King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:46 Mean?

Numbers 3:46 in the King James Version says “And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Numbers 3:46 · KJV

Salvation

Context

44

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

45

Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD.

46

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;

47

Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)

48

And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.

Read Numbers 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The specification 'for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel' emphasizes that redemption addresses specific individuals, not abstract groups. God redeemed exactly 273 people, knowing each one. The Hebrew piduyim (those to be redeemed) stresses that these were actual persons requiring ransom. This precision refutes universalism—redemption is particular, not universal. Christ died for 'His people' (Matthew 1:21), the specific number the Father gave Him (John 6:37-39). Election is not arbitrary but personal—God knows whom He saves.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 273 redeemed firstborn were likely distributed across all twelve tribes proportionally. Each family with excess firstborn paid five shekels redemption price (verse 47). This created equality—whether from large or small tribes, the redemption price remained constant. This pictures that salvation costs the same infinite price for all—rich and poor, educated and ignorant—all need Christ's blood equally.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does particular redemption (specific numbered individuals) shape our understanding of election?
  2. What comfort comes from knowing Christ's redemption is personal, not generic?
  3. How does the equal redemption price for all challenge human hierarchies of spiritual worth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְאֵת֙1 of 11
H853

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

פְּדוּיֵ֣י2 of 11

“And for those that are to be redeemed”

H6302

as abstractly (in plural masculine) a ransom

הַשְּׁלֹשָׁ֔ה3 of 11
H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

וְהַשִּׁבְעִ֖ים4 of 11

“and threescore and thirteen”

H7657

seventy

וְהַמָּאתָ֑יִם5 of 11

“of the two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

הָעֹֽדְפִים֙6 of 11

“which are more”

H5736

to be (causatively have) redundant

עַל7 of 11

“than”

H5921

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

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם8 of 11

“the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

מִבְּכ֖וֹר9 of 11

“of the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

בְּנֵ֥י10 of 11

“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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃11 of 11

“of Israel”

H3478

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Numbers 3:46 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 Numbers 3:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 13:13Numbers 18:15-16

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 3 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes