Exodus 13:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when Pharaoh {H6547} would hardly {H7185} let us go {H7971}, that the LORD {H3068} slew {H2026} all the firstborn {H1060} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, both the firstborn {H1060} of man {H120}, and the firstborn {H1060} of beast {H929}: therefore I sacrifice {H2076} to the LORD {H3068} all that openeth {H6363} the matrix {H7358}, being males {H2145}; but all the firstborn {H1060} of my children {H1121} I redeem {H6299}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Pharaoh was unwilling to let us go, ADONAI killed all the firstborn males in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of humans and the firstborn of animals. This is why I sacrifice to ADONAI any male that is first from the womb of an animal, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.'

Berean Standard Bible

And 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.’

American Standard Version

and it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that Jehovah slew all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both the first-born of man, and the first-born of beast: therefore I sacrifice to Jehovah all that openeth the womb, being males; but all the first-born of my sons I redeem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 13:15 provides the foundational theological rationale for the perpetual law of the firstborn in Israel, directly linking this sacred obligation to the climactic tenth plague in Egypt. This verse powerfully articulates that Israel's liberation was secured by God's decisive, devastating judgment upon Egypt's firstborn, compelling Pharaoh to release His people. It establishes a lasting memorial of God's sovereign power, His unwavering commitment to His covenant, and the profound cost of Israel's freedom, underscoring the divine claim on all life and the necessity of redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a section (Exodus 13:1-16) that immediately follows the momentous [Passover institution](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover Institution") and the [actual Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12-31-39 "Exodus 12:31-39 - The Israelites Depart from Egypt"). Having just been miraculously set free, Israel receives God's instructions for remembering this pivotal event. The command to [consecrate every firstborn](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Command to Consecrate the Firstborn") was given at the outset of the chapter. Verse 15 then functions as a retrospective justification and theological explanation for that command, emphasizing the severity of the judgment that finally compelled Pharaoh to release Israel and the enduring significance of God's redemptive deliverance. It reinforces the "why" behind the "what," ensuring the practice is rooted in a profound historical and theological truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the firstborn son held a position of unparalleled preeminence, inheriting a double portion of the family's assets and assuming leadership responsibilities. Similarly, the firstborn of animals were highly valued as prime assets and often dedicated to deities. Therefore, the death of the firstborn was the most devastating blow imaginable to a household, representing the destruction of its future, strength, and continuity. For Egypt, the tenth plague was not merely an economic disaster but a direct assault on the very fabric of their society and their polytheistic religious beliefs, particularly Pharaoh's claim to divine sonship and the power of their patron gods. This plague demonstrated Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all Egyptian deities and their supposed protectors, unequivocally forcing Pharaoh's hand after his prolonged and stubborn resistance, as seen throughout [Exodus 7-11](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - The Plagues Begin").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 13:15 contributes significantly to several major themes present throughout the [Book of Exodus](/exodus "The Book of Exodus") and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **God's absolute sovereignty and power** over all creation, rulers, and even life and death, demonstrating His ability to deliver His people against overwhelming odds. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine justice and judgment**, showing that God acts decisively against oppression and rebellion, fulfilling His promises to His covenant people. Thirdly, the verse introduces and reinforces the **principle of redemption and substitution**, where something (or someone) is bought back or set free through a price or a substitute, a concept that will be developed throughout the Old Testament and find its ultimate fulfillment in the New. Finally, it emphasizes the **importance of remembrance and perpetual obedience**, ensuring that the foundational act of deliverance is never forgotten by future generations, as seen in the repeated commands to tell the story to their children (e.g., [Exodus 13:8](/exodus/13-8 "Exodus 13:8 - Tell Your Son")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 13:15 unpacks the profound theological "why" behind the specific cultic practices concerning the firstborn, directly linking them to the climactic event of the Exodus.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **firstborn (Hebrew, _bᵉkôwr_ H1060):** From the root `bâkar`, meaning "firstborn" or "chief." This term refers to the first offspring, whether human or animal, symbolizing the strength, prime, and future of a family or flock. God's claim on the firstborn signifies His ultimate ownership and sovereignty over all life, particularly that which represents the best and strongest. The death of Egypt's firstborn was a direct assault on their future and their most valued possessions, demonstrating Yahweh's power over all that was considered most precious.
* **slew (Hebrew, _hârag_ H2026):** A primitive root meaning "to smite with deadly intent," "to kill," or "to murder." This verb describes a decisive, violent, and fatal blow. Its use here emphasizes the direct, intentional, and powerful action of the LORD in executing judgment upon Egypt. It leaves no doubt about the divine origin and devastating impact of the tenth plague, highlighting God's direct involvement in the historical event.
* **redeem (Hebrew, _pâdâh_ H6299):** A primitive root meaning "to sever," "to ransom," or "to release/preserve by paying a price." This crucial verb signifies "to buy back" or "to set free by providing a substitute." In this context, it highlights that human firstborn, though belonging to God, were not to be sacrificed like animals but were to be bought back, pointing towards the sanctity of human life and establishing the profound biblical principle of substitutionary atonement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go":** This opening clause recalls Pharaoh's protracted and obstinate refusal to release Israel, despite the preceding nine plagues. The phrase "would hardly let us go" (literally, "hardened himself to send us away" or "was stiff-necked in sending us") underscores the intensity of his resistance and the divine hardening of his heart, making God's final, decisive judgment necessary to break his will and demonstrate His absolute power.
* **"that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast":** This is the core event that serves as the basis for the subsequent command. It explicitly states that the LORD Himself was the agent of this devastating judgment, not a natural disaster or a human army. The comprehensive nature of the plague—affecting both human and animal firstborn—demonstrated God's absolute power over all life and His complete triumph over Egypt's gods and economic stability. This act was the ultimate demonstration of God's justice and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.
* **"therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem":** This clause presents the direct consequence and divine command. Because God spared Israel's firstborn while striking Egypt's, Israel was obligated to acknowledge God's ownership of all firstborn. The distinction is crucial: the firstborn of clean animals were to be "sacrificed" (offered up) as an act of dedication to God, symbolizing their consecration. However, human firstborn males were to be "redeemed" (bought back) through a substitute or payment, underscoring the unique sanctity of human life and foreshadowing the broader biblical theme of redemption through a substitute.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 13:15 employs a clear **cause-and-effect structure** ("when Pharaoh...that the LORD slew...therefore I sacrifice/redeem"), directly linking the historical event of the tenth plague to the subsequent religious obligation. This structure emphasizes the divine rationale for the law of the firstborn. There is also a powerful **parallelism** in "the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast," which highlights the comprehensive and indiscriminate nature of God's judgment upon Egypt. Furthermore, the **contrast** between "sacrifice" (for animals) and "redeem" (for humans) is a significant literary and theological device. This antithesis underscores the unique value of human life in God's eyes and introduces the profound principle of substitutionary atonement, where a payment or substitute is required for human liberation, a concept central to the biblical narrative of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse teaches several profound theological truths that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **God's Absolute Sovereignty** over life and death, over nations, and over all creation. The LORD's decisive action in slaying the firstborn demonstrates that no earthly ruler, not even the mighty Pharaoh, can thwart His divine will or withstand His judgment. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Deliverance**, showing that God hears the cries of the oppressed and acts righteously to deliver His people from bondage. His judgment on Egypt was a just response to Pharaoh's stubborn oppression and a powerful act of salvation for Israel, fulfilling His covenant promises. Thirdly, the verse introduces and establishes the **Principle of Redemption**, where what belongs to God can be bought back or set free through a substitute. This concept is foundational to understanding God's relationship with humanity, where a price is paid for liberation from a state of bondage or claim. Finally, it underscores the **Importance of Remembrance and Perpetual Obedience**, as the practice of consecrating or redeeming the firstborn served as a tangible, perpetual memorial, ensuring that every generation of Israelites would remember God's mighty hand in their salvation and His enduring claim on their lives.

