King James Version

What Does Exodus 30:16 Mean?

Exodus 30:16 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacl...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 30:16 · KJV

Context

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,

18

Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.

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 · 22 words
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֞1 of 22

“And thou shalt take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 22
H853

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

כֶּ֣סֶף3 of 22

“money”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

הַכִּפֻּרִ֗ים4 of 22

“the atonement”

H3725

expiation (only in plural)

מֵאֵת֙5 of 22
H853

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

לִבְנֵ֨י6 of 22

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל7 of 22

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְנָֽתַתָּ֣8 of 22

“and shalt appoint”

H5414

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

אֹת֔וֹ9 of 22
H853

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

עַל10 of 22
H5921

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

עֲבֹדַ֖ת11 of 22

“it for the service”

H5656

work of any kind

אֹ֣הֶל12 of 22

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד13 of 22

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

וְהָיָה֩14 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִבְנֵ֨י15 of 22

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל16 of 22

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְזִכָּרוֹן֙17 of 22

“that it may be a memorial”

H2146

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

לִפְנֵ֣י18 of 22

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֔ה19 of 22

“the LORD”

H3068

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

לְכַפֵּ֖ר20 of 22

“to make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עַל21 of 22
H5921

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

נַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶֽם׃22 of 22

“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 30:16 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 30:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 10:32-33Numbers 16:40Exodus 12:14Exodus 38:25-31Luke 22:19

Test Your Knowledge

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

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