But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.

EXODUS 34:20KJV
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Exodus 34:20 (KJV)

What does Exodus 34:20 mean?

Exodus 34:20 commands that the firstborn donkey must be "redeemed" (bought back) with a lamb, and if not, its neck must be broken; it also says that all firstborn sons must be redeemed, and no one should come before God empty-handed. This verse sets out specific rules for what to do with firstborn animals and children, emphasizing the importance of redemption and bringing an offering to God.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses, giving instructions for the Israelites as part of renewing the covenant after the golden calf incident. The verse highlights that certain firstborn animals, like donkeys, are not suitable for sacrifice, so they must be redeemed with another animal. It also makes clear that firstborn sons are to be redeemed, not sacrificed, and that everyone should bring something as an offering when appearing before God.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 34:20

  • "Redeem" (פָּדָה, padah): This word means to buy back or rescue, often used for paying a price to free someone or something. Here, it shows that the firstborn donkey and sons are not to be sacrificed but must be set apart by a substitute or payment.
  • "Firstborn" (בְּכוֹר, bekhor): This term refers to the first offspring, which in Israelite law held special status and belonged to God. The command to redeem firstborn sons and certain animals underlines their special role and God's claim on them.
  • "Empty" (רֵיקָם, reyqam): This word means "without anything" or "empty-handed." The instruction that no one should appear before God empty stresses the importance of bringing an offering as a sign of respect and gratitude.

Why Exodus 34:20 matters

  • Exodus 34:20 clarifies that God does not want human sacrifice; instead, firstborn sons are to be redeemed, which was a key distinction from some neighboring cultures.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of God's claim on the firstborn, but also His mercy in providing a way of redemption rather than demanding the life of the child or unsuitable animal.
  • This command ties into the broader covenant context, reminding the Israelites that their relationship with God involves both responsibility and provision, and that worship should always include a meaningful offering.

Where else these words appear

“neck” Hebrew H6202 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 13:13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.
  • Deuteronomy 21:4 And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a rough valley, which is neither eared nor sown, and shall strike off the heifer's neck there in the valley:
  • Isaiah 66:3 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

“firstling” 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.

“empty” Hebrew H7387 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
  • Ruth 1:21 I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?
  • Psalms 7:4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me;(yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)

“lamb” 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.