King James Version

What Does Exodus 30:13 Mean?

Exodus 30:13 in the King James Version says “This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctua...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 30:13 · KJV

Context

11

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

12

When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them. their number: Heb. them that are to be numbered

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.

14

Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD.

15

The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls. give more: Heb. multiply give less: Heb. diminish

Read Exodus 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The half-shekel atonement money (ransom for souls) demonstrates that all are equally valued before God—rich and poor pay the same. No one can pay more or less for their soul; redemption has fixed price. This prefigures how Christ's atonement has equal value for all—not more for the worthy, not less for the unworthy. The silver (redemption metal) collected supported tabernacle service, showing that redeemed people fund God's ongoing work.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The half-shekel (approximately 0.2 ounces of silver) was collected during census-taking, serving both as atonement money and practical support for the tabernacle. This became an annual temple tax in later periods.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does equal payment (rich and poor) teach about the equality of Christ's redemption?
  2. How do redeemed people support God's ongoing work in the world?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
זֶ֣ה׀1 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

יִתְּנ֗וּ2 of 17

“This they shall give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

כָּל3 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽעֹבֵר֙4 of 17

“every one that passeth”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עַל5 of 17

“among”

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַפְּקֻדִ֔ים6 of 17

“them that are numbered”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

מַֽחֲצִ֣ית7 of 17

“an half”

H4276

a halving or the middle

הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל8 of 17

“a shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל9 of 17

“a shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ10 of 17

“of the sanctuary”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

עֶשְׂרִ֤ים11 of 17

“is twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

גֵּרָה֙12 of 17

“gerahs”

H1626

a gerah or small weight (and coin)

הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל13 of 17

“a shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

מַֽחֲצִ֣ית14 of 17

“an half”

H4276

a halving or the middle

הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל15 of 17

“a shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

תְּרוּמָ֖ה16 of 17

“shall be the offering”

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

לַֽיהוָֽה׃17 of 17

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 30:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 30:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 27:25Numbers 3:47Ezekiel 45:12Exodus 38:26Matthew 17:24Matthew 27:24

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 30 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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