* [Exodus 12:29](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29 - The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn")
* [Numbers 3:11-13](/numbers/3-11-13 "Numbers 3:11-13 - The Levites as Redemption for the Firstborn")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 13:15 carries profound significance for believers today, inviting us to reflect deeply on God's character and our appropriate response to His redemptive work. Just as Israel was commanded to remember God's mighty act of deliverance from Egypt, we are called to remember God's faithfulness and mighty acts in our own lives and in the grand narrative of salvation history. Our worship, obedience, and gratitude should be rooted in a deep appreciation for what God has done to set us free from the bondage of sin and death. This verse reminds us that our spiritual freedom has a profound cost, a price paid by God Himself. Furthermore, the law of the firstborn signifies that the "first and best" of all we have belongs to God. This calls us to live lives of consecration, recognizing that our very existence, our abilities, and all our blessings are gifts from Him. It challenges us to offer our "firstfruits"—our time, talents, and resources—back to Him in gratitude and devoted service, not out of obligation, but out of love for the One who redeemed us. Finally, the distinction between sacrificing animals and redeeming humans highlights the sanctity of human life and the profound nature of redemption, pointing us to the ultimate redemption found in Christ, who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance (both biblical and personal) strengthen your faith in present challenges or times of doubt?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God claiming the "firstborn" challenge you to offer your "first and best" to Him in your daily life, rather than merely what is left over?**
* **How does the distinction between sacrificing animals and redeeming humans in this verse deepen your understanding of the sanctity of human life and the immeasurable cost of spiritual freedom?**

