Exodus 13:2
Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.
Original Language Analysis
קַדֶּשׁ
Sanctify
H6942
קַדֶּשׁ
Sanctify
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
1 of 13
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
פֶּ֤טֶר
whatsoever openeth
H6363
פֶּ֤טֶר
whatsoever openeth
Strong's:
H6363
Word #:
5 of 13
a fissure, i.e., (concretely) firstling (as opening the matrix)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בִּבְנֵ֣י
among the children
H1121
בִּבְנֵ֣י
among the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בָּֽאָדָ֖ם
both of man
H120
בָּֽאָדָ֖ם
both of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
10 of 13
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Cross References
Luke 2:23(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)Numbers 3:13Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the LORD.Deuteronomy 15:19All the firstling males that come of thy herd and of thy flock thou shalt sanctify unto the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work with the firstling of thy bullock, nor shear the firstling of thy sheep.Numbers 18:15Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem.Leviticus 27:26Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the LORD'S firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether it be ox, or sheep: it is the LORD'S.Exodus 4:22And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:Hebrews 12:23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,Exodus 23:19The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
Historical Context
This law created an ongoing tribute to God for the exodus. Firstborn sons were either dedicated to God's service or redeemed with a price (Numbers 18:15-16).
Questions for Reflection
- How does dedicating all firstborn to God picture the truth that everything you have belongs to Him by right of redemption?
- What does God claiming both human and animal firstborn teach about His sovereignty over all creation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The comprehensive scope—'whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast'—means every firstborn life belongs to God. The phrase 'openeth the matrix' (peter rechem, פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם) literally means 'first issue of the womb.' The declaration 'it is mine' asserts divine ownership based on redemption. This anticipates Christ as God's firstborn (Colossians 1:15), consecrated for redemptive purposes.