Numbers 3:47

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תִּקָּ֔ח
Thou shalt even take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
חֲמֵ֛שֶׁת
five
five
#3
חֲמֵ֛שֶׁת
five
five
#4
הַשָּֽׁקֶל׃
after the shekel
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
#5
לַגֻּלְגֹּ֑לֶת
apiece by the poll
a skull (as round); by implication, a head (in enumeration of persons)
#6
הַשָּֽׁקֶל׃
after the shekel
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
#7
הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙
of the sanctuary
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#8
תִּקָּ֔ח
Thou shalt even take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#9
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
is twenty
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#10
גֵּרָ֖ה
gerahs
a gerah or small weight (and coin)
#11
הַשָּֽׁקֶל׃
after the shekel
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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