Exodus 22:30

KJV

Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, [and] with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with his dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Likewise {H3651} shalt thou do {H6213} with thine oxen {H7794}, and with thy sheep {H6629}: seven {H7651} days {H3117} it shall be with his dam {H517}; on the eighth {H8066} day {H3117} thou shalt give {H5414} it me.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to do the same with your oxen and your sheep - it is to stay with its mother seven days, and on the eighth day you are to give it to me.

Berean Standard Bible

You shall do likewise with your cattle and your sheep. Let them stay with their mothers for seven days, but on the eighth day you are to give them to Me.

American Standard Version

Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, and with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with its dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 22:30 outlines a specific divine command regarding the consecration of firstborn livestock, mandating that newborn oxen and sheep remain with their mothers for seven days before being presented to the Lord on the eighth day. This instruction is a precise regulation within the broader framework of God's claims on the first and best of His people's increase, underscoring the principle of divine ownership, the importance of timely dedication, and the symbolic significance of new beginnings within the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It highlights the sanctity of life and the necessity of offering that which is pure and fully developed to the Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the "Book of the Covenant," a comprehensive legal code delivered by God to Moses immediately following the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, spanning from [Exodus 20:22](/exodus/20-22 "Exodus 20:22 - The Altar and Worship") to [Exodus 23:33](/exodus/23-33 "Exodus 23:33 - Covenant Obedience and Promise"). These statutes serve to elaborate upon the foundational covenant principles, providing practical guidance for Israel's communal, ethical, and religious life as a holy nation. Specifically, [Exodus 22:30](/exodus/22-30 "Exodus 22:30 - Consecration of Firstborn Animals") directly follows the command concerning the dedication of firstfruits and firstborn sons in [Exodus 22:29](/exodus/22-29 "Exodus 22:29 - Firstfruits and Firstborn") and precedes further instructions on social justice and various offerings. It is part of a series of regulations that meticulously define Israel's obligations to God and to one another, emphasizing holiness, proper worship, and the recognition of God's sovereignty over all life and prosperity. The broader theological context of firstborn dedication is established earlier in the narrative, particularly after the climactic Passover event in [Exodus 13](/exodus/13 "Exodus 13 - Consecration of the Firstborn"), where God claimed all firstborn as His own due to their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the practice of dedicating the firstborn—whether of humans, animals, or crops—was a widespread custom, often performed as an act of thanksgiving, appeasement, or propitiation to various deities. However, Israel's practice, as commanded by Yahweh, was distinct and uniquely rooted in God's redemptive act during the Passover. It was a direct consequence of God's "passing over" the firstborn of Israel while striking down the firstborn of Egypt, as recounted in [Exodus 12:29](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29 - The Tenth Plague"). This foundational event established God's unique and exclusive claim on Israel's firstborn as a perpetual sign of their deliverance and His covenant ownership. Livestock, particularly oxen and sheep, were not merely animals but central pillars of Israel's agrarian economy and a primary measure of wealth. The command to dedicate the firstborn of these valuable animals on the eighth day was both practical and deeply symbolic. Practically, it ensured the animal was robust enough to survive independently, having received vital maternal nourishment and care for a full week. Symbolically, the eighth day often marked a new cycle or a fresh beginning, as prominently seen in the practice of circumcision on the [eighth day](/genesis/17-12 "Genesis 17:12 - Circumcision on the Eighth Day"), signifying entry into the covenant and a new, consecrated status. This timing also ensured the animal's ritual purity and viability for sacrifice or priestly sustenance.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 22:30 significantly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes found throughout the Book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Ownership and Sovereignty**. By claiming the firstborn of all increase—human, animal, and agricultural—God unequivocally asserts His ultimate dominion over all creation and His people's prosperity. This command serves as a constant reminder that all blessings flow from Him. Closely related is the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**. What is "given to me" (God) is thereby set apart as sacred, emphasizing the call for Israel to be a holy nation, distinct from others, dedicated entirely to Yahweh. The specific timing of the "eighth day" introduces the profound theme of **New Beginnings and Covenant Renewal**. This motif, also present in the circumcision covenant ([Genesis 17:12](/genesis/17-12 "Genesis 17:12 - Circumcision on the Eighth Day")) and the consecration of priests ([Leviticus 8:33](/leviticus/8-33 "Leviticus 8:33 - Consecration of Priests")), suggests that true dedication inaugurates a fresh start and a renewed state of relationship with God. Finally, the verse reinforces the broader **Principle of Firstfruits**, which permeates Mosaic Law, demanding that the initial and best produce be offered to God as an act of worship and trust, acknowledging His provision and anticipating His continued blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Likewise (Hebrew, _kên'_):** From H3651, meaning "set upright," this adverb functions to connect the current command to the preceding one concerning firstborn sons and firstfruits (Exodus 22:29). It signifies that the same principle of dedication applies consistently across different categories of firstborn. This continuity emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's claim and the unified principle of offering the "first and best" of all increase to Him.
* **dam (Hebrew, _ʼêm'_):** From H517, a primitive word meaning "mother" (as the bond of the family). In this context, "dam" refers specifically to the mother animal. The instruction that the newborn remain with its dam for seven days highlights the importance of the natural nurturing process. This period ensures the young animal receives vital nourishment, develops strength, and reaches a state of health and viability before being consecrated to the Lord. It underscores God's concern for the well-being of His creation, even in the context of sacrifice.
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414, a primitive root with a wide range of applications, meaning "to give, put, make, etc." Here, it signifies the act of presenting or dedicating the firstborn animal to the Lord. This "giving" is not merely a transfer of ownership but an act of worship and obedience, acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty and His prior claim on all life. It implies a formal act of consecration, setting the animal apart for sacred purposes, whether for sacrifice, redemption, or priestly sustenance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, [and] with thy sheep":** This opening clause extends the divine mandate from the firstborn of humans and agricultural produce (as mentioned in the preceding verse) to include the firstborn of all significant livestock—large cattle (oxen) and small livestock (sheep). It underscores the comprehensive nature of God's claim on the "first and best" of all increase within Israel's economy, signifying that no valuable asset is exempt from His ultimate ownership and the requirement of dedication.
* **"seven days it shall be with his dam":** This instruction specifies a crucial seven-day period during which the newborn animal must remain with its mother. This duration is vital for the animal's physical development, ensuring it gains sufficient strength and health to be presented. Theologically, the number seven, often symbolizing completion or perfection in biblical thought, indicates that the animal must reach a state of full vitality and readiness before it can be consecrated to the Lord. This period also ensures the animal is unblemished and fit for its sacred purpose.
* **"on the eighth day thou shalt give it me":** This final clause dictates the precise timing for the animal's consecration. The act of "giving it me" signifies its dedication to the Lord, whether for sacrifice, as a redemption offering, or for the sustenance of the priesthood. The "eighth day" holds profound symbolic weight, marking a new beginning, a fresh cycle, or a transition into a consecrated, holy state. This timing aligns with other biblical practices, such as circumcision and priestly consecration, emphasizing a new phase of existence now set apart exclusively for God.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 22:30 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and reinforce its theological significance. The most prominent is **Legal Formula**, evident in the prescriptive and imperative language ("shalt thou do," "shalt give"). This direct, authoritative tone is characteristic of covenant stipulations throughout the Book of the Covenant, emphasizing the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of the command. **Symbolism** is profoundly present, particularly through the numerical motifs of "seven" and "eight." Seven signifies completion, perfection, and a full cycle, indicating the animal's full development and readiness. Eight, immediately following seven, powerfully symbolizes new beginnings, resurrection, or a new creation, marking the transition into a consecrated state of dedication to God. This numerical symbolism links the animal's dedication to broader biblical themes of renewal and covenant entry. Furthermore, the verse functions as a specific application of the broader **Principle of Firstfruits**, reiterating God's inherent claim on the initial and best produce of all kinds—human, animal, and agricultural. This repetition reinforces a core theological concept that permeates the Mosaic Law, highlighting God's sovereignty and Israel's dependent relationship with Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 22:30 is a profound articulation of the theological principle of divine ownership, asserting God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation and the increase He grants to His people. By commanding the dedication of the firstborn, God continually reminds Israel that their prosperity, their very lives, and all their blessings are not earned but are gracious gifts from Him. This act of giving the first and best is far more than a mere ritual; it is a tangible acknowledgment of His provision and a vibrant demonstration of unwavering trust in His continued faithfulness. The command also powerfully underscores the theme of holiness and consecration; that which is "given to me" (God) is thereby set apart as sacred, distinct from the common, and dedicated for His purposes. The recurrent "eighth day" motif further links this command to pervasive biblical themes of new life, spiritual renewal, and covenant inauguration, suggesting that true dedication initiates a fresh, consecrated start in one's relationship with the living God.

