Exodus 13:12

Exodus 13:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

you are to present to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the LORD.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

that thou shalt set apart unto Jehovah all that openeth the womb, and every firstling which thou hast that cometh of a beast; the males shall be Jehovah’s.

Bible in Basic English BBE

You are to put on one side for the Lord every mother's first male child, the first-fruit of her body, and the first young one of every beast; every male is holy to the Lord.

Free Bible Version FBV

you are to present to the Lord all firstborn males, human or animal. The firstborn males of your livestock all belong to the Lord.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then thou shalt set apart vnto the Lord all that first openeth the wombe: also euery thing that first doeth open the wombe, and commeth forth of thy beast: the males shalbe the Lordes.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

that thou hast caused every one opening a womb to pass over to Jehovah, and every firstling — the increase of beasts which thou hast: the males [are] Jehovah's.

World English Bible WEB

that you shall set apart to the LORD all that opens the womb, and every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have. The males shall be the LORD’s.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

That thou shall set apart to 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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thou shalt set apart all that openeth the womb for the Lord, and all that is first brought forth of thy cattle: whatsoever thou shalt have of the male sex, thou shalt consecrate to the Lord.

Translation for Translators T4T

you must dedicate to Yahweh the firstborn males of all your animals. These all will belong to Yahweh.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 13:12

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 13:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הַעֲבַרְתָּ֥ כָל פֶּֽטֶר רֶ֖חֶם לַֽ/יהֹוָ֑ה וְ/כָל פֶּ֣טֶר שֶׁ֣גֶר בְּהֵמָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִהְיֶ֥ה לְ/ךָ֛ הַ/זְּכָרִ֖ים לַ/יהוָֽה

וְ/הַעֲבַרְתָּ֥ ʻâbar H5674 to pass Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

פֶּֽטֶר peṭer H6363 firstborn N-ms

רֶ֖חֶם rechem H7358 womb N-ms

לַֽ/יהֹוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms

פֶּ֣טֶר peṭer H6363 firstborn N-ms

שֶׁ֣גֶר sheger H7698 offspring N-ms

בְּהֵמָ֗ה bᵉhêmâh H929 animal N-fs

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לְ/ךָ֛ Prep | Suff

הַ/זְּכָרִ֖ים zâkâr H2145 male Art | N-mp

לַ/יהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 13:12

וְ/הַעֲבַרְתָּ֥ ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

כָל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

פֶּֽטֶר peṭer H6363 "firstborn" N-ms

The firstborn is the first child born to a family, like the firstling of an animal. In the Bible, the firstborn held a special place and received special privileges. The firstborn son typically inherited the majority of the family's property.

Definition: firstborn, firstling, that which separates or first opens Also means: pit.rah (פִּטְרָה "firstborn" H6363B)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: firstling, openeth, such as open. See also: Exodus 13:2; Exodus 34:20; Ezekiel 20:26.

רֶ֖חֶם rechem H7358 "womb" N-ms

This Hebrew word means womb, referring to the place where a fetus grows. It is translated as matrix or womb in the KJV, symbolizing birth and new life. It is a significant concept in biblical culture.

Definition: 1) womb 1a) womb 1b) womb-man, woman-slave, woman, two women

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: matrix, womb. See also: Genesis 20:18; 1 Samuel 1:6; Psalms 22:11.

לַֽ/יהֹוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

פֶּ֣טֶר peṭer H6363 "firstborn" N-ms

Definition: firstborn, firstling, that which separates or first opens Also means: pit.rah (פִּטְרָה "firstborn" H6363B)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: firstling, openeth, such as open. See also: Exodus 13:2; Exodus 34:20; Ezekiel 20:26.

שֶׁ֣גֶר sheger H7698 "offspring" N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to the young of animals or people, like a fetus or offspring. It appears in the Bible to describe the miracle of new life. In the KJV, it is translated as 'that cometh of' or 'increase'.

