Exodus 13:2
New International Version
“Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal.”

New Living Translation
“Dedicate to me every firstborn among the Israelites. The first offspring to be born, of both humans and animals, belongs to me.”

English Standard Version
“Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine.”

Berean Standard Bible
“Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.”

King James Bible
Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.

New King James Version
“Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.”

New American Standard Bible
“Sanctify to Me every firstborn, the firstborn of every womb among the sons of Israel, among people and animals alike; it belongs to Me.”

NASB 1995
“Sanctify to Me every firstborn, the first offspring of every womb among the sons of Israel, both of man and beast; it belongs to Me.”

NASB 1977
“Sanctify to Me every first-born, the first offspring of every womb among the sons of Israel, both of man and beast; it belongs to Me.”

Legacy Standard Bible
“Sanctify to Me every firstborn, the first offspring of every womb among the sons of Israel, both of man and beast; it belongs to Me.”

Amplified Bible
“Sanctify to Me [that is, set apart for My purpose] every firstborn, the first offspring of every womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of animal; it is Mine.”

Christian Standard Bible
“Consecrate every firstborn male to me, the firstborn from every womb among the Israelites, both man and domestic animal; it is mine.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Consecrate every firstborn male to Me, the firstborn from every womb among the Israelites, both man and domestic animal; it is Mine.”

American Standard Version
Sanctify unto me all the first-born, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.

Contemporary English Version
"Dedicate to me the first-born son of every family and the first-born males of your flocks and herds. These belong to me."

English Revised Version
Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Set apart every firstborn male for me. Every firstborn male offspring among the Israelites is mine, whether human or animal."

Good News Translation
"Dedicate all the first-born males to me, for every first-born male Israelite and every first-born male animal belongs to me."

International Standard Version
"Consecrate to me every firstborn male. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the Israelis, both of humans and of animals, belongs to me."

Majority Standard Bible
“Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.”

NET Bible
"Set apart to me every firstborn male--the first offspring of every womb among the Israelites, whether human or animal; it is mine."

New Heart English Bible
"Sanctify to me all of the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of animal. It is mine."

Webster's Bible Translation
Sanctify to me all the first-born, whatever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.

World English Bible
“Sanctify to me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of animal. It is mine.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“Sanctify to Me every firstborn, opening any womb among the sons of Israel, among man and among beast; it [is] Mine.”

Young's Literal Translation
Sanctify to Me every first-born, opening any womb among the sons of Israel, among man and among beast; it is Mine.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Consecrate to me every first-born bursting open every womb among the sons of Israel, of man and of cattle: it is to me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Sanctify unto me every firstborn that openeth the womb among the children of Israel, as well of men as of beasts: for they are all mine.

Catholic Public Domain Version
“Sanctify to me every firstborn which opens the womb among the sons of Israel, as much of men as of cattle. For they are all mine.”

New American Bible
Consecrate to me every firstborn; whatever opens the womb among the Israelites, whether of human being or beast, belongs to me.

New Revised Standard Version
Consecrate to me all the firstborn; whatever is the first to open the womb among the Israelites, of human beings and animals, is mine.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Sanctify to me every first-born that opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of men and of animals; for they are mine.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
“Hallow to me every firstborn that opens every womb of the children of Israel, of men and of beast; they are mine.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Sanctify unto Me all the first-born, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast, it is Mine.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Sanctify to me every first-born, first produced, opening every womb among the children of Israel both of man and beast: it is mine.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Dedication of the Firstborn
1Then the LORD said to Moses, 2“Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.” 3So Moses told the people, “Remember this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; for the LORD brought you out of it by the strength of His hand. And nothing leavened shall be eaten.…

Cross References
Numbers 3:13
for all the firstborn are Mine. On the day I struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They are Mine; I am the LORD.”

Numbers 8:17
For every firstborn male in Israel is Mine, both man and beast. I set them apart for Myself on the day I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt.

Luke 2:23
(as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”),

Leviticus 27:26
But no one may consecrate a firstborn of the livestock, because a firstborn belongs to the LORD. Whether it is an ox or a sheep, it is the LORD’s.

Deuteronomy 15:19
You must set apart to the LORD your God every firstborn male produced by your herds and flocks. You are not to put the firstborn of your oxen to work, nor are you to shear the firstborn of your flock.

Numbers 18:15
The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals.

Exodus 22:29-30
You must not hold back offerings from your granaries or vats. You are to give Me the firstborn of your sons. / You shall do likewise with your cattle and your sheep. Let them stay with their mothers for seven days, but on the eighth day you are to give them to Me.

Nehemiah 10:36
And we will bring the firstborn of our sons and our livestock, as it is written in the Law, and will bring the firstborn of our herds and flocks to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God.

Romans 8:29
For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

Hebrews 12:23
in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

1 Corinthians 15:20-23
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. / For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. / For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. ...

Colossians 1:18
And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence.

Psalm 78:51
He struck all the firstborn of Egypt, the virility in the tents of Ham.

Psalm 105:36
Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor.

Jeremiah 2:3
Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of His harvest. All who devoured her were found guilty; disaster came upon them,’” declares the LORD.


Treasury of Scripture

Sanctify to me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.

sanctify.

