Numbers 3:46

46 Since the first-born Israelite sons outnumber the Levites by 273, you must buy back the extra sons.

Numbers 3:46 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 3:46

And for those that are to be redeemed
With money, there being not Levites enough to answer to them, and exchange for them:

of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the
children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;
for the sum total of the Levites, as given, was but 22,000, ( Numbers 3:39 ) , whereas the sum total of the firstborn of Israel were 22,273, ( Numbers 3:43 ) , so that there were, two hundred seventy three more of the latter than of the former; and what was to be done with these next follows.

Numbers 3:46 In-Context

44 The Lord said to Moses,

45 "Now dedicate the Levites as mine in place of all the first-born Israelite sons, and dedicate the livestock of the Levites in place of the first-born of the Israelites' livestock.

46 Since the first-born Israelite sons outnumber the Levites by 273, you must buy back the extra sons.

47 For each one pay five pieces of silver, according to the official standard,

48 and give this money to Aaron and his sons."