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:)

NUMBERS 3:47KJV
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Numbers 3:47 (KJV)

What does Numbers 3:47 mean?

Numbers 3:47 instructs that five shekels should be collected for each person, using the standard shekel weight from the sanctuary, with each shekel being equal to twenty gerahs. This verse sets the specific amount and standard for a redemption payment required in this context.

Moses is being told by God how to calculate the redemption price for the firstborn Israelites who exceed the number of Levites. The payment is to be made in shekels, a unit of silver, and the verse clarifies that the sanctuary’s shekel standard is to be used, ensuring fairness and consistency in the amount collected.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 3:47

  • שֶׁקֶל (sheqel): This word means "shekel," a unit of weight and currency. The verse emphasizes using the sanctuary’s standard, which was likely more precise and trustworthy than everyday measures.
  • גֵּרָה (gerah): This is a smaller unit of weight, with twenty gerahs making up one shekel. Mentioning this detail ensures everyone understands exactly how much silver is required, leaving no room for confusion or shortchanging.
  • פֶּ֫שֶׁק (peshek, “poll”): This word refers to "per head" or "per person," making it clear the payment is calculated individually, not as a group sum.

Why Numbers 3:47 matters

  • This verse clarifies the exact value and standard for the redemption payment, preventing disputes about the amount or the type of currency to be used.
  • By specifying the sanctuary shekel, the verse connects the transaction to the religious center, reinforcing the sacredness and fairness of the process.
  • Understanding this instruction helps make sense of the larger passage, where God is organizing the Levites and the rest of Israel, showing the care taken to treat every family and tribe equitably.

Where else these words appear

“gerahs” Hebrew H1626 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 30:13 This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary:(a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD.
  • Leviticus 27:25 And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel.
  • Numbers 18:16 And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs.

“poll” Hebrew H1538 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 16:16 This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.
  • Numbers 1:18 And they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month, and they declared their pedigrees after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, by their polls.
  • 2 Kings 9:35 And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.

“shekels” Hebrew H8255 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 23:15 My lord, hearken unto me: the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.
  • Leviticus 27:25 And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel.
  • Joshua 7:21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.