King James Version

What Does Numbers 18:15 Mean?

Numbers 18:15 in the King James Version says “Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall ... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem.

Numbers 18:15 · KJV


Context

13

And whatsoever is first ripe in the land, which they shall bring unto the LORD, shall be thine; every one that is clean in thine house shall eat of it.

14

Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine.

15

Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem.

16

And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs.

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 an offering made by fire, for a sweet savour unto the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem. The peter rechem (פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם, "that which opens the womb")—every firstborn—belonged to God by right of Passover redemption when He spared Israel's firstborn while striking Egypt's (Exodus 13:2, 11-15).

However, God distinguished between clean and unclean, human and animal. Firstborn humans required redemption (padoh tiph'deh, פָּדֹה תִפְדֶּה, "you shall surely redeem")—they couldn't serve as priests or sacrifices but must be bought back. Similarly, firstborn of unclean animals (donkeys, camels, etc.) must be redeemed or killed, not sacrificed. In contrast, firstborn of clean animals (cattle, sheep, goats—verse 17) were sacrificed, not redeemed.

This system taught substitutionary atonement—something valuable must be given to release what belongs to God. Every Israelite family constantly remembered that their eldest son's life had been bought back through priestly mediation. This pointed forward to Christ's redemption—He who knew no sin became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21), the ultimate substitutionary sacrifice redeeming all who believe.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The redemption price was five shekels (verse 16), payable when the child reached one month old (establishing viability). This practice continued throughout Israel's history. Luke 2:22-24 describes Jesus's presentation at the temple with Mary's purification offering, though the text doesn't explicitly mention the five-shekel redemption payment (possibly because as God's Son, He ultimately wasn't 'redeemed' but came to redeem). Modern Jewish practice continues Pidyon HaBen (redemption of the firstborn) ceremonies where Orthodox families 'redeem' firstborn sons from a Kohen (descendant of Aaron) using silver coins.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the requirement to redeem firstborn sons keep the gospel of substitutionary atonement before families constantly?
  2. What does it mean that you belong to God by right of redemption and must be 'bought back' through Christ's blood?
  3. How should remembering that your life was purchased at infinite cost affect your daily priorities and choices?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
כָּל1 of 23
H3605

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

פֶּ֣טֶר2 of 23

Every thing that openeth

H6363

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

רֶ֠חֶם3 of 23

the matrix

H7358

the womb

לְֽכָל4 of 23
H3605

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

בָּשָׂ֞ר5 of 23

in all flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

אֲשֶׁר6 of 23
H834

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

יַקְרִ֧יבוּ7 of 23

which they bring

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לַֽיהוָ֛ה8 of 23

unto the LORD

H3068

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

הָֽאָדָ֔ם9 of 23

of man

H120

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

הַבְּהֵמָ֥ה10 of 23

beasts

H929

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

יִֽהְיֶה11 of 23
H1961

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

לָּ֑ךְ12 of 23
H0
אַ֣ךְ׀13 of 23
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

תִּפְדֶּֽה׃14 of 23

redeem

H6299

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

תִּפְדֶּֽה׃15 of 23

redeem

H6299

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

אֵ֚ת16 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּכֽוֹר17 of 23

and the firstling

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

הָֽאָדָ֔ם18 of 23

of man

H120

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

וְאֵ֛ת19 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּכֽוֹר20 of 23

and the firstling

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

הַבְּהֵמָ֥ה21 of 23

beasts

H929

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

הַטְּמֵאָ֖ה22 of 23

of unclean

H2931

foul in a religious sense

תִּפְדֶּֽה׃23 of 23

redeem

H6299

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Numbers 18:15 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 Numbers 18:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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