* [Deuteronomy 15:19-20](/deuteronomy/15-19-20 "Deuteronomy 15:19-20 - Consecration of Firstborn Animals")
* [Leviticus 22:27](/leviticus/22-27 "Leviticus 22:27 - Age Requirement for Sacrificial Animals")
* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honoring God with Your Substance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal practice of dedicating firstborn animals is not observed in Christian worship today, the enduring spiritual principles embedded in Exodus 22:30 remain profoundly relevant and transformative for believers. This verse challenges us to fundamentally re-evaluate our understanding of ownership, serving as a powerful reminder that everything we possess—our time, our unique talents, our material resources, and indeed, our very lives—ultimately belongs to God. It calls us to cultivate a "firstfruits" mentality, prompting us to dedicate the best and freshest of ourselves to Him, rather than offering Him only what is left over, convenient, or easily spared. This principle can manifest in tangible ways: prioritizing prayer and diligent Bible study at the very beginning of our day, faithfully giving our initial income as an act of worship and trust, or dedicating our freshest energy and most creative efforts to serving others and advancing God's kingdom. Embracing the rich symbolism of the "eighth day," we are continually invited to embrace new beginnings in our walk with Christ, recommitting ourselves to Him daily and living a life purposefully consecrated for His divine purposes. This consistent act of faith-filled giving and wholehearted dedication not only builds profound trust in God's unfailing provision but also deepens our reliance on His boundless grace and sovereign care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of divine ownership articulated in Exodus 22:30 challenge my current understanding of personal possessions and financial resources?**
* **Beyond financial contributions, in what practical and meaningful ways can I apply the "firstfruits" principle to my daily life, dedicating my best to God?**
* **What does the "eighth day" symbolism teach me about the nature of new beginnings and the importance of continuous, renewed dedication in my spiritual walk with Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why did the animal have to stay with its mother for seven days?**

