Exodus 30:13
This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
יִתְּנ֗וּ
This they shall give
H5414
יִתְּנ֗וּ
This they shall give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָֽעֹבֵר֙
every one that passeth
H5674
הָֽעֹבֵר֙
every one that passeth
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
4 of 17
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
עַל
among
H5921
עַל
among
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַפְּקֻדִ֔ים
them that are numbered
H6485
הַפְּקֻדִ֔ים
them that are numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
6 of 17
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל
a shekel
H8255
הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל
a shekel
Strong's:
H8255
Word #:
8 of 17
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל
a shekel
H8255
הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל
a shekel
Strong's:
H8255
Word #:
9 of 17
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ
of the sanctuary
H6944
הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ
of the sanctuary
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
10 of 17
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל
a shekel
H8255
הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל
a shekel
Strong's:
H8255
Word #:
13 of 17
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל
a shekel
H8255
הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל
a shekel
Strong's:
H8255
Word #:
15 of 17
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
Cross References
Leviticus 27:25And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel.Numbers 3:47Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)Ezekiel 45:12And the shekel shall be twenty gerahs: twenty shekels, five and twenty shekels, fifteen shekels, shall be your maneh.Exodus 38:26A bekah for every man, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men.Matthew 17:24And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
Historical Context
The half-shekel (approximately 0.2 ounces of silver) was collected during census-taking, serving both as atonement money and practical support for the tabernacle. This became an annual temple tax in later periods.
Questions for Reflection
- What does equal payment (rich and poor) teach about the equality of Christ's redemption?
- How do redeemed people support God's ongoing work in the world?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The half-shekel atonement money (ransom for souls) demonstrates that all are equally valued before God—rich and poor pay the same. No one can pay more or less for their soul; redemption has fixed price. This prefigures how Christ's atonement has equal value for all—not more for the worthy, not less for the unworthy. The silver (redemption metal) collected supported tabernacle service, showing that redeemed people fund God's ongoing work.