פְּדוּיִם (pa.duy)
pa.duy
ransomed
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun p’duyim refers to the price paid for a ransom or redemption. It appears in only four verses, primarily within the book of Numbers, where it describes the monetary compensation collected from the Israelite men during the census.
In this specific context, the term denotes the half-shekel payment given to the sanctuary as a "ransom for your life" (Numbers 30:12). This usage highlights a concrete transaction rather than an abstract concept; the money served as a substitute value to protect the community from a plague. The word captures the idea that freedom or preservation has a cost, paid through a tangible offering.
While the related verb padah is more common in poetic texts describing God’s deliverance of Israel, p’duyim remains rare and technical. It anchors the concept of redemption in the physical reality of exchange, showing that ancient Israel understood salvation not just as a spiritual act but as something secured through specific, measured contributions to the community's covenant life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The term p’duyim describes a specific price paid for release or protection. In Numbers, this refers to the half-shekel given during the census. This money acted as a substitute, ensuring that the community remained safe from judgment. It shows that redemption was not free but involved a tangible cost paid on behalf of the people.
For your faith, this highlights the seriousness of God’s deliverance. The Israelites understood that their safety depended on obedience and provision. This historical detail reminds us that salvation involves real commitment and sacrifice.
You can see how God values order and justice in His community. Even in ancient times, He provided a way for people to be restored through specific actions. This foundation helps us appreciate the depth of redemption found throughout Scripture.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] ransom<s> of3×
- the/ ransom<s>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פְּדוּיֵ֥י1×
- פְּדוּיֵ֣י1×
- פְּדוּיֵ֕י1×
- הַ/פְּדוּיִ֛ם1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 3:46
For the redemption of the two hundred seventy-three of the firstborn of the children of Israel who exceed the number of the Levites,
This verse establishes the baseline calculation for the ransom, showing that the price was applied to those exceeding the Levite count.
-
Numbers 3:48
and you shall give the money, with which their remainder is redeemed, to Aaron and to his sons.”
It specifies that the collected money must be given to Aaron and his sons, linking the financial transaction directly to priestly service.
-
Numbers 3:49
Moses took the redemption money from those who exceeded the number of those who were redeemed by the Levites;
Moses personally handles the redemption money, demonstrating the careful administration required for this covenantal obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does p’duyim mean in the Bible?
Why was redemption money collected in Numbers 3?
How is p’duyim different from other words for redemption?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Numbers 4 verses
For the redemption of the two hundred seventy-three of the firstborn of the children of Israel who exceed the number of…
Numbers 3:48and you shall give the money, with which their remainder is redeemed, to Aaron and to his sons.”
Numbers 3:49Moses took the redemption money from those who exceeded the number of those who were redeemed by the Levites;
Numbers 3:51and Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and to his sons, according to Yahweh’s word, as Yahweh commanded Moses.