Exodus 30:16
And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
Original Language Analysis
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֞
And thou shalt take
H3947
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֞
And thou shalt take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 22
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מֵאֵת֙
H853
מֵאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לִבְנֵ֨י
of the children
H1121
לִבְנֵ֨י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 22
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְנָֽתַתָּ֣
and shalt appoint
H5414
וְנָֽתַתָּ֣
and shalt appoint
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 22
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֹת֔וֹ
H853
אֹת֔וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 22
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
H168
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
12 of 22
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
13 of 22
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
וְהָיָה֩
H1961
וְהָיָה֩
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
14 of 22
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לִבְנֵ֨י
of the children
H1121
לִבְנֵ֨י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
15 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
16 of 22
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לְזִכָּרוֹן֙
that it may be a memorial
H2146
לְזִכָּרוֹן֙
that it may be a memorial
Strong's:
H2146
Word #:
17 of 22
a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
18 of 22
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
19 of 22
(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 #:
20 of 22
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
Cross References
Numbers 16:40To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.Exodus 12:14And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
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.