Numbers 18:16-17
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The verse specifies a fixed redemption price for the firstborn of men from one month old, highlighting that this wasn't just about the value of the child, but about acknowledging God's claim on life and the establishment of a priestly order. This "estimation" at a fixed price, rather than a variable one, underscores that this was a divine ordinance, not a market transaction.
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. But the firstborn of a cow, or the firstborn of a sheep, or the firstborn of a goat, you shall not redeem; they are holy. You shall sprinkle their blood on the altar and shall burn their fat as a food offering, with a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of God's instructions to Aaron and his priestly descendants about their portion of the sacred offerings. Following the earlier decree about the priests receiving a portion of the firstfruits and other sacred gifts, this section specifically addresses the redemption of the firstborn, emphasizing that while the firstborn of clean animals are dedicated to God, the firstborn of humans can be redeemed for a set price. This establishes a clear financial and procedural framework for this ancient practice, ensuring the Levites' and priests' support and the proper observance of sacred laws.
Why was the firstborn so significant in ancient Israelite society? This verse touches on a profound concept of ownership and dedication.
In ancient Israel, the firstborn son held a special place. He typically inherited a double portion of the family's wealth and was seen as the continuation of the family line. More than that, every firstborn, whether of humans or animals, was considered to 'open the womb' and thus belonged to God by divine right.
Numbers 18:15 makes this clear: 'Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be thine.' This wasn't just about inheritance; it was a recognition of God's ultimate sovereignty over life itself. He was the one who gave the ability to conceive and give birth.
The text mentions 'redemption.' What does it mean to 'redeem' someone or something in this context, and why was it necessary?
While all firstborns were claimed by God, He didn't intend for all human firstborns to be literally surrendered to Him for service in the sanctuary. Instead, He provided a way for the family to 'buy back' their son, a process called redemption. This act acknowledged God's right while allowing the son to remain within his family.
Numbers 18:16 specifies the price: 'five shekels of silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary.' This fixed price ensured fairness and removed potential disputes. It was a tangible way for parents to affirm God's ultimate ownership of their child, acknowledging that their son’s life was a gift from God and could only be kept through His gracious provision.
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The verse mentions 'the shekel of the sanctuary.' What made this standard of measurement so important?
The phrase 'the shekel of the sanctuary' points to a standardized system of weights and measures used specifically for religious purposes. In a time when trade could be inconsistent, having a fixed, sacred standard was crucial for ensuring accuracy and holiness in all transactions related to worship and offerings.
This standardization applied to everything from the weight of silver for redemption prices to the measures of grain and oil offered to God. It underscored that God's dealings with His people were orderly, precise, and just. The sanctuary was the central point of reference, and its standards were meant to reflect God's own perfect nature. The value of five shekels, precisely defined by this sanctuary standard (twenty gerahs per shekel), removed ambiguity and ensured that the act of redemption was always valued correctly in God's sight.
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.
qodesh · Hebrew Adjective
That which is set apart for God's exclusive use or possession; it carries the sense of being sacred, consecrated, and inviolable. Things that are holy belong to God and cannot be used for common purposes.
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
A place of sacrifice where offerings are presented to God. It represents the meeting point between the holy God and sinful humanity, where atonement is made through blood sacrifice.
ishsheh · Hebrew Noun
A sacrifice presented to God that is consumed by fire; it symbolizes the complete surrender of the offering to God and is described as "pleasing" or "soothing" to the Lord, indicating divine acceptance.
c. 1440 BC
Wilderness Wanderings Begin
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites began their journey through the Sinai wilderness under Moses' leadership.
c. 1440 BC
Tabernacle Construction Authorized
God gave Moses detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites in the wilderness.
c. 1440 BC
Levitical Priesthood Established
Aaron and his sons were consecrated as priests, and the Levites were set apart to serve in the Tabernacle, receiving specific portions and responsibilities.
c. 1440 BC— this verse
Laws on Redemption and Tithes Given
God provided specific laws concerning the redemption of the firstborn, tithes, and heave offerings, outlining their distribution to the priests and Levites.
c. 1400 BC
Entry into Canaan Authorized
After nearly 40 years of wandering, the Israelites were finally on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, necessitating ongoing adherence to divine laws.
This passage establishes the principle that the firstborn of man and of unclean animals were to be redeemed, setting up the specific monetary value found in Numbers 18:16.
Leviticus 27:26This verse speaks of the firstborn of animals, noting that 'no one may sell or redeem' them if they are consecrated to the Lord, highlighting the distinct treatment of human firstborns requiring redemption.
Numbers 3:47This passage provides the basis for the redemption price, stating that the firstborn of Israel were to be valued at five shekels, directly informing the amount mentioned in the target verse.
1 Samuel 1:11Hannah's vow to give her son 'to the Lord all the days of his life' demonstrates a precursor to the concept of dedicating or redeeming firstborns for service.
Matthew 1:23The fulfillment of the prophecy of Jesus being born of a virgin and being called Emmanuel points to the ultimate redemption story, with Jesus being the firstborn through whom all humanity can be redeemed.
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 verse specifies a fixed redemption price for the firstborn of men from one month old, highlighting that this wasn't just about the value of the child, but about acknowledging God's claim on life and the establishment of a priestly order. This "estimation" at a fixed price, rather than a variable one, underscores that this was a divine ordinance, not a market transaction.
This passage is part of God's instructions to Aaron and his priestly descendants about their portion of the sacred offerings. Following the earlier decree about the priests receiving a portion of the firstfruits and other sacred gifts, this section specifically addresses the redemption of the firstborn, emphasizing that while the firstborn of clean animals are dedicated to God, the firstborn of humans can be redeemed for a set price. This establishes a clear financial and procedural framework for this ancient practice, ensuring the Levites' and priests' support and the proper observance of sacred laws.
This passage is part of God's instructions to Aaron and his priestly descendants about their portion of the sacred offerings. Following the earlier decree about the priests receiving a portion of the firstfruits and other sacred gifts, this section specifically addresses the redemption of the firstborn, emphasizing that while the firstborn of clean animals are dedicated to God, the firstborn of humans can be redeemed for a set price. This establishes a clear financial and procedural framework for this ancient practice, ensuring the Levites' and priests' support and the proper observance of sacred laws.
"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. But the firstborn of a cow, or the firstborn of a sheep, or the fi…" — The verse specifies a fixed redemption price for the firstborn of men from one month old, highlighting that this wasn't just about the value of the child, but about acknowledging God's claim on lif…
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Last reviewed October 2026
