Exodus 34:20

Authorized King James Version

But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּפֶ֤טֶר
H6363
But the firstling
a fissure, i.e., (concretely) firstling (as opening the matrix)
#2
חֲמוֹר֙
H2543
of an ass
a male ass (from its dun red)
#3
תִּפְדֶּ֔ה
H6299
and if thou redeem
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
#4
בְשֶׂ֔ה
H7716
with a lamb
a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat
#5
וְאִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#6
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
תִּפְדֶּ֔ה
H6299
and if thou redeem
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
#8
וַֽעֲרַפְתּ֑וֹ
H6202
him not then shalt thou break his neck
to break the neck; hence (figuratively) to destroy
#9
כֹּ֣ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
בְּכ֤וֹר
H1060
All the firstborn
first-born; hence, chief
#11
בָּנֶ֙יךָ֙
H1121
of thy sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
תִּפְדֶּ֔ה
H6299
and if thou redeem
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
#13
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
יֵרָא֥וּ
H7200
And none shall appear
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#15
פָנַ֖י
H6440
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#16
רֵיקָֽם׃
H7387
me empty
emptily; figuratively (objective) ineffectually, (subjective) undeservedly

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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