Definition: offspring, young or offspring of beasts

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: that cometh of, increase. See also: Exodus 13:12; Deuteronomy 28:4; Deuteronomy 28:51.

בְּהֵמָ֗ה bᵉhêmâh H929 "animal" N-fs

This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.

Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts

Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לְ/ךָ֛ "" Prep | Suff

הַ/זְּכָרִ֖ים zâkâr H2145 "male" Art | N-mp

This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.

Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)

Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.

לַ/יהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

Study Notes — Exodus 13:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 13:12 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 13:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 13:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 13:12
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 13:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 13:12
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 13:12
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 13:12
Sermons on Exodus 13:12

Context — The Dedication of the Firstborn

10Therefore you shall keep this statute at the appointed time year after year. 11And after the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites and gives it to you, as He swore to you and your fathers,

12you are to present to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the LORD.

13You must redeem every firstborn donkey with a lamb, and if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. And every firstborn of your sons you must redeem. 14In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you are to tell him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 18:15	The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals.
2	Leviticus 27:26	But no one may consecrate a firstborn of the livestock, because a firstborn belongs to the LORD. Whether it is an ox or a sheep, it is the LORD’s.
3	Exodus 34:19	The first offspring of every womb belongs to Me, including all the firstborn males among your livestock, whether cattle or sheep.
4	Ezekiel 44:30	The best of all the firstfruits and of every contribution from all your offerings will belong to the priests. You are to give your first batch of dough to the priest, so that a blessing may rest upon your homes.
5	Exodus 22:29	You must not hold back offerings from your granaries or vats. You are to give Me the firstborn of your sons.
6	Deuteronomy 15:19	You must set apart to the LORD your God every firstborn male produced by your herds and flocks. You are not to put the firstborn of your oxen to work, nor are you to shear the firstborn of your flock.
7	Exodus 13:2	“Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.”
8	Numbers 8:17	For every firstborn male in Israel is Mine, both man and beast. I set them apart for Myself on the day I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt.
9	Numbers 3:12	“Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel in place of every firstborn Israelite from the womb. The Levites belong to Me,
10	Luke 2:23	(as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord” ),

Exodus 13:12 Summary

[This verse means that the firstborn male of every family, whether human or animal, belonged to God and was to be dedicated to Him, showing that God is the owner of everything, as seen in Psalm 24:1. By doing this, the Israelites acknowledged God's power and provision in their lives. This practice is rooted in the Passover event where the firstborn of the Israelites were spared, as told in Exodus 12:12-13, and it reminds us that our first and best belong to God, just like in Proverbs 3:9-10 where it talks about giving the firstfruits to God.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to present the firstborn male of every womb to the Lord?

This means that the firstborn male of every human family and every animal was to be dedicated to God, acknowledging His sovereignty over all of life, as seen in Exodus 13:12 and also in Exodus 22:29-30 where it talks about giving the firstborn to the Lord.

Why did the firstborn males of livestock belong to the Lord?

The firstborn males of livestock belonged to the Lord as a symbol of God's redemption and provision, just like the firstborn of humans, and this practice is rooted in the Passover event where the firstborn of the Israelites were spared, as told in Exodus 11:5 and Exodus 12:12-13.

Is this practice still applicable today?

While the specific practice of presenting the firstborn male to the Lord is rooted in the Old Testament, the principle of dedicating our first and best to God is still relevant, as seen in Proverbs 3:9-10 and Malachi 3:10 where it talks about giving the firstfruits to God.

How does this relate to the concept of redemption?

