Numbers 3:51

Translations

Modern

And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons in obedience to the word of the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.

Traditional

And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses.

Literal

…and Moses gave the silver of their redemption to Aaron and his sons, according to the word of YHWH, as YHWH had commanded Moses.

Latin

…et dedit eam Aaron et filiis ejus juxta verbum quod præceperat sibi Dominus.

Original

Hebrew

English

And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons in obedience to the word of the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.

Notes

Numbers 3:40–51

There were 273 more firstborn sons in Israel from the non-Levite tribes than there were Levite males (compare Leviticus 3:39). The Levites acted as substitutes for Israel's firstborn sons (3:41; see study note on 3:11–13). The law required a redemption price of five pieces of silver for each extra firstborn son (Numbers 3:46–48; compare Leviticus 27:6).

It is unclear who paid this cost. This arrangement for special substitutes points to Christ’s role as a substitute. Through his death, Christ paid the redemption price for all humanity (see Mark 10:45; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:15).

Numbers 3:1–4:49

Israel's priests and Levites had duties like moving, assembling, protecting, and maintaining the Tent of Meeting. The way God organized the tribes highlighted his concern for these priestly tasks.

Related verses

Numbers 3:48
Give the money to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for the excess among the Israelites.”
Numbers 16:15
Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them or mistreated a single one of them.”
Acts 20:33
I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.
1 Peter 5:2
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
1 Corinthians 9:12
If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.
Malachi 4:4
“Remember the law of My servant Moses, the statutes and ordinances I commanded him for all Israel at Horeb.
1 Samuel 12:3–4
Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.”

People

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of Numbers, Book of Priests and Levites

Topics

Firstborn: Redemption of Money: Silver Used As Priest: Benefits of of the Firstborn Priests: Revenues of Redemption-Money of the First-Born Redemption: Redemption Money Paid to Priests The First Born of Israel: Price of, Given to the Priests

Numbers 3:51

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