King James Version

What Does Exodus 30:15 Mean?

Exodus 30:15 in the King James Version says “The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the L...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Exodus 30:15 · KJV

Context

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

16

And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.

17

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

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.

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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 · 15 words
הֶֽעָשִׁ֣יר1 of 15

“The rich”

H6223

rich, whether literal or figurative (noble)

לֹֽא2 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַרְבֶּ֗ה3 of 15

“shall not give more”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

וְהַדַּל֙4 of 15

“and the poor”

H1800

properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin

לֹ֣א5 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַמְעִ֔יט6 of 15

“shall not give less”

H4591

properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)

מִֽמַּחֲצִ֖ית7 of 15

“than half”

H4276

a halving or the middle

הַשָּׁ֑קֶל8 of 15

“a shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

לָתֵת֙9 of 15

“when they give”

H5414

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

אֶת10 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

תְּרוּמַ֣ת11 of 15

“an offering”

H8641

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

יְהוָ֔ה12 of 15

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

לְכַפֵּ֖ר13 of 15

“to make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עַל14 of 15
H5921

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

נַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶֽם׃15 of 15

“for your souls”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

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 30:15 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 30:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 31:50Job 34:19Leviticus 17:11Exodus 30:12Ephesians 6:92 Samuel 21:3

Test Your Knowledge

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

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