### FAQ
**Why did God kill the firstborn? Isn't that harsh?**

Answer: God's judgment on the firstborn was the climactic tenth plague, a targeted and sovereign act in response to Pharaoh's prolonged and defiant rebellion against God's command to "let my firstborn son go" ([Exodus 4:22-23](/exodus/4-22-23 "Exodus 4:22-23 - Israel is God's Firstborn Son")). This severe judgment was not arbitrary but was necessary to break Pharaoh's hardened will and secure the liberation of His chosen people, fulfilling His covenant promises. It was a demonstration of God's absolute power over all Egyptian gods and their supposed protectors, including Pharaoh himself, who was considered a divine son. This act underscored that God's justice is absolute, and He will act decisively to deliver His people and vindicate His holy name, even when it involves severe judgment on those who oppose Him.

**Why were *animals* also killed/sacrificed?**

Answer: The inclusion of animal firstborn in the judgment demonstrated the totality and comprehensiveness of God's judgment on Egypt. It affected their economic stability (livestock was crucial to their wealth and sustenance) and directly challenged their polytheistic religious system, as many Egyptian deities were animal-headed or associated with specific animals. Furthermore, the subsequent command to sacrifice the firstborn of clean animals to the LORD underscored that all life, both human and animal, ultimately belongs to Him, and that the first and best of all creation are to be consecrated to Him as a recognition of His ownership and provision.

**What's the difference between "sacrifice" and "redeem" here?**

Answer: The distinction between "sacrifice" and "redeem" is crucial and highlights the sanctity of human life in God's eyes. The "firstborn of beast" (specifically clean animals, as only they were suitable for sacrifice) were to be "sacrificed" (offered up) to the LORD, signifying their dedication and God's ownership. This act involved their death and burning on an altar. However, the "firstborn of my children" were to be "redeemed" (`pâdâh`), meaning they were to be bought back or ransomed through a substitute or a payment (later specified as five shekels in [Numbers 18:16](/numbers/18-16 "Numbers 18:16 - Redemption Price for Firstborn")). This practice affirmed that human life, though belonging to God, was not to be offered as a bloody sacrifice in the same manner as animals. Instead, a substitute was required, foreshadowing the ultimate substitutionary sacrifice of Christ for humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 13:15, with its profound emphasis on the redemption of the firstborn through a substitute, powerfully foreshadows the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Israel was designated as God's "firstborn son" among the nations ([Exodus 4:22](/exodus/4-22 "Exodus 4:22 - Israel, God's Firstborn Son")), Jesus is uniquely the "firstborn over all creation" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Firstborn of All Creation")), holding preeminence and embodying the strength and future of God's new creation. He is also the "firstborn from the dead" ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Firstborn from the Dead")), signifying His ultimate victory over death and His role as the pioneer of resurrection life for all who believe. The sparing of Israel's firstborn in Egypt was contingent on the blood of the Passover lamb applied to their doorposts ([Exodus 12:7](/exodus/12-7 "Exodus 12:7 - Blood on the Doorposts")). In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as "Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb")). His sinless life and sacrificial death on the cross serve as the ultimate substitute, providing atonement for our sins and freeing us from the spiritual death that is our just due. The Hebrew word `pâdâh` (redeem) finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. We, like the firstborn of Israel, were under a divine claim due to sin, destined for spiritual death and eternal separation from God. But Jesus, through His precious blood, paid the ultimate price to "redeem us from all lawlessness" ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Redeemed from All Lawlessness")) and bring us into God's family. Our redemption is "not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot" ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by the Blood of Christ")). Just as the firstborn were redeemed to serve the Lord, so too are believers redeemed to live for Christ, who bought them with an infinite price, now serving as "a kingdom and priests to our God" ([Revelation 5:10](/revelation/5-10 "Revelation 5:10 - A Kingdom and Priests")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 12:29

¶ And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that [was] in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.