Exodus 13:13
Exodus 13:13 in Multiple Translations
You 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.
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.
And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break its neck: and all the first-born of man among thy sons shalt thou redeem.
And for the young of an ass you may give a lamb in payment, or if you will not make payment for it, its neck is to be broken; but for all the first sons among your children, let payment be made.
You must buy back every firstborn donkey with a lamb, and if you don't do so, you have to break its neck. You must buy back every firstborn of your sons.
But euery first foale of an asse, thou shalt redeeme with a lambe: and if thou redeeme him not, then thou shalt breake his necke: likewise all the first borne of man among thy sonnes shalt thou bye out.
'And every firstling of an ass thou dost ransom with a lamb, and if thou dost not ransom [it], then thou hast beheaded it: and every first-born of man among thy sons thou dost ransom.
Every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck; and you shall redeem all the firstborn of man among your sons.
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 first-born of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.
The firstborn of an ass thou shalt change for a sheep: and if thou do not redeem it, thou shalt kill it. And every firstborn of men thou shalt redeem with a price.
You may keep the firstborn male donkeys, but you must buy them back by sacrificing a lamb as a substitute for the donkey. If you do not want to buy back the donkey, you must kill it by breaking its neck. You must also buy back every one of your own firstborn sons.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 13:13
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 13:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כָל
פֶּ֤טֶר
חֲמֹר֙
תִּפְדֶּ֣ה
בְ/שֶׂ֔ה
וְ/אִם
לֹ֥א
תִפְדֶּ֖ה
וַ/עֲרַפְתּ֑/וֹ
וְ/כֹ֨ל
בְּכ֥וֹר
אָדָ֛ם
בְּ/בָנֶ֖י/ךָ
תִּפְדֶּֽה
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
פֶּ֤טֶר
peṭer
H6363
firstborn
N-ms
חֲמֹר֙
chămôwr
H2543
donkey
N-cs
תִּפְדֶּ֣ה
pâdâh
H6299
to ransom
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בְ/שֶׂ֔ה
seh
H7716
sheep
Prep | N-cs
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִפְדֶּ֖ה
pâdâh
H6299
to ransom
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וַ/עֲרַפְתּ֑/וֹ
ʻâraph
H6202
to break the neck
Conj | V-Qal-2ms | Suff
וְ/כֹ֨ל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
בְּכ֥וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
N-ms
אָדָ֛ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
בְּ/בָנֶ֖י/ךָ
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp | Suff
תִּפְדֶּֽה
pâdâh
H6299
to ransom
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
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 13:13
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | 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.
פֶּ֤טֶר
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.
חֲמֹר֙
chămôwr
H2543
"donkey"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.
Definition: (he) ass
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.
תִּפְדֶּ֣ה
pâdâh
H6299
"to ransom"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To pay a price to set someone free, like a ransom to rescue a person. It's used in the Bible to describe God redeeming his people.
Definition: 1) to ransom, redeem, rescue, deliver 1a) (Qal) to ransom 1b) (Niphal) to be ransomed 1c) (Hiphil) to allow one to be ransomed 1d) (Hophal) redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, deliver, [idiom] by any means, ransom, (that are to be, let be) redeem(-ed), rescue, [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 13:13; Job 33:28; Psalms 25:22.
בְ/שֶׂ֔ה
seh
H7716
"sheep"
Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a sheep or goat, often used to describe a flock or young animal in the Bible. It is also related to the word for lamb.
Definition: 1) one of a flock, lamb, sheep, goat, young sheep, young goat 1a) sheep, goat 1b) flock (collective) Also means: zeh (זֶה "lamb" H2089)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lesser, small) cattle, ewe, goat, lamb, sheep. Compare H2089 (זֶה). See also: Genesis 22:7; Deuteronomy 14:4; Psalms 119:176.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִפְדֶּ֖ה
pâdâh
H6299
"to ransom"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To pay a price to set someone free, like a ransom to rescue a person. It's used in the Bible to describe God redeeming his people.
