Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, and with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with his dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me.

EXODUS 22:30KJV
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Exodus 22:30 (KJV)

What does Exodus 22:30 mean?

Exodus 22:30 instructs the Israelites that when an ox or sheep is born, it should stay with its mother for seven days, and on the eighth day, it is to be given to God. This rule sets a specific time before an animal could be offered, showing respect for both the newborn animal and its mother.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving them detailed laws about offerings and daily life. The instruction fits into a larger section about dedicating the firstborn of animals to God, emphasizing both care for animals and obedience to God's commands.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 22:30

  • "dam" (אֵם, ’em): This word means "mother." Its use here highlights the importance of allowing the newborn animal to remain with its mother for a full week before being separated, showing a concern for the natural bond between them.
  • "eighth" (שְּׁמִינִי, shmini): The specific mention of the eighth day sets a clear boundary for when the animal becomes eligible for dedication, which is a pattern seen elsewhere in the law for both animals and people.

Why Exodus 22:30 matters

  • Exodus 22:30 clarifies that offerings to God were not to be made immediately after birth, but only after a set period, showing a balance between ritual requirements and animal welfare.
  • This verse connects to a broader biblical theme where the eighth day often marks a moment of dedication or new beginning, such as in circumcision or other offerings.
  • Understanding this command helps readers see the careful attention to detail in Israel’s laws and the value placed on both religious practice and humane treatment.

Where else these words appear

“eighth” Hebrew H8066 · used in 27 verses

  • Leviticus 9:1 And it came to pass on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel;
  • Leviticus 23:39 Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,

“Likewise” Hebrew H3651 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
  • Genesis 42:34 And bring your youngest brother unto me: then shall I know that ye are no spies, but that ye are true men: so will I deliver you your brother, and ye shall traffick in the land.
  • 1 Samuel 9:13 As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.

“oxen” 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 22:23 Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.
  • 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: