King James Version

What Does Exodus 13:12 Mean?

Exodus 13:12 in the King James Version says “That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which th... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. set: Heb. cause to pass over

Exodus 13:12 · KJV


Context

10

Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year.

11

And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,

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. set: Heb. cause to pass over

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. lamb: or, kid

14

And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage: in: Heb. to morrow


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command to 'set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix' uses the same verb (avar, עָבַר) as 'pass over'—dedicating firstborn to God. The phrase 'every firstling that cometh of a beast' extends to livestock. The declaration 'the males shall be the LORD's' specifies gender—males represented strength and primary value in agrarian culture. Giving firstborn/firstlings acknowledges God's ownership of all.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This law created ongoing tribute to God for exodus deliverance. Firstborn animals were sacrificed; firstborn sons were redeemed with payment (Numbers 18:15-16).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does dedicating 'all that openeth the womb' teach that God deserves the first and best, not leftovers?
  2. What does God's claim on the firstborn teach about His rightful ownership of everything you have?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהַֽעֲבַרְתָּ֥1 of 14

That thou shalt set apart

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

כָל2 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

פֶּ֣טֶר׀3 of 14

all that openeth

H6363

a fissure, i.e., (concretely) firstling (as opening the matrix)

רֶ֖חֶם4 of 14

the matrix

H7358

the womb

לַֽיהוָֽה׃5 of 14

shall be the LORD'S

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְכָל6 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

פֶּ֣טֶר׀7 of 14

all that openeth

H6363

a fissure, i.e., (concretely) firstling (as opening the matrix)

שֶׁ֣גֶר8 of 14

that cometh

H7698

the ftus (as finally expelled)

בְּהֵמָ֗ה9 of 14

of a beast

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר10 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה11 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְךָ֛12 of 14
H0
הַזְּכָרִ֖ים13 of 14

which thou hast the males

H2145

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

לַֽיהוָֽה׃14 of 14

shall be the LORD'S

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 13:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 13:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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