Definition: 1) to ransom, redeem, rescue, deliver 1a) (Qal) to ransom 1b) (Niphal) to be ransomed 1c) (Hiphil) to allow one to be ransomed 1d) (Hophal) redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, deliver, [idiom] by any means, ransom, (that are to be, let be) redeem(-ed), rescue, [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 13:13; Job 33:28; Psalms 25:22.
וַ/עֲרַפְתּ֑/וֹ
ʻâraph
H6202
"to break the neck"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms | Suff
To break the neck means to destroy or kill, often used to describe beheading or cutting off, as seen in animal sacrifices.
Definition: (Qal) to break the neck (of an animal)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: that is beheaded, break down, break (cut off, strike off) neck. See also: Exodus 13:13; Deuteronomy 21:6; Isaiah 66:3.
וְ/כֹ֨ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | 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.
בְּכ֥וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
אָדָ֛ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
בְּ/בָנֶ֖י/ךָ
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
תִּפְדֶּֽה
pâdâh
H6299
"to ransom"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To pay a price to set someone free, like a ransom to rescue a person. It's used in the Bible to describe God redeeming his people.
Definition: 1) to ransom, redeem, rescue, deliver 1a) (Qal) to ransom 1b) (Niphal) to be ransomed 1c) (Hiphil) to allow one to be ransomed 1d) (Hophal) redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, deliver, [idiom] by any means, ransom, (that are to be, let be) redeem(-ed), rescue, [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 13:13; Job 33:28; Psalms 25:22.
Study Notes — Exodus 13:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 13:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 13:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 13:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 13:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 13:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 13:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 13:13
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 13:13
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 13:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 13:13
- Sermons on Exodus 13:13
Context — The Dedication of the Firstborn
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. 15And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of man and beast. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb, but I redeem all the firstborn of my sons.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 34:20 | You must redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb; but if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before Me empty-handed. |
| 2 | Numbers 18:15–17 | 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. You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your valuation: five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs. But you must not redeem the firstborn of an ox, a sheep, or a goat; they are holy. You are to sprinkle their blood on the altar and burn their fat as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. |
| 3 | Revelation 14:4 | These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been redeemed from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. |
| 4 | Exodus 12:3 | Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man must select a lamb for his family, one per household. |
| 5 | Exodus 12:21 | Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and told them, “Go at once and select for yourselves a lamb for each family, and slaughter the Passover lamb. |
| 6 | Numbers 3:46–51 | To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who outnumber the Levites, you are to collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs. Give the money to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for the excess among the Israelites.” So Moses collected the redemption money from those in excess of the number redeemed by the Levites. He collected the money from the firstborn of the Israelites: 1,365 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel. And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons in obedience to the word of the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him. |
Exodus 13:13 Summary
[This verse is saying that the Israelites had to give a lamb to God for every firstborn donkey, or else the donkey would have to be put to death, and this was a reminder that all of life belongs to God, as seen in Psalm 24:1. The Israelites also had to redeem their firstborn sons, which meant giving them to God, but then buying them back, as a way of acknowledging God's claim on their lives, similar to what is seen in Luke 2:22-24. This practice was a reminder of the Passover, where God spared the firstborn sons of the Israelites, and it points to the larger theme of redemption in the Bible, where God saves His people from sin and slavery, as seen in Romans 3:24. By redeeming their firstborn sons, the Israelites were acknowledging that their children belonged to God, and that He had a plan for their lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Israelites required to redeem every firstborn donkey with a lamb?
This requirement was a reminder of God's sovereignty over all of creation, and the donkey, being an unclean animal, was not suitable for sacrifice, so a lamb was used as a substitute, as seen in Exodus 13:13, and supported by Leviticus 27:26-27.
What happens if the firstborn donkey is not redeemed?
According to Exodus 13:13, if the firstborn donkey is not redeemed, its neck is to be broken, symbolizing the seriousness of not obeying God's commands, and the importance of acknowledging His lordship over all of life.
How does this verse relate to the concept of redemption in the Bible?