Exodus 13:12-15
That 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…

Exodus 4:22
And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:

Exodus 22:29,30
Thou 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…

Jump to Previous
Animal Beast Belongs Child Children First Firstborn First-Born Hallow Holy Israel Israelites Kept Male Mother Offspring Open Openeth Opening Opens Sanctify Whatever Whatsoever Womb
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Animal Beast Belongs Child Children First Firstborn First-Born Hallow Holy Israel Israelites Kept Male Mother Offspring Open Openeth Opening Opens Sanctify Whatever Whatsoever Womb
Exodus 13
1. The firstborn are sanctified to God
3. The memorial of the Passover is commanded
11. The firstborn of man and beast are set apart
17. The Israelites go out of Egypt, and carry Joseph's bones with them.
20. They come to Etham
21. God guides them by a pillar of a cloud, and a pillar of fire














Consecrate to Me
The Hebrew word for "consecrate" is "qadash," which means to set apart, sanctify, or make holy. In the ancient Near Eastern context, consecration involved dedicating something or someone for a sacred purpose. This act of consecration signifies a divine claim over the firstborn, setting them apart for God's service. It reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness, where God calls His people to be distinct and dedicated to Him. This command is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His right to claim what is His, emphasizing the importance of dedicating the best and the first to God.

every firstborn male
The term "firstborn" in Hebrew is "bekor," which holds significant cultural and theological weight. In ancient Israelite society, the firstborn male held a special status, often receiving a double portion of the inheritance and serving as the family leader after the father's death. Theologically, the firstborn represents the strength and future of the family. By claiming the firstborn, God is asserting His authority and reminding the Israelites of their deliverance from Egypt, where the firstborn of the Egyptians were struck down. This act of consecration is a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance and the covenant relationship between God and His people.

The firstborn from every womb
This phrase emphasizes the universality of the command, extending it to all firstborns, whether human or animal. The Hebrew word for "womb" is "rechem," which underscores the idea of birth and origin. By specifying "every womb," the text highlights the comprehensive nature of God's claim. It serves as a reminder that all life originates from God and belongs to Him. This command reinforces the idea that God's claim is not limited to a specific group but encompasses all of Israel, symbolizing the totality of their dependence on and dedication to God.

among the Israelites
The phrase "among the Israelites" situates the command within the covenant community. The Israelites, or "Bnei Yisrael" in Hebrew, are God's chosen people, set apart to be a holy nation. This command is a specific directive to the covenant community, reinforcing their identity and relationship with God. It serves as a reminder of their unique calling and the responsibilities that come with being God's people. The consecration of the firstborn is a tangible expression of their covenantal obligations and their commitment to live according to God's statutes.

belongs to Me
The declaration "belongs to Me" is a powerful assertion of divine ownership. The Hebrew word "li" (to Me) indicates possession and emphasizes God's sovereign right over the firstborn. This phrase underscores the concept of stewardship, where the Israelites are reminded that everything they have is ultimately God's. It calls the people to recognize God's authority and to live in a way that honors Him. This divine claim serves as a reminder of the Exodus event, where God delivered His people and established His covenant with them, reinforcing their identity as His treasured possession.

both of man and beast
The inclusion of "both of man and beast" highlights the comprehensive nature of the command. In the ancient world, livestock was a critical component of wealth and survival, and the firstborn of animals held particular significance. By including both humans and animals, the text emphasizes the totality of God's claim and the breadth of His provision. This command serves as a reminder of God's provision and protection, as well as the Israelites' dependence on Him for all aspects of life. It calls the people to trust in God's faithfulness and to honor Him with the first and best of what they have.

XIII.

SANCTIFICATION OF THE FIRSTBORN, AND LAW OF REDEMPTION.

(2) Sanctify unto me all the firstborn.--It was a reasonable demand that the existing firstborn of Israel, spared by God when the Egyptian firstborn were destroyed, should be regarded thenceforth as His, and set apart for His service. The extension of the demand to existing beasts was also reasonable, since they too had been spared. God's further requirement, that henceforth all the future firstborn should also be His, was intended to perpetuate the memory of the recent deliverance, and to help to fix it in the mind of the nation. The substitution of a redemption in the case of unclean beasts was necessitated by the circumstances of the case, since they could not be sacrificed; and the redemption of the firstborn sons naturally followed when the Levitical priesthood was established, and their services were no longer necessary. (See Numbers 3:40-51; Numbers 18:16.) The Jews still observe the ordinance, so far as the children are concerned, and redeem the son which has "opened the womb" on the thirtieth day after the birth.

Verse 2. - Sanctify unto me. Not by any positive ceremony, but by regarding it as "set apart unto the Lord" (verse 12) - made over to him, that is, as his own. All the first-born. The Hebrew word used is masculine, and by its proper force limits the command to the first-born males, who alone had been in danger from the tenth plague. Whatever openeth the womb. This clause added definiteness, showing that "first-born" did not contain any reference to any later Birth, and that it applied to every case where a woman's first child was a male. It is mine. Or, "it shall be mine." I claim it.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Consecrate
קַדֶּשׁ־ (qad·deš-)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6942: To be set apart or consecrated

to Me
לִ֨י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

every
כָל־ (ḵāl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

firstborn male.
בְּכ֜וֹר (bə·ḵō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1060: Firstborn, chief

The firstborn
פֶּ֤טֶר (pe·ṭer)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6363: That which separates or first opens

from every
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

womb
רֶ֙חֶם֙ (re·ḥem)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7358: The womb

among the Israelites
בִּבְנֵ֣י (biḇ·nê)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

belongs
הֽוּא׃ (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

to Me,
לִ֖י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

[both] of man
בָּאָדָ֖ם (bā·’ā·ḏām)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

and beast.”
וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑ה (ū·ḇab·bə·hê·māh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 929: A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal


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