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

EXODUS 13:2KJV
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Exodus 13:2 (KJV)

What does Exodus 13:2 mean?

Exodus 13:2 commands the Israelites to set apart every firstborn—both human and animal—that opens the womb, declaring these firstborns as belonging to God. This means that the first offspring of every family and herd is to be recognized as special and dedicated to God.

God is speaking to Moses, instructing him to tell the people of Israel about this requirement right after their escape from Egypt. The verse sets up a practice that will remind the Israelites that God spared their firstborns during the final plague in Egypt, and now, in gratitude and recognition, the firstborns are to be consecrated to Him.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 13:2

  • "Sanctify" (קַדֵּשׁ, qadēsh): This word means to set apart or make holy. Here, it emphasizes that the firstborn are not just special but are to be treated as belonging to God in a distinct way.
  • "Firstborn" (בְּכוֹר, bəkhōr): This term refers specifically to the first male offspring, which in ancient cultures often had special status and responsibilities.
  • "Openeth" (פֶּטֶר, peter) and "womb" (רֶחֶם, rechem): Together, these words highlight that the command applies to the very first offspring born naturally, not just any child or animal.
  • "Children" (בֵּן, ben) and "Israel" (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisra'el): These words clarify that the command is directed to the descendants of Jacob, the nation of Israel, and applies to both their families and their livestock.

Why Exodus 13:2 matters

  • Exodus 13:2 clarifies that the practice of dedicating the firstborn is not just a tradition but a direct command from God, rooted in the story of the Exodus.
  • The verse shows that both humans and animals are included, underlining the totality of God’s claim and the seriousness of the command.
  • This instruction sets the stage for later laws about redeeming or sacrificing firstborns, helping readers understand the ongoing significance of the firstborn in Israel’s relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“openeth” Hebrew H6363 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 13:12 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 34:19 All that openeth the matrix is mine; and every firstling among thy cattle, whether ox or sheep, that is male.
  • Numbers 8:16 For they are wholly given unto me from among the children of Israel; instead of such as open every womb, even instead of the firstborn of all the children of Israel, have I taken them unto me.

“womb” Hebrew H7358 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 20:18 For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.
  • Numbers 12:12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb.
  • Job 38:8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?

“firstborn” Hebrew H1060 · used in 96 verses

  • Genesis 10:15 And Canaan begat Sidon his firstborn, and Heth,
  • Numbers 3:41 And thou shalt take the Levites for me(I am the LORD) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:27 And the sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel were, Maaz, and Jamin, and Eker.