This verse points to the larger theme of redemption in the Bible, where God redeems His people from slavery and sin, as seen in Exodus 6:6, and ultimately, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as seen in Galatians 3:13-14.
What is the significance of redeeming every firstborn son?
Redeeming every firstborn son was a way of acknowledging that all of life belongs to God, and that He has a claim on every firstborn, as seen in Exodus 13:2, and this practice was also a reminder of the Passover, where the firstborn sons of the Israelites were spared, as seen in Exodus 12:12-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas of my life where I need to acknowledge God's sovereignty and redeem them to Him?
- How can I apply the principle of redemption in my own life, and what are some things that I need to surrender to God?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of obedience to God's commands, and how can I prioritize obedience in my daily life?
- How does the concept of redemption in this verse point me to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and what are some ways that I can share this good news with others?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 13:13
And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb,.... Which was given to the priest for it; and according to the Jewish canon (f), it might be redeemed with that only; "not with a calf,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 13:13
The ass was an unclean creature, and therefore this rule was to be observed in all other unclean creatures, as appears, 1. Because the reason of this law is common to all such. 2. By comparing this place with . 3. Because the first-born of all beasts were appropriated to God; and because many of them were unclean, and so could not be sacrificed, there was no other way of offering them to God, but by redemption, or a price paid for them. And the single exception of the price of a dog in this case, , doth sufficiently intimate that the price of all other unclean creatures was allowed and required. The ass alone is here named for all the rest, because this creature was most common, and most useful, and yet was not to be spared; whence it was easy to infer, that this course was much rather to be observed in other creatures which were of less use. Thou shalt break his neck; or, cut off his neck, or head, as the word is used, ; because being consecrated. to God, it was not to be applied to any profane or common use.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 13:13
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.Ver. 13. And every firstling of an ass.] This God would not have paid him in kind, eo quod asinus tardum et pigrum auimal, as Bellarmine gives the reason. The zealous God hates dulness. Tardis mentibus virtus non facile committitur. Tusc. Quaest., lib. v.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 13:13
(13) Every firstling of an ass.—It is observable that nothing is said of the Israelites possessing horses. Horses were well known in Egypt at the time, but were kept only by the kings and the great men. The Hebrews had not been in a position ever to have possessed any. Asses, on the contrary, were exceedingly common, and formed the ordinary beasts of burden in the country. In default of camels, which they seem not to have owned, the Israelites must have carried their tents and other baggage on asses. Thou shalt redeem.—Since the ass was unclean. In Egypt he is said to have been “Typhonian;” and Set, the Evil Principle, is represented with long ears, which may be those of an ass, cropped towards the upper extremity. The redeeming of an ass with a lamb (or kid) was favourable to the owner, since the ass colt must have been of considerably more value. If thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck.—There will always be in every nation those who grudge to make any offering to God, and who will seek to evade every requisition for a gift. To check such niggardliness, the present law was made.
It would be effectual without requiring to be put in force. All the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.—This was declared in anticipation of the arrangement afterwards to be made, whereby the tribe of Levi was taken in lieu of the firstborn for the service Of the sanctuary (Numbers 3:40-45), and an obligation was imposed on Israelites of other tribes to “redeem” their sons by a payment of five shekels for each to the priests (Numbers 18:15-16).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 13:13
Verse 13. Every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb] Or a kid, as in the margin. In Numbers 18:15, it is said: "The first-born of man shalt thou surely redeem; and the firstling of an unclean beast shalt thou redeem." Hence we may infer that ass is put here for any unclean beast, or for unclean beasts in general. The lamb was to be given to the Lord, that is, to his priest, Numbers 18:8; Numbers 18:15. And then the owner of the ass might use it for his own service, which without this redemption he could not do; see Deuteronomy 15:19. The first-born of man - shalt thou redeem.] This was done by giving to the priests five standard shekels, or shekels of the sanctuary, every shekel weighing twenty gerahs. What the gerah was, See Clarke on Genesis 20:16. And for the shekel, See Clarke on Genesis 20:16. It may be necessary to observe here that the Hebrew doctors teach, that if a father had neglected or refused thus to redeem his first-born, the son himself was obliged to do it when he came of age. As this redeeming of the first-born was instituted in consequence of sparing the first-born of the Israelites, when the first-born both of man and beast among the Egyptians was destroyed, on this ground all the first-born were the Lord's, and should have been employed in his service; but he permitted the first-born of a useful unclean animal to be redeemed by a clean animal of much less value.
