Verse MeaningExodusComplex verse
Exodus 30:13: Meaning Explained
This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the...
Exodus 30:13
“Everyone who is counted must pay a half shekel according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD.”
What Does This Verse Mean?
When the people are counted, each person must give half a shekel of silver as a gift to God. The amount is standard for everyone.
What’s Happening Here
God wants everyone to contribute the same amount for the upkeep of the sacred tent where God's presence is.
Key Words
shekelA unit of silver money
offeringA gift given to God
Why It Matters
This shows everyone was equal before God. Rich or poor, each person gave the same amount.
Did You Know?
A half shekel was about half a day's wages for a worker, so it was reasonable for everyone to pay.
Word Study
H5414
This they shall giveיִתְּנ֗וּ
H5674
every one that passethהָֽעֹבֵר֙
H5921
amongעַל
H6485
them that are numberedהַפְּקֻדִ֔ים
H4276
an halfמַֽחֲצִ֣ית
H8255
a shekelהַשֶּׁ֔קֶל
H6944
of the sanctuaryהַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ
H6242
is twentyעֶשְׂרִ֤ים
H1626
gerahsגֵּרָה֙
H8641
shall be the offeringתְּרוּמָ֖ה
H3068
of the LORDלַֽיהוָֽה׃
Continue Exploring
Read Exodus 30:13 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.