Exodus 34:19
All that openeth the matrix is mine; and every firstling among thy cattle, whether ox or sheep, that is male.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
פֶּ֖טֶר
All that openeth
H6363
פֶּ֖טֶר
All that openeth
Strong's:
H6363
Word #:
2 of 10
a fissure, i.e., (concretely) firstling (as opening the matrix)
וְכָֽל
H3605
וְכָֽל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִקְנְךָ֙
among thy cattle
H4735
מִקְנְךָ֙
among thy cattle
Strong's:
H4735
Word #:
6 of 10
something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
תִּזָּכָ֔ר
that is male
H2142
תִּזָּכָ֔ר
that is male
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
פֶּ֖טֶר
All that openeth
H6363
פֶּ֖טֶר
All that openeth
Strong's:
H6363
Word #:
8 of 10
a fissure, i.e., (concretely) firstling (as opening the matrix)
Cross References
Exodus 13:2Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.Exodus 22:29Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.Exodus 13:12That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD'S.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;)Ezekiel 44:30And the first of all the firstfruits of all things, and every oblation of all, of every sort of your oblations, shall be the priest's: ye shall also give unto the priest the first of your dough, that he may cause the blessing to rest in thine house.
Historical Context
The redemption price for firstborn sons was five shekels paid to the Levites (Num 18:15-16). This practice continues in Jewish tradition as Pidyon HaBen (redemption of the firstborn son).
Questions for Reflection
- What does consecrating the firstborn teach about God's ownership of all we have?
- How should recognizing God's 'first claim' on your life affect your priorities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The principle of firstborn consecration establishes that all life belongs to God—He has 'opening rights' to every womb (פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם, peter rechem). Firstborn males of both humans and livestock must be dedicated to God, though human firstborn are redeemed (פָּדָה, padah) rather than sacrificed. This principle commemorates God's sparing of Israel's firstborn in Egypt and points to Christ, God's Firstborn Son (Col 1:15, 18).