Exodus 30:14
Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֗ל
H3605
כֹּ֗ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 11
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 #:
2 of 11
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַפְּקֻדִ֔ים
among them that are numbered
H6485
הַפְּקֻדִ֔ים
among them that are numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
4 of 11
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
מִבֶּ֛ן
old
H1121
מִבֶּ֛ן
old
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וָמָ֑עְלָה
and above
H4605
וָמָ֑עְלָה
and above
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
8 of 11
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
יִתֵּ֖ן
shall give
H5414
יִתֵּ֖ן
shall give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
9 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
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
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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.