Numbers 3:46
And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פְּדוּיֵ֣י
And for those that are to be redeemed
H6302
פְּדוּיֵ֣י
And for those that are to be redeemed
Strong's:
H6302
Word #:
2 of 11
as abstractly (in plural masculine) a ransom
הַשְּׁלֹשָׁ֔ה
H7969
הַשְּׁלֹשָׁ֔ה
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
3 of 11
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
וְהַמָּאתָ֑יִם
of the two hundred
H3967
וְהַמָּאתָ֑יִם
of the two hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
5 of 11
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
עַל
than
H5921
עַל
than
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
The 273 redeemed firstborn were likely distributed across all twelve tribes proportionally. Each family with excess firstborn paid five shekels redemption price (verse 47). This created equality—whether from large or small tribes, the redemption price remained constant. This pictures that salvation costs the same infinite price for all—rich and poor, educated and ignorant—all need Christ's blood equally.
Questions for Reflection
- How does particular redemption (specific numbered individuals) shape our understanding of election?
- What comfort comes from knowing Christ's redemption is personal, not generic?
- How does the equal redemption price for all challenge human hierarchies of spiritual worth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The specification 'for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel' emphasizes that redemption addresses specific individuals, not abstract groups. God redeemed exactly 273 people, knowing each one. The Hebrew piduyim (those to be redeemed) stresses that these were actual persons requiring ransom. This precision refutes universalism—redemption is particular, not universal. Christ died for 'His people' (Matthew 1:21), the specific number the Father gave Him (John 6:37-39). Election is not arbitrary but personal—God knows whom He saves.