And he chose the tribe of Levi in place of all the first-born of the tribes in general; and the five shekels were ordered to be paid in lieu of such first-born sons as were liable to serve in the sanctuary, and the money was applied to the support of the priests and Levites. See this subject at large in Numbers 3:12-13; Numbers 3:41; Numbers 3:43; Numbers 3:45; Numbers 3:47-51.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 13:13
13. The ass, not less than the ox and sheep, was a common domestic animal (Exodus 20:17, Exodus 22:9-10, &c.): but it was regarded as ‘unclean’ (the terms of Lev 11:3 P exclude it from the ‘clean’ animals), and could not consequently be either eaten, or offered in sacrifice (Leviticus 1:2; Leviticus 22:19). Nevertheless its firstling was claimed by Jehovah, and could only be retained for its owner’s use by being redeemed with a lamb. ‘The present law must date from a time when the ass was the only unclean domestic animal: the later, but juristically more exact P, puts for it (Leviticus 27:27, Numbers 18:15) unclean beast generally’ (Di.). The lamb would be of less value than the ass: the provision of Lev 27:27, which prescribes that the firstling of an unclean animal, unless it is sold, is to be valued, and redeemed at 11/5 of its valuation, is more favourable to the priests. redeem] Heb. pâdâh (not gâ’al, as Exodus 6:6), the word used regularly of redeeming a person, or animal, from death or servitude (cf. Exodus 21:8, and, as here, Numbers 18:15-17, Leviticus 27:27 a; also Exodus 1 Samuel 14:45, Psalms 49:7; Psalms 49:15). lamb] marg. Or, kid: see on Exodus 12:3. break its neck] Unless redeemed, it could not be retained for use by its owner. It was not to be killed by shedding of blood, because in old Israel ‘the slaughter of an animal in the ordinary way implied a sacrifice, which was impossible in the case of an ass’ (Bä.). all the firstborn of man, &c.] The price of their redemption is not fixed: perhaps in early times it varied (as offerings also did, Deuteronomy 16:10; Deuteronomy 16:16 f.), according to the position and circumstances of the father. In a later age, the price was fixed definitely at 5 shekels a head (Numbers 18:15, cf. Numbers 3:12; Numbers 8:18,—all P).
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 13:13
An ass - The ass could not be offered in sacrifice, being an unclean animal: possibly the only unclean animal domesticated among the Israelites at the time of the Exodus.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 13:13
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 13:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
That Unclean Donkey Is Yourself! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of redemption through the metaphor of the unclean donkey, which represents humanity's sinful nature. He explains that while the donkey is rig |
|
Without Fault Before the Throne of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, Pastor Dave encourages the congregation to seek cleansing and purity in their hearts. He emphasizes the importance of being able to stand before God and give an acc |
|
Attributes of God (Series 2): The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by recounting the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection. The disciples were initially discouraged and disheartened, b |
|
His Majestic Birth by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of God's love and its significance in the world. He emphasizes the depth and incomprehensibility of God's love, describing it as |
|
(Come Up Higher) the Spirit Will Lift Us Higher by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of discerning the spiritual condition of believers by asking their opinion on famous television preachers. He expresses gratitu |
|
Man's Response to God's Calling by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the importance of truly understanding what it means to follow the Lord. He questions whether believers are truly living by the life of Christ |
|
Gleanings From 144,000 by Danny Bond | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Revelation chapter 14, which contrasts the negative events of chapter 13 with the positive events of chapter 14. The speaker highlights the s |