All that openeth the matrix is mine; and every firstling among thy cattle, whether ox or sheep, that is male.

EXODUS 34:19KJV
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Exodus 34:19 (KJV)

What does Exodus 34:19 mean?

Exodus 34:19 states that every firstborn male—whether human or animal—belongs to God, specifically mentioning cattle like oxen and sheep. The verse highlights that anything which "opens the womb" (the firstborn) is set apart as God's possession.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, renewing the covenant with Israel after the incident of the golden calf. The instruction about firstborn animals and people being God's is part of a larger set of laws reminding Israel of their special relationship with God. This command connects to earlier instructions about dedicating the firstborn as a sign of Israel's deliverance from Egypt.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 34:19

  • "openeth" (פֶּטֶר, peter): This word means "to open" and refers specifically to the first offspring that "opens" the womb. It emphasizes the idea of the very first birth, not just any child or animal.
  • "matrix" (רֶחֶם, rechem): This word means "womb." Its use here makes clear that the focus is on the firstborn that comes from the mother's womb, not just the oldest in the group.
  • "firstling" (פֶּטֶר, peter): The same word as "openeth," reinforcing that the firstborn is the one who "opens" the womb.
  • "cattle" (מִקְנֶה, miqneh): This word refers broadly to livestock, which includes oxen and sheep as examples in this verse.
  • "ox" (שׁוֹר, shor) and "sheep" (שֶׂה, seh): These are specific examples of animals that would be included in the command, showing that both large and small livestock are meant.
  • "male" (זָכָר, zakhar): The instruction is specifically about male firstborns, which were considered especially significant in ancient Israelite culture.

Why Exodus 34:19 matters

  • Exodus 34:19 clarifies that the dedication of the firstborn is not just a ritual but a sign of God's claim over life and the nation’s history, especially recalling the Exodus.
  • The verse shows that this command applies to both people and animals, underlining the totality of God’s ownership and the seriousness of the covenant.
  • By specifying "male" and "firstborn," the verse helps prevent misunderstandings about which animals or children were to be set apart, making the law clear and specific for Israel.

Where else these words appear

“openeth” Hebrew H6363 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 13:2 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 13:15 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.
  • 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.

“matrix” 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?

“sheep” Hebrew H7716 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
  • Leviticus 5:7 And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.
  • 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

“cattle” Hebrew H4735 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 4:20 And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle.
  • Exodus 9:3 Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.
  • Judges 18:21 So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them.