Numbers 3:46
Numbers 3:46 in Multiple Translations
To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who outnumber the Levites,
And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;
And for the redemption of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the first-born of the children of Israel, that are over and above the number of the Levites,
And the price you have to give for the two hundred and seventy-three first sons of the children of Israel which are in addition to the number of the Levites,
In order to buy back the 273 firstborn Israelites who are more than the number of Levites,
And for the redeeming of the two hundreth seuentie and three, (which are moe then the Leuites) of the first borne of the children of of Israel,
'And [from] those ransomed of the two hundred and seventy and three (who are more than the Levites) of the first-born of the sons of Israel,
For the redemption of the two hundred seventy-three of the firstborn of the children of Israel who exceed the number of the Levites,
And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and seventy and three, of the first-born of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites:
But for the price of the two hundred and seventy-three, of the firstborn of the children of Israel, that exceed the number of the Levites,
There are 273 more firstborn males of the other Israeli people than of the descendants of Levi.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 3:46
BAB
Word Study
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Numbers 3:46 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵת֙
פְּדוּיֵ֣י
הַ/שְּׁלֹשָׁ֔ה
וְ/הַ/שִּׁבְעִ֖ים
וְ/הַ/מָּאתָ֑יִם
הָ/עֹֽדְפִים֙
עַל
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
מִ/בְּכ֖וֹר
בְּנֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וְ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
פְּדוּיֵ֣י
pâdûwy
H6302
ransomed
N-mp
הַ/שְּׁלֹשָׁ֔ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Art | Adj
וְ/הַ/שִּׁבְעִ֖ים
shibʻîym
H7657
seventy
Conj | Art | Adj
וְ/הַ/מָּאתָ֑יִם
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Conj | Art | Adj
הָ/עֹֽדְפִים֙
ʻădaph
H5736
to remain
Art | V-Qal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Art | Ngmpa
מִ/בְּכ֖וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
Prep | N-ms
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 3:46
וְ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
פְּדוּיֵ֣י
pâdûwy
H6302
"ransomed"
N-mp
Paduwy means ransomed, referring to something or someone that has been redeemed. It is often translated as ransom or redemption.
Definition: ransom
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: (that are) to be (that were) redeemed. See also: Numbers 3:46; Numbers 3:49; Numbers 3:51.
הַ/שְּׁלֹשָׁ֔ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Art | 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.
וְ/הַ/שִּׁבְעִ֖ים
shibʻîym
H7657
"seventy"
Conj | Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the number seventy, like the seventy disciples Jesus sent out in Luke 10:1. It appears in phrases like threescore and ten. The KJV Bible uses it to describe groups of seventy people.
Definition: seventy
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: seventy, threescore and ten ([phrase] -teen). See also: Genesis 4:24; Judges 9:2; Psalms 90:10.
וְ/הַ/מָּאתָ֑יִם
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Conj | Art | 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.
הָ/עֹֽדְפִים֙
ʻădaph
H5736
"to remain"
Art | V-Qal
To remain means to have something left over, like a surplus or excess. In the Bible, it can also mean to be more than enough or to have an odd number. This concept appears in various forms.
Definition: 1) to remain over, be in excess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be in excess 1a1a) excess (subst) 1a1b) surplus (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to have a surplus
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: be more, odd number, be (have) over (and above), overplus, remain. See also: Exodus 16:18; Leviticus 25:27; Numbers 3:49.
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/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
מִ/בְּכ֖וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Numbers 3:46
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Redemption of the Firstborn
44Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
45“Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites belong to Me; I am the LORD.
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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 13:13 | You must redeem every firstborn donkey with a lamb, and if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. And every firstborn of your sons you must redeem. |
| 2 | Numbers 18:15–16 | The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your valuation: five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs. |
Numbers 3:46 Summary
This verse, Numbers 3:46, is talking about how the Israelites had to pay a price to redeem their firstborn sons because there were more firstborn sons than Levites, who were given to God. This redemption was a way to set apart the Levites for God's service, as seen in Numbers 3:11-13. In simple terms, it means that God wanted the Israelites to recognize the value of the Levites and their role in serving Him, and to trust in His provision, just like we are called to trust in God's plan for our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By understanding this concept of redemption, we can see how it points to the larger theme of redemption in the Bible, where God provides a way for us to be redeemed from sin through Jesus Christ, as stated in John 3:16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God require the Israelites to redeem their firstborn sons?
According to Numbers 3:46, God required the Israelites to redeem their firstborn sons because the Levites, who were given to God, did not outnumber the firstborn Israelites, as seen in Numbers 3:45, and this redemption was a way to set apart the Levites for God's service, as stated in Numbers 3:11-13 and Exodus 13:2.
What is the significance of the 273 firstborn Israelites who outnumbered the Levites?
The 273 firstborn Israelites who outnumbered the Levites, as mentioned in Numbers 3:46, represent the excess number of Israelites who needed to be redeemed, highlighting the importance of God's instructions for the Levites to serve as substitutes for the firstborn sons, as seen in Numbers 8:16-18 and Exodus 13:12-15.
How does this concept of redemption relate to our lives as believers?
The concept of redemption in Numbers 3:46 points to the larger theme of redemption in the Bible, where God provides a way for humanity to be redeemed from sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as seen in John 3:16 and Romans 3:24-25, and serves as a reminder of God's desire to set apart a people for Himself, as stated in 1 Peter 2:9-10.
What can we learn from the specific number of 273 firstborn Israelites?
The specific number of 273 firstborn Israelites, as recorded in Numbers 3:46, emphasizes God's attention to detail and His desire for order and organization, as seen in other biblical accounts, such as Exodus 12:37 and Numbers 1:46, and encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as stated in Psalm 139:17-18 and Matthew 10:30.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's character and His desire for a people set apart for Himself?
- How does the concept of redemption in this verse relate to my own life and my need for salvation?
- What can I learn from the Israelites' experience about the importance of following God's instructions and trusting in His provision?
- In what ways can I, like the Levites, be set apart for God's service and live a life that honors Him?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, just as the Israelites did in this situation?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:46
And for those that are to be redeemed, c. With money, there being not Levites enough to answer to them, and exchange for them: of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:46
And the LORD said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:46
40–51. The substitution of the Levites for the first-born.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 3:46
THE , Numbers 3:44-51.Since the results of the two enumerations disclose an excess of two hundred and seventy-three firstborn above the number of the Levites, Jehovah evinces the exactness of his