The concept of presenting the firstborn to the Lord is closely tied to the concept of redemption, where God redeems His people, as seen in Exodus 6:6 and Exodus 15:13, and this is fulfilled in Jesus Christ who redeems us from sin, as explained in Galatians 3:13 and Titus 2:14.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can practically dedicate my first and best to God in my daily life, just like the Israelites were called to do with their firstborn?
How does the concept of presenting the firstborn to the Lord challenge my understanding of ownership and stewardship?
In what ways can I acknowledge God's sovereignty over all of life, just like the Israelites did by presenting their firstborn to the Lord?
What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender control to God, recognizing that everything belongs to Him?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 13:12

That thou shalt set apart unto the Lord all that openeth the matrix,.... Or "the womb", as in Exodus 13:2, and this phrase, "set apart", explains the word "sanctify" there, and shows that it

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 13:12

Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 13:12

Thou shalt set apart, i. e. separate it from the rest, resign thy right in it to God. Heb. Cause it to pass, not through the fire, as that verb is used, ; but under the rod, as it is used, and more fully expressed, , which was the rite when any thing was separated and consecrated to God. The males shall be the Lord’ s, devoted to him, either to be sacrificed, if it was clean, or to be otherwise destroyed, if it was unclean, as it here follows.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 13:12

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. Ver. 12. The males shall be the Lord’ s.] This God did, that with the firstborn son, commonly best beloved, he might draw all the love to himself.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 13:12

(12) Thou shalt set apart—i.e., separate off from the rest of the flock or herd, that it might not be mixed up with those which were not “sanctified.”

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 13:12

12. thou shalt cause to pass over unto Jehovah] The word is not the ordinary Heb. for ‘set apart’; and its use here is remarkable. In Numbers 27:7 f. (P), cf. 2 Samuel 3:10, it is indeed used in the simple sense of transferring or making over (an inheritance): but it is also the word regularly used of causing to pass over children in fire to Molech (2 Kings 16:3, Ezekiel 20:31 al.), and with ‘to Molech’ alone, Leviticus 18:21 (H), Jeremiah 32:35, cf. Ezekiel 16:21; Ezekiel 23:37 (‘to them,’ i.e. to the idols), an esp. Exodus 20:25-26 (the same expression as here) ‘in that they caused to pass over (viz. in the fire) all that first openeth the womb.’ It may be (cf., p. 409) that this heathen practice determined the use of the same verb here: Jehovah claimed the firstborn; and the Israelite was to cause his firstborn to pass over to Him: the child was not, however, retained by Him, or offered to Him as a sacrifice, but was to be ‘redeemed’ by its father (v. 13). and every firstling, &c.] lit. and all that first openeth [the womb], (even) the casting (ùâø) of beasts, that thou shalt have: shéger (the root is preserved in the Aram. shegar, to ‘cast’), denotes a newly born animal, Deuteronomy 7:13; Deuteronomy 28:4; Deuteronomy 28:18; Deuteronomy 28:51 †. The ‘beasts’ meant (as the parallel, Exodus 34:19, states explicitly) are ox and sheep.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 13:12

11-16. Moses here repeats to Israel the law of the firstborn, given to him in Exodus 13:1-2. As in the instance just given, there is here not a mere repetition, but an amplification and enforcement.

Sermons on Exodus 13:12

	Sermon	Description
	All Our Children Belong to the Lord by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the act of dedicating children to the Lord, drawing parallels between Old Testament practices like the dedication of the firstborn and the Passover feast to
	The Way of Cain by Chip Brogden	Chip Brogden preaches about the contrasting ways of Cain and Abel in relating to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of giving God our first and best with a heart of worship and l
	Redemption: Grace and Love by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of meeting God's needs through love and grace. He uses the example of the Israelites building the Tabernacle to illustrate th
	Go Forward by G.W. North	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of leaders taking initiative and leading by example. He uses the story of Moses leading the Israelites through the Red Sea as
	Luke 2:21-32. the Song of Simeon. by Favell Lee Mortimer	Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the significance of Jesus' presentation at the temple, emphasizing how Jesus, as the firstborn Son, was brought to the Lord as a holy and unblemishe
	Holiness and Redemption by B.H. Clendennen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God reveals himself as the redeemer of his chosen people. He allowed them to go through oppression, slavery, and misery to prepare their
	The Meaning of the Cross by David Ravenhill	David Ravenhill emphasizes the true meaning of the cross, arguing that many believers misunderstand its significance, focusing on personal benefits rather than the call to disciple