Numbers 18:17
Numbers 18:17 in Multiple Translations
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.
But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not redeem; they are holy: thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat for an offering made by fire, for a sweet savour unto the LORD.
But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not redeem; they are holy: thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat for an offering made by fire, for a sweet savor unto Jehovah.
But no such payment may be made for the first birth of an ox or a sheep or a goat; these are holy: their blood is to be dropped on the altar, and their fat burned for an offering made by fire, a sweet smell to the Lord.
But you are not allowed to redeem the firstborn of an ox, a sheep, or a goat because they are holy. You shall sprinkle their blood on the altar, and burn their fat as a burnt offering accepted by the Lord.
But the first borne of a kow, or the first borne of a sheepe, or the first borne of a goate shalt thou not redeeme: for they are holy: thou shalt sprinkle their blood at the altar, and thou shalt burne their fat: it is a sacrifice made by fire for a sweete sauour vnto the Lord.
'Only, the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou dost not ransom, holy they [are]: their blood thou dost sprinkle on the altar, and of their fat thou makest perfume, a fire-offering of sweet fragrance to Jehovah,
“But you shall not redeem the firstborn of a cow, or the firstborn of a sheep, or the firstborn of a goat. They are holy. You shall sprinkle their blood on the altar, and shall burn their fat for an offering made by fire, for a pleasant aroma to the LORD.
But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not redeem; they are holy: thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat for an offering made by fire, for a sweet savor to the LORD.
But the firstling of a cow and of a sheep and of a goat thou shalt not cause to be redeemed, because they are sanctified to the Lord. Their blood only thou shalt pour upon the altar, and their fat thou shalt burn for a most sweet odour to the Lord.
“But they are not permitted to buy back the firstborn cattle or sheep or goats. They are holy and have been set apart for me. Slaughter them and sprinkle their blood on the altar. Then completely burn the fat of those animals on the altar to be an offering to me. The smell as they burn will be very pleasing to me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 18:17
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.
Numbers 18:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַ֣ךְ
בְּֽכוֹר
שׁ֡וֹר
אֽוֹ
בְכ֨וֹר
כֶּ֜שֶׂב
אֽוֹ
בְכ֥וֹר
עֵ֛ז
לֹ֥א
תִפְדֶּ֖ה
קֹ֣דֶשׁ
הֵ֑ם
אֶת
דָּמָ֞/ם
תִּזְרֹ֤ק
עַל
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֨חַ֙
וְ/אֶת
חֶלְבָּ֣/ם
תַּקְטִ֔יר
אִשֶּׁ֛ה
לְ/רֵ֥יחַ
נִיחֹ֖חַ
לַֽ/יהוָֽה
אַ֣ךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
בְּֽכוֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
N-ms
שׁ֡וֹר
shôwr
H7794
cattle
N-ms
אֽוֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
בְכ֨וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
N-ms
כֶּ֜שֶׂב
keseb
H3775
sheep
N-ms
אֽוֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
בְכ֥וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
N-ms
עֵ֛ז
ʻêz
H5795
goat
N-fs
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִפְדֶּ֖ה
pâdâh
H6299
to ransom
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
קֹ֣דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
N-ms
הֵ֑ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דָּמָ֞/ם
dâm
H1818
blood
N-ms | Suff
תִּזְרֹ֤ק
zâraq
H2236
to scatter
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֨חַ֙
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Art | N-ms
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
חֶלְבָּ֣/ם
cheleb
H2459
fat
N-ms | Suff
תַּקְטִ֔יר
qâṭar
H6999
to offer
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
אִשֶּׁ֛ה
ʼishshâh
H801
food offering
N-ms
לְ/רֵ֥יחַ
rêyach
H7381
aroma
Prep | N-ms
נִיחֹ֖חַ
nîychôwach
H5207
soothing
N-ms
לַֽ/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.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 18:17
אַ֣ךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
בְּֽכוֹר
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.
שׁ֡וֹר
shôwr
H7794
"cattle"
N-ms
This word refers to cattle, like oxen or bulls, used for work, food, or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) ox, bull, a head of cattle 1a) for plowing, for food, as sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: tor (תּוֹר "bullock" H8450)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: bull(-ock), cow, ox, wall (by mistake for H7791 (שׁוּר)). See also: Genesis 32:6; Deuteronomy 15:19; Psalms 69:32.
אֽוֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
בְכ֨וֹר
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.
