Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem.

NUMBERS 18:15KJV
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Numbers 18:15 (KJV)

What does Numbers 18:15 mean?

Numbers 18:15 says that every firstborn—whether human or animal—that is brought as an offering to the LORD belongs to the priests, but firstborn sons and the firstborn of animals considered unclean must be redeemed, or bought back. This sets apart the first of every family or herd for God, with specific rules for humans and certain animals.

In this verse, God is speaking to Aaron, giving instructions about what belongs to the priests among the offerings brought by the Israelites. The verse explains that while the firstborn of clean animals are given to the priests, the firstborn sons and unclean animals (like donkeys) cannot be given directly and must instead be redeemed, meaning a payment or substitute is offered instead.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 18:15

  • "openeth" (פֶּטֶר, peter): This word refers to whatever "opens" the womb, meaning the first offspring born. It emphasizes the idea of the very first life from each mother being set apart.
  • "matrix" (רֶחֶם, rechem): This word means "womb." The phrase "openeth the matrix" is a Hebrew way of saying "the firstborn."
  • "redeem" (פָּדָה, padah): This word means to buy back or pay a price for release. Its use here shows that not everything set apart for God is given in the same way; some things require a substitute or payment.

Why Numbers 18:15 matters

  • Numbers 18:15 clarifies that not all firstborns are treated the same—some are given directly to the priests, while others must be redeemed, showing a distinction in how offerings are handled.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage about the special role and support of the priests, explaining how they receive certain offerings as part of their service.
  • The requirement to redeem firstborn sons and unclean animals highlights the value placed on human life and the recognition that some animals were not suitable for sacrifice.

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 3:12 And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;

“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 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.
  • Job 38:8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?

“surely” Hebrew H6299 · used in 48 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.
  • 1 Samuel 14:45 And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.
  • Psalms 55:18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.

“unclean” Hebrew H2931 · used in 78 verses

  • Leviticus 5:2 Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.
  • Leviticus 14:40 Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an unclean place without the city:
  • Deuteronomy 14:8 And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.