King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:50 Mean?

Numbers 3:50 in the King James Version says “Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:”

Numbers 3:50 · King James Version

Context

48

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

49

And Moses took the redemption money of them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites:

50

Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

51

And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Read Numbers 3 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
This verse records the final census count of the Levites, demonstrating God's meticulous care in organizing His people for worship and service. The numbering of the Levites represents divine order and accountability within the covenant community. Each Levite was known and counted, reflecting the Reformed principle that God knows and calls each of His elect by name. The precision of this census emphasizes that worship must be conducted according to God's revealed will, not human innovation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Conducted in the wilderness of Sinai during Israel's second year after the Exodus, this census organized the Levites for tabernacle service. The Levites replaced Israel's firstborn sons as dedicated servants of the sanctuary, a permanent reminder of the Passover when God spared Israel's firstborn while judging Egypt.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's detailed organization of worship challenge modern attitudes toward casual or spontaneous worship?
  2. What does the Levites' substitution for the firstborn teach us about Christ's substitutionary atonement?
  3. In what ways does God's knowledge of each individual Levite reflect His personal knowledge of His people today?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
מֵאֵ֗ת1 of 14
H853

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

בְּכ֛וֹר2 of 14

“Of the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

בְּנֵ֥י3 of 14

“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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל4 of 14

“of Israel”

H3478

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

לָקַ֣ח5 of 14

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת6 of 14
H853

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

הַכָּ֑סֶף7 of 14

“he the money”

H3701

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

חֲמִשָּׁ֨ה8 of 14

“and five”

H2568

five

וְשִׁשִּׁ֜ים9 of 14

“and threescore”

H8346

sixty

וּשְׁלֹ֥שׁ10 of 14

“three”

H7969

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

מֵא֛וֹת11 of 14

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וָאֶ֖לֶף12 of 14

“a thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל13 of 14

“shekels after the shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃14 of 14

“of the sanctuary”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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 3:50 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 3:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 3:46-47Titus 2:141 Timothy 2:5-61 Peter 1:18Matthew 20:281 Peter 3:18

Test Your Knowledge

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

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