כֶּ֜שֶׂב
keseb
H3775
"sheep"
N-ms
A keseb is a young sheep, like a lamb or a young ram. It is often translated as lamb in the KJV Bible.
Definition: lamb, young ram, sheep
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: lamb. See also: Genesis 30:32; Leviticus 4:35; Deuteronomy 14:4.
אֽוֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
בְכ֥וֹר
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.
עֵ֛ז
ʻêz
H5795
"goat"
N-fs
Refers to a female goat, often translated as she-goat or kid, and is also related to goat's hair in the Bible.
Definition: female goat, she-goat, goat, kid Aramaic equivalent: ez (עֵז "goat" H5796)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (she) goat, kid. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 7:58; Proverbs 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.
קֹ֣דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
הֵ֑ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דָּמָ֞/ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-ms | Suff
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
תִּזְרֹ֤ק
zâraq
H2236
"to scatter"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To scatter or sprinkle something, like in Leviticus 16:14 where the priest scatters blood on the altar. This act symbolizes purification and cleansing.
Definition: 1) to scatter, sprinkle, toss, throw, scatter abundantly, strew 1a) (Qal) to scatter, sprinkle, toss 1b) (Pual) to be sprinkled
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: be here and there, scatter, sprinkle, strew. See also: Exodus 9:8; Leviticus 9:18; Isaiah 28:25.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֨חַ֙
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Art | N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חֶלְבָּ֣/ם
cheleb
H2459
"fat"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, cheleb refers to fat, whether literal or figurative, representing the richest or best part of something. It can describe the choicest products of the land or the best of human or animal fat. This term is used to convey abundance and richness.
Definition: 1) fat 1a) fat (of humans) 1b) fat (of beasts) 1c) choicest, best part, abundance (of products of the land)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow. See also: Genesis 4:4; Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 17:10.
תַּקְטִ֔יר
qâṭar
H6999
"to offer"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
This word refers to the act of burning incense as an act of worship, often using a special altar. It involves turning something into a fragrant smoke, and is an important part of Old Testament rituals and sacrifices.
Definition: : burn v 1) to sacrifice, burn incense, burn sacrifices, make sacrifices smoke 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to make sacrifices smoke 1a2) to sacrifice 1b) (Pual) to smoke a sacrifice 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make sacrifices smoke 1c2) to cause incense to smoke, offer incense 1c3) to make smoke upon 1d) (Hophal) to be made to smoke
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice). See also: Exodus 29:13; 2 Kings 15:35; Isaiah 65:3.
אִשֶּׁ֛ה
ʼishshâh
H801
"food offering"
N-ms
An ishshah is a food offering or sacrifice given to God, often by fire or eaten by priests, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: food offering, offering given to God by fire or eaten by priests, sacrificial offering
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: (offering, sacrifice), (made) by fire. See also: Exodus 29:18; Leviticus 21:6; 1 Samuel 2:28.
לְ/רֵ֥יחַ
rêyach
H7381
"aroma"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pleasant aroma or fragrance, often associated with sacrifices to God. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe the soothing smell of offerings, and appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) scent, fragrance, aroma, odour 1a) scent, odour 1b) odour of soothing (technical term for sacrifice to God) Aramaic equivalent: re.ach (רֵיחַ "smell" H7382)
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: savour, scent, smell. See also: Genesis 8:21; Numbers 15:14; Jeremiah 48:11.
נִיחֹ֖חַ
nîychôwach
H5207
"soothing"
N-ms
A soothing or pleasant feeling, like the peace that comes from trusting in God. In the Bible, it is used to describe the sweet smell of incense or the delight of being in God's presence.
Definition: soothing, quieting, tranquillising Aramaic equivalent: ni.cho.ach (נִיחוֹחַ "soothing" H5208)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: sweet (odour). See also: Genesis 8:21; Numbers 15:3; Ezekiel 20:41.
לַֽ/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 — Numbers 18:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Offerings for Priests and Levites
15The 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.
16You 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.
