Numbers 3:47

Verse

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

American Standard Version (1901)

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

Bible in Basic English

Will be five shekels for every one, by the scale of the holy place (the shekel is twenty gerahs);

Free Bible Version

collect five shekels for each of them, (using the sanctuary shekel standard of twenty gerahs).

King James (Authorized) Version

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:)

One Unity Resource Bible

you shall take five shekels [2 oz; 56.7 g] for each one, that is 273 shekels [6.83 lb; 3.1 kg] total; after the shekel of the sanctuary you shall take them; (the shekel is 0.4oz; 11.34 g; or called twenty gerahs 20/50 of an oz):

Translation for Translators

To pay for these 273 males, collect five pieces of silver for each of them. Each of those pieces of silver must weigh the same as each of the silver coins that are stored in the Sacred Tent. Give this silver to Aaron and his sons.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

You must use the shekel of the sanctuary as your standard weight. The shekel equals twenty gerahs.

Noah Webster Bible

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.

World English Bible

you shall take five shekels apiece for each one; according to the shekel of the sanctuary you shall take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs );

Young's Literal Translation

thou hast even taken five shekels a-piece by the poll — by the shekel of the sanctuary thou takest; twenty gerahs the shekel [is];

Context

The Redemption of the Firstborn

⁴⁶To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who outnumber the Levites, ⁴⁷you are to collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs.⁴⁸Give the money to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for the excess among the Israelites.”

Summary

In Numbers 3:47, the Levites were tasked with redeeming the firstborn sons of Israel by paying a redemption price. This redemption price symbolized the consecration of the firstborn to God, acknowledging that all firstborn belonged to Him. This act also served as a reminder of God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt when He spared the firstborn sons during the final plague. The redemption price highlighted the importance of consecration and gratitude towards God for His protection and provision.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed,.... Or the superfluous number, the number of them that exceeded the Levites, namely, two hundred seventy three; the price of their redemption is ordered to be given unto Aaron, and to his sons; since the Levites were taken in lieu of the firstborn, whose redemption money belonged to the priests; and seeing the Levites were given to Aaron and his sons on that consideration, and there being a deficiency of them to answer to the firstborn, it was but right and just that the redemption price of the superfluous number should be paid to them.