Numbers 3:46

46 To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who exceed the number of the Levites,

Numbers 3:46 in Other Translations

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;

46 And as the redemption price for the 273 of the firstborn of the people of Israel, over and above the number of the male Levites,

46 There are 273 more firstborn sons of Israel than there are Levites. To redeem these extra firstborn sons,

46 Redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who exceed the number of Levites

46 As the redemption price for the 273 firstborn Israelites who outnumber the Levites,

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 also said to Moses,

45 “Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites are to be mine. I am the LORD.

46 To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who exceed the number of the Levites,

47 collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs.

48 Give the money for the redemption of the additional Israelites to Aaron and his sons.”

Cross References

• 1. Exodus 13:13; Numbers 18:15