All 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.

DEUTERONOMY 15:19KJV
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Deuteronomy 15:19 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 15:19 mean?

Deuteronomy 15:19 instructs the Israelites to set apart every firstborn male animal from their herds and flocks as holy to the LORD their God, and not to use these firstborn animals for work or for shearing. The verse emphasizes that these animals belong to God in a special way and are not for ordinary use.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The command is part of a larger set of instructions about honoring God with the first and best of what they have. By not using the firstborn bull or sheep for labor or wool, the people show respect for God's claim on these animals, recognizing them as dedicated offerings rather than personal property.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 15:19

  • firstling (בְּכוֹר, bekhor): This word means "firstborn" and refers specifically to the first male offspring of an animal. In Israelite law, the firstborn was considered especially significant and belonged to God.
  • sanctify (קָדַשׁ, qadash): This verb means "to set apart as holy" or "to dedicate." Here, it highlights that the firstborn males are not just special but are reserved for God’s purposes only.
  • work (עָבַד, avad): This word means "to serve" or "to do work." The verse forbids using the firstborn bull for plowing or other labor, underlining its sacred status.
  • shear (גָּזַז, gazaz): This verb means "to shear" or "to cut off wool." The firstborn sheep could not be used for wool, again marking it as set apart for God.

Why Deuteronomy 15:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the firstborn animals were not just given to God in name but were practically withheld from everyday use, underscoring their special status.
  • Deuteronomy 15:19 connects to the broader biblical theme of giving God the "first and best," showing gratitude and dependence on Him rather than treating everything as personal property.
  • The instruction helps prevent the Israelites from seeing their offerings as mere ritual, reminding them that true dedication involves real sacrifice and respect for what belongs to God.

Where else these words appear

“shear” Hebrew H1494 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 31:19 And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's.
  • 1 Samuel 25:4 And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep.
  • Job 1:20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

“bullock” Hebrew H7794 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • Leviticus 17:3 What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,
  • Judges 6:25 And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:

“males” Hebrew H2145 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
  • Leviticus 12:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.
  • Numbers 31:35 And thirty and two thousand persons in all, of women that had not known man by lying with him.

“firstling” Hebrew H1060 · used in 96 verses

  • Genesis 10:15 And Canaan begat Sidon his firstborn, and Heth,
  • Numbers 3:40 And the LORD said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:27 And the sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel were, Maaz, and Jamin, and Eker.