What Does Numbers 3:48 Mean in the King James?
And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
What the verse calls an “odd number” is a remainder the count still holds, and redemption gives that remainder a value.
THE MEANING
The verse keeps the unmatched remainder in view: those beyond the matching count still receive a set value, and that value is entrusted to Aaron and his sons. What remains over is named, measured, and answered for.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The remainder is unimportant once the expected count is met.
THE ROOT
הָעֹדְפִים
hāʿōḏĕp̄îm
GROWS FROM
עודף
To remain over, exceed, or be in excess.
“odd number” in this verse is hāʿōḏĕp̄îm. The Hebrew word points to those who remain beyond the matched count. Here, what is “left over” is not discarded: it is counted and given a corresponding value.
ALSO GROWS
ʿāḏap̄: To remain over or be in excess.
עָדַף
It names the condition of those who exceed the matching number.
ʿōḏep̄: Surplus; what remains beyond a measure.
עֹדֶף
It makes the passage’s remainder a visible part of the accounting.
פְּדוּיֵי
pĕḏûyê
GROWS FROM
פדה
To redeem or ransom; to release through a corresponding value or substitute.
“redeemed” in this verse is pĕḏûyê. The word carries the movement from an outstanding claim to release. The money is therefore part of the passage’s answer for those left beyond the matching count.
ALSO GROWS
pādāh: To redeem or ransom.
פָּדָה
It is the verb behind the verse’s word for those being redeemed.
pōḏeh: One who redeems.
פֹּדֶה
It shows the same root as an active release, carried out by a redeemer.
THE PATTERN
Redemption releases what remains under a claim by naming the value or substitute that answers for it.
And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.And if it be of an unclean beast, then he shall redeem it according to thine estimation, and shall add a fifth part of it thereto: or if it be not redeemed, then it shall be sold according to thy estimation.Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:THE THREAD
And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.The same פדה (padah, “redeem”) root is at work: here a lamb serves as the counterpart for the firstling, while Numbers names money for those beyond the matching count. Together, the verses show redemption as release answered by a corresponding value.
This reading is from Selah Verse.
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