Exodus 30:15
The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְהַדַּל֙
and the poor
H1800
וְהַדַּל֙
and the poor
Strong's:
H1800
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַמְעִ֔יט
shall not give less
H4591
יַמְעִ֔יט
shall not give less
Strong's:
H4591
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)
הַשָּׁ֑קֶל
a shekel
H8255
הַשָּׁ֑קֶל
a shekel
Strong's:
H8255
Word #:
8 of 15
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
לָתֵת֙
when they give
H5414
לָתֵת֙
when they give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
9 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תְּרוּמַ֣ת
an offering
H8641
תְּרוּמַ֣ת
an offering
Strong's:
H8641
Word #:
11 of 15
a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
יְהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְכַפֵּ֖ר
to make an atonement
H3722
לְכַפֵּ֖ר
to make an atonement
Strong's:
H3722
Word #:
13 of 15
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
Cross References
Numbers 31:50We have therefore brought an oblation for the LORD, what every man hath gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets, rings, earrings, and tablets, to make an atonement for our souls before the LORD.Job 34:19How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.Ephesians 6:9And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.Exodus 30:12When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them.Leviticus 17:11For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
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.