bases from the 100 talents, one talent per base. 28With the 1,775 shekels of silver he made the hooks for the posts, overlaid their tops, and supplied bands for them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 1:46 | And all those counted totaled 603,550. |
| 2 | Exodus 30:13 | Everyone 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. |
| 3 | Exodus 12:37 | The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth with about 600,000 men on foot, besides women and children. |
| 4 | Exodus 30:15–16 | 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. Take 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.” |
Exodus 38:26 Summary
This verse, Exodus 38:26, talks about how each person, 20 years or older, gave a half shekel, or beka, as a symbol of atonement and ransom, showing that everyone is equal in God's eyes (as seen in Exodus 30:12-16). The total number of men, 603,550, is a reminder of God's power and ability to rescue His people, as seen in Exodus 12:37. Just like the Israelites, we can trust in God's power and contribute to His work, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:9. By understanding the significance of the half shekel and the total number of men, we can deepen our relationship with God and respond to His call to participate in building His kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the half shekel in Exodus 38:26?
The half shekel, or beka, was a symbol of atonement and ransom, as seen in Exodus 30:12, where the Lord instructs Moses to collect this amount from each person to avoid the plague, and it also represents equal contribution from all, regardless of social status, as stated in Exodus 30:15.
Why were only men twenty years of age or older counted in Exodus 38:26?
This count was likely for military and census purposes, as seen in Numbers 1:3, where Moses and Aaron were instructed to count all the men twenty years of age or older who were able to go to war, and also reflects the cultural and historical context of the time, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 16:16.
How does the total number of men, 603,550, relate to the overall narrative of Exodus?
This number signifies the vast multitude of Israelites who were rescued from slavery in Egypt and were now being organized and counted by God, as stated in Exodus 12:37, and prepares the reader for the subsequent events, such as the construction of the Tabernacle and the organization of the people for their journey to the Promised Land, as mentioned in Exodus 40:17 and Numbers 1:1-4.
What can we learn from the specific details about the sanctuary shekel in Exodus 38:26?
The mention of the sanctuary shekel highlights God's attention to detail and His desire for precision and order, as seen in Exodus 25:9 and 1 Chronicles 28:11-12, where the Lord provides specific instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
Reflection Questions
- As I reflect on Exodus 38:26, what does the concept of a 'ransom' or 'atonement' mean to me personally, and how can I apply this to my relationship with God?
- How do I respond to the idea that everyone, regardless of social status or background, is called to contribute equally to the work of God, as seen in the half shekel contribution?
- What does the large number of men, 603,550, say about God's power and ability to rescue and redeem His people, and how can I trust in His power in my own life?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, be organized and counted by God for His purposes, and what role do I play in the larger narrative of God's plan?
- How can I, like the Israelites, respond to God's call to contribute and participate in the work of building His kingdom, as seen in the construction of the Tabernacle?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 38:26
A bekah for every man, [that is], half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary,.... A half shekel was called a "bekah", from בקע, "bakah", to divide; because it was a shekel divided into two
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 38:26
A bekah for every man, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 38:26
(26) A bekah for every man.—The word “bekah” means simply a half, but appears to have been restricted in its use to the half-shekel. (Comp. Genesis 24:22.) The exegetical clause, half a shekel,” is probably a later addition to the text, inserted to clear the sense. For every one that went to be numbered.—It is remarkable that the principle of compulsory payment towards the fabric of the sanctuary should have received a sanction at the very time when the greatest stress was laid upon the greater acceptableness of voluntary offerings. (See Exodus 25:2; Exodus 35:5; Exodus 35:21-29.) Whatever may be thought of the expediency of levying church-rates, they are clearly defensible in principle, both from the standpoint of the Old Testament and of the New (Matthew 17:24-27). From twenty years old and upward.—See Note on Exodus 30:14. Six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.—The identity of this number with that which is given in Numbers 1:46, as arrived at “in the second year, on the first day of the second month” (Numbers 1:1), is best explained by regarding both passages as having reference to the same transaction. The taking of the census occupied several months, during which the money was gradually collected, the sockets, &c., made, and the Tabernaclo set up. The registration was deferred, and took place on a single day, when Moses and Aaron went round the tribes, received the results from their hands, and entered them in a book. It appears from Numbers 1:47 that the Levites were not counted in the sum total, no atonement money being taken from them.
(See Birks’ Exodus of Israel, pp. 118-120.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 38:26
Verse 26. A bekah for every man] The Hebrew word בקי beka, from בקי baka, to divide, separate into two, seems to signify, not a particular coin, but a shekel broken or cut in two; so, anciently, our farthing was a penny divided in the midst and then subdivided, so that each division contained the fourth part of the penny; hence its name fourthing or fourthling, since corrupted into farthing. THERE appear to be three particular reasons why much riches should be employed in the construction of the tabernacle, c. 1. To impress the people's minds with the glory and dignity of the Divine Majesty, and the importance of his service. 2. To take out of their hands the occasion of covetousness for as they brought much spoils out of Egypt, and could have little if any use for gold and silver in the wilderness, where it does not appear that they had much intercourse with any other people, and were miraculously supported, so that they did not need their riches, it was right to employ that in the worship of God which otherwise might have engendered that love which is the root of all evil. 3. To prevent pride and vainglory, by leading them to give up to the Divine service even the ornaments of their persons, which would have had too direct a tendency to divert their minds from better things. Thus God's worship was rendered august and respectable, incitements to sin and low desires removed, and the people instructed to consider nothing valuable, but as far as it might be employed to the glory and in the service of God.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 38:26
26. a beḳ ?a‘] Genesis 24:22.† Lit. a thing cleft or halved. Three beḳ ?a‘s have been found recently in Palestine (Qu. St. of PEF., 1904, pp. 179, 211, ZDPV. 1906, p. 94), weighing respectively 90.58, 94.28, and 102.5 grains Troy. They are apparently light, or worn, beḳ ?a‘s of the ‘Phoenician’ standard (DB. iv. 905b; EB. iv. 4444, 5297 f.), in which the shekel weighed 224 grs. that passed over to them that were numbered] as Exodus 30:13.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 38:26
A bekah - Literally, “a half”: the words “half a shekel,” etc. appear to be inserted only for emphasis, to enforce the accuracy to be observed in the payment. See Exodus 30:13.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 38:26
THE ALTAR OF BURNT , Exodus 38:1-7. See notes on Exodus 27:1-7. THE LAVER, Exodus 38:8. See notes on Exodus 30:17-21. THE COURT OF THE , Exodus 38:9-20. See notes on Exodus 27:9-19.
Sermons on Exodus 38:26
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(Exodus) Exodus 38:18 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the colors used in the hanging for the gate of the court. The blue represents Christ's deity, as he came from heaven. The |