Answer: The seven-day period mandated for the newborn animal to remain with its mother was primarily a practical requirement to ensure its physical health and viability. This duration allowed the animal to gain essential strength, receive vital nourishment from its dam, and develop sufficiently to survive independently. This was crucial to ensure that the offering presented to God was unblemished, healthy, and fit for its sacred purpose. The number seven also carries significant symbolic weight in biblical numerology, often representing completion, perfection, or a full cycle. Thus, the seven days indicate that the animal had reached a state of readiness and vitality before being set apart for the Lord. This aligns with other Mosaic laws, such as the requirement in [Leviticus 22:27](/leviticus/22-27 "Leviticus 22:27 - Age Requirement for Sacrificial Animals") that an animal must be at least seven days old to be accepted as a sacrifice.

**What is the significance of the "eighth day" in biblical thought?**

Answer: The "eighth day" holds profound and multifaceted significance in biblical symbolism, consistently representing new beginnings, resurrection, and a new creation. Following a complete week (seven days), the eighth day signifies a transition into a new cycle, a consecrated state, or a fresh start beyond the previous order. This symbolism is most famously seen in the practice of circumcision for male infants on the [eighth day](/genesis/17-12 "Genesis 17:12 - Circumcision on the Eighth Day"), marking their entry into the Abrahamic covenant and a new relationship with God. The eighth day also powerfully foreshadows the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the first day of the week (which can be seen as the "eighth day" after the seven days of creation), inaugurating a [new creation](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - In Christ, a New Creation") and establishing the [new covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant") through His atoning work. For the firstborn animals, it marked their setting apart as holy to the Lord, entering a new status of dedication and consecration.

**Does this command apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While Christians are not required to literally offer firstborn animals as sacrifices under the New Covenant, the profound underlying spiritual principles of Exodus 22:30 remain profoundly relevant and applicable. The command teaches us fundamental truths about [divine ownership](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's") (all we have, including our very lives, ultimately belongs to God), the importance of offering our "first and best" (a "firstfruits" principle) rather than merely our leftovers, and the concept of [consecration](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice") (setting ourselves apart entirely for God's holy purposes). It encourages a lifestyle characterized by radical trust in God's unfailing provision and a willing dedication of our most valuable assets—our time, talents, and material resources—to Him, acknowledging His supreme sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness. This principle transforms from a ritualistic obligation to a relational expression of worship and devotion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 22:30, with its specific emphasis on the firstborn and the "eighth day" dedication, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who was sacrificed, perfectly embodying the unblemished, consecrated offering required by God, taking away the sin of the world. More profoundly, Jesus is revealed as the [firstborn over all creation](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Firstborn of All Creation"), signifying His preeminence, His unique relationship with the Father, and His role as the source and sustainer of all things. He is also the [firstborn from the dead](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Firstborn from the Dead"), signifying His triumph over sin and death and His inauguration of a new spiritual reality for all who believe. His resurrection on the [first day of the week](/luke/24-1 "Luke 24:1 - The Resurrection on the First Day of the Week"), often understood as the "eighth day," marks the ultimate new beginning, the dawn of a new creation in Him. Through Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice and His triumphant resurrection, the need for animal offerings is completely fulfilled and superseded. Believers are now brought into a [new covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant"), where their own lives are to be presented as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")), holy and acceptable to God, consecrated to Him through their vital union with Christ. Thus, the ancient principle of divine ownership and timely dedication is transformed from a ritualistic command into a profound relational reality, lived out in Christ.

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

Leviticus 22:27

When a bullock, or a sheep, or a goat, is brought forth, then it shall be seven days under the dam; and from the eighth day and thenceforth it shall be accepted for an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Deuteronomy 15:19

¶ All the firstling males that come of thy herd and of thy flock thou shalt sanctify unto the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work with the firstling of thy bullock, nor shear the firstling of thy sheep.

Leviticus 12:3

And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.

Exodus 13:12

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.