17But you must not redeem the firstborn of an ox, a sheep, or a goat; they are holy. You are to splatter their blood on the altar and burn their fat as a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
18And their meat belongs to you, just as the breast and right thigh of the wave offering belong to you. 19All the holy offerings that the Israelites present to the LORD I give to you and to your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. It is a permanent covenant of salt before the LORD for you and your offspring.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 29:16 | You are to slaughter the ram, take its blood, and sprinkle it on all sides of the altar. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 15:19–22 | 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. Each year you and your household are to eat it before the LORD your God in the place the LORD will choose. But if an animal has a defect, is lame or blind, or has any serious flaw, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God. Eat it within your gates; both the ceremonially unclean and clean may eat it as they would a gazelle or a deer. |
| 3 | Leviticus 3:2–5 | He is to lay his hand on the head of the offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood on all sides of the altar. From the peace offering he is to bring an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys. Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. |
Numbers 18:17 Summary
This verse, Numbers 18:17, is talking about how the firstborn animals of certain kinds, like oxen, sheep, and goats, were considered special and belonged to God. These animals were to be given to God as a sacrifice, and their blood was to be sprinkled on the altar, which was a way of symbolizing the forgiveness of sins (as seen in Leviticus 17:11). This practice was a way of acknowledging God's sovereignty over all of creation, and it points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would give His life to forgive our sins (as seen in John 1:29). By giving God the first and the best, we can express our gratitude and worship to Him, and make our lives a 'pleasing aroma' to Him, just like the sweet smell of the burning fat in this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the firstborn of certain animals considered holy and not to be redeemed?
The firstborn of an ox, a sheep, or a goat were considered holy because they were to be offered to the Lord as a sacrifice, as stated in Numbers 18:17, and this was a way of acknowledging God's sovereignty over all of creation, as seen in Psalm 24:1.
What was the purpose of sprinkling the blood of these animals on the altar?
The purpose of sprinkling the blood on the altar was to make atonement for the people, as seen in Leviticus 17:11, and to symbolize the forgiveness of sins that would ultimately be fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as stated in Hebrews 9:22.
How did the fat of these animals being burned as an offering relate to the concept of a pleasing aroma to the Lord?
The burning of the fat as an offering was a way of expressing worship and gratitude to God, and the pleasing aroma that resulted was a symbol of the sweetness of obedience and sacrifice, as seen in Genesis 8:21 and Ephesians 5:2.
What is the significance of the firstborn animals being holy and not redeemable?
The significance of the firstborn animals being holy and not redeemable emphasizes the importance of giving God the first and the best, as seen in Proverbs 3:9-10, and recognizes His sovereignty over all of creation, as stated in Psalm 50:10-11.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to give God the 'first and the best' in my own life, and how can I apply this principle in my daily decisions?
- How can I, like the Israelites, express my gratitude to God through sacrifice and obedience, and what are some ways I can make my life a 'pleasing aroma' to Him?
- In what ways can I acknowledge God's sovereignty over all of creation, and how can I reflect His glory in my own life and relationships?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to 'redeem' or take control, rather than surrendering to God's will, and how can I surrender these areas to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 18:17
But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not redeem,.... That is, shalt not take the redemption price for them, but the creatures themselves;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 18:17
But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not redeem; they are holy: thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat for
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 18:17
They are holy, to wit, in a peculiar manner, and higher degree than other beasts, consecrated to a holy use, even to be sacrificed unto God, and not to be redeemed nor alienated to any other use. Compare .
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 18:17
8–20. The priests’ dues. These are as follows: (a) All meal-, sin-, and guilt-offerings, with the exception of those parts which are burnt on the altar, i.e. given to God. These may be eaten by any male member of the priestly families ‘in a very holy place’ (Numbers 18:9-10). (b) Those portions of a ‘gift’ (i.e. a peace-offering) which are not eaten by the worshipper himself, nor given to God by being burnt on the altar; the priests’ portions thus consisted of the ‘contribution,’ including that part of it called the ‘wave-offering.’ These may be eaten by any member, male or female, of the priestly families, who is free from ceremonial pollution (Numbers 18:11). The fact that females might eat it implies that it might be eaten anywhere outside the sacred precincts, into which no female was admitted, (c) All the best of the fresh oil, wine, and corn (further defined as ‘the first’ of them), and the first-ripe fruits. These may be eaten by the same persons as in (b) (Numbers 18:12-13). (d) Every ‘devoted’ thing (Numbers 18:14). (e) The first-born of all clean cattle (Numbers 18:15 a), with the exception of the blood and fat which were given to God (Numbers 18:17). (f) The five shekels paid for the redemption of the first-born of men, and the redemption price (amount not stated) of the first-born of unclean beasts (Numbers 18:15 b, Numbers 18:16).
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 18:17
17. Thou shalt not redeem, nor give as a substitute, (Leviticus 27:10,) nor use for thy own profit by deriving labour from the bullock or the fleece from the sheep. Deuteronomy 15:19.