Bible Strands
Numbers 3:46
To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who outnumber the Levites,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — God instructs Moses to calculate the redemption payment for the firstborn Israelites during the Levite census. This directive occurs immediately after the command to substitute the Levites and their livestock for the firstborn of Israel.
The words — עֹדְפִים ('o.de.Fim) literally means "who are in excess," marking the numerical surplus of firstborn sons over the Levite count. Combined with פְּדוּיֵי (pe.du.Yei), "[the] ransom[s] of," it specifies the monetary redemption price for that excess.
The thread — The requirement to redeem firstborn males runs through Exodus 13:13, which mandates the redemption of firstborn donkeys, and Numbers 18:15, which declares all firstborn belong to the LORD and must be redeemed. Numbers 3:46 operationalizes this law by quantifying the surplus and triggering the payment.
Why it lands — The text demands a recorded valuation and payment for those who cannot be directly substituted. It establishes a concrete boundary where spiritual dedication is fulfilled through a measured financial transaction rather than personal replacement.
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The Hebrew words
King James Version
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;
Cross-references
- Exodus 13:13 You must redeem every firstborn donkey with a lamb, and if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. And every firstborn of your sons you must redeem.
- Numbers 18:15 The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals.