And their redemption price (at a month old you shall redeem them) you shall fix at five shekels in silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The seemingly straightforward price of redemption here isn't just a transaction, but a profound reminder that human life itself, though precious and ultimately belonging to God, has a set value in His economy. This established price, fixed at five shekels, underscores that even the most sacred gift—a firstborn son—could be "bought back" by his family, signifying a profound trust in God's gracious provision for their lineage.
And their redemption price (at a month old you shall redeem them) you shall fix at five shekels in silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of God's instructions to Aaron and his priestly descendants regarding their inheritance and portions from the offerings brought by the Israelites. Following the establishment of the Levitical duties and the priests' rights to consume certain sacrifices, God outlines the specific regulations for redeeming the firstborn, particularly the firstborn of humans, which are declared holy. This detail about the redemption price directly follows the law that all firstborn animals opening the womb were to be the priests', but with the exception that human firstborn and unclean animal firstborn could be redeemed.
Why did God put a specific price on redeeming human firstborns? It wasn't just about money; it was about recognizing their unique status and God's ultimate ownership.
In ancient Israel, the firstborn son held a special place, inheriting not only property but also spiritual significance. God declared that every firstborn, both human and animal, belonged to Him. This verse, Numbers 18:16, sets a specific redemption price of five shekels for human firstborns.
A Symbol of Devotion
This wasn't a market value; it was a fixed amount representing the inherent value of a life consecrated to God. It acknowledged that while life is a gift from God, the firstborn carried a unique responsibility and privilege within the covenant.
A Contrast in Redemption
Notice the distinction: human firstborns had a set monetary price for redemption. Unclean animal firstborns, however, were to be redeemed with a substitute or, if not redeemed, put to death (Exodus 13:13). Clean animal firstborns were dedicated to God for sacrifice. This highlights the unique position of humanity in God's plan, even when that life is owed back to Him.
Why did the priests receive a share of the people's offerings and redemption money? It wasn't about personal wealth, but about their vital role in maintaining worship.
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Numbers 18 lays out the distinct roles and provisions for the priests (descendants of Aaron) and the Levites who served them. The redemption money for the firstborn sons was a key part of their sustenance and ministry.
Sustaining Sacred Service
This money, along with various offerings and firstfruits, formed a 'tithe' or sacred portion that supported the Levitical and priestly families. Their service was constant, requiring provision for their needs. By dedicating these resources to them, Israel was essentially supporting the ongoing machinery of worship and atonement at the sanctuary.
A Covenant of Salt
Calvin notes that this provision was established as a 'covenant of salt'—a metaphor for an enduring, unbreakable agreement. This signifies the permanence and sacredness of the priests' role and the provision made for them. It wasn't a temporary arrangement but an eternal ordinance, ensuring the continuity of God's presence and worship among His people.
Understand the original words
padah · Hebrew Verb
The act of buying back or freeing someone or something from bondage, debt, or a dedicated status, often through the payment of a price. It acknowledges God's ownership and the necessity of a substitute.
sheqel · Hebrew Noun
A unit of weight used as currency in the ancient Near East, frequently used in the context of temple offerings, weights, and measures. The "shekel of the sanctuary" was a standard measure to ensure accuracy and fairness in religious obligations.
c. 1440 BC
Tabernacle Construction Begins
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites are given detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that would serve as the center of their worship and God's dwelling place among them.
c. 1440 BC
Levitical Priesthood Established
God formally establishes the Levitical priesthood and the specific duties and privileges of priests and Levites within the Tabernacle service, including the handling of offerings and redemption money.
c. 1440 BC— this verse
Laws on Firstborn and Redemption Given
Specific laws are laid out concerning the consecration of the firstborn to God, the redemption of the firstborn of humans, and the redemption price, as detailed in this passage.
c. 1440 BC
Shekel of the Sanctuary Defined
The standard weight for sacred transactions, the 'shekel of the sanctuary,' is defined, providing a consistent measure for the redemption price of five shekels.
This passage introduces the concept of redeeming the firstborn, including the provision for redeeming a firstborn donkey, highlighting the pattern of redemption for both humans and animals in Israel's covenant.
Leviticus 27:26This verse speaks about the firstborn of animals, stating that 'No one may dedicate the firstborn of an animal, since it is already the LORD's,' which contrasts with the redemption price set for human firstborns in Numbers.
Numbers 3:47This verse directly relates to the redemption of the firstborn, setting the price at five shekels for males, reinforcing the specific financial value placed on this covenantal practice.
Hebrews 9:22This New Testament passage emphasizes that 'without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins,' providing a theological backdrop for why redemption and substitution were so crucial in the Old Testament system.
calvinNumbers 18:8-19: "And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever."
- And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by…
ellicottNumbers 18:16: "And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs."
(16) According to thine estimation.— See Leviticus 18:3-7 , and Notes.
The seemingly straightforward price of redemption here isn't just a transaction, but a profound reminder that human life itself, though precious and ultimately belonging to God, has a set value in His economy. This established price, fixed at five shekels, underscores that even the most sacred gift—a firstborn son—could be "bought back" by his family, signifying a profound trust in God's gracious provision for their lineage.
This verse is part of God's instructions to Aaron and his priestly descendants regarding their inheritance and portions from the offerings brought by the Israelites. Following the establishment of the Levitical duties and the priests' rights to consume certain sacrifices, God outlines the specific regulations for redeeming the firstborn, particularly the firstborn of humans, which are declared holy. This detail about the redemption price directly follows the law that all firstborn animals opening the womb were to be the priests', but with the exception that human firstborn and unclean animal firstborn could be redeemed.
This verse is part of God's instructions to Aaron and his priestly descendants regarding their inheritance and portions from the offerings brought by the Israelites. Following the establishment of the Levitical duties and the priests' rights to consume certain sacrifices, God outlines the specific regulations for redeeming the firstborn, particularly the firstborn of humans, which are declared holy. This detail about the redemption price directly follows the law that all firstborn animals opening the womb were to be the priests', but with the exception that human firstborn and unclean animal firstborn could be redeemed.
"And their redemption price (at a month old you shall redeem them) you shall fix at five shekels in silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs." — The seemingly straightforward price of redemption here isn't just a transaction, but a profound reminder that human life itself, though precious and ultimately belonging to God, has a set value in Hi…
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Last reviewed October 2026