King James Version

What Does Exodus 13:15 Mean?

Exodus 13:15 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, bot... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 13:15 · KJV


Context

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

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.

16

And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.

17

And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The historical recitation 'when Pharaoh would hardly let us go' recalls Egyptian resistance. The judgment 'the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt' included both human and beast, demonstrating comprehensive divine sovereignty. The conclusion 'therefore I sacrifice' and 'redeem' shows that practice rooted in history maintains meaning. Present obedience flows from past deliverance—gratitude, not merit, motivates worship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This formulaic answer became part of Jewish Passover liturgy. Reciting redemption history to each generation ensured corporate memory persisted across centuries.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does regularly rehearsing God's past deliverances strengthen faith for present challenges?
  2. What does grounding worship in specific historical events rather than abstract principles teach about biblical faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 29
H1961

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

כִּֽי2 of 29
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִקְשָׁ֣ה3 of 29

would hardly

H7185

properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)

פַרְעֹה֮4 of 29

And it came to pass when Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

לְשַׁלְּחֵנוּ֒5 of 29

let us go

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וַיַּֽהֲרֹ֨ג6 of 29

slew

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

לַֽיהוָ֗ה7 of 29

that the LORD

H3068

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

כָּל8 of 29
H3605

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

בְּכ֥וֹר9 of 29

all the firstborn

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ10 of 29

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֔יִם11 of 29

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בְּכ֥וֹר12 of 29

all the firstborn

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

אָדָ֖ם13 of 29

of man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וְעַד14 of 29
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בְּכ֥וֹר15 of 29

all the firstborn

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

בְּהֵמָ֑ה16 of 29

of beast

H929

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

עַל17 of 29
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּן֩18 of 29
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אֲנִ֨י19 of 29
H589

i

זֹבֵ֜חַ20 of 29

therefore I sacrifice

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

לַֽיהוָ֗ה21 of 29

that the LORD

H3068

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

כָּל22 of 29
H3605

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

פֶּ֤טֶר23 of 29

all that openeth

H6363

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

רֶ֙חֶם֙24 of 29

the matrix

H7358

the womb

הַזְּכָרִ֔ים25 of 29

being males

H2145

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

וְכָל26 of 29
H3605

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

בְּכ֥וֹר27 of 29

all the firstborn

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

בָּנַ֖י28 of 29

of my children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֶפְדֶּֽה׃29 of 29

I redeem

H6299

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve


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 13:15 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 13:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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