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 details God's command regarding the consecration of firstborn oxen and sheep, stipulating that these animals must remain with their mothers for seven days and then be presented to the Lord on the eighth day. This instruction underscores the principle of divine ownership over all firstborn, emphasizing the importance of timely dedication, purity, and the symbolic significance of new beginnings in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It is a precise regulation within the broader framework of God's claims on the first and best of His people's increase.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "Book of the Covenant" (`/exodus/20-22` to `/exodus/23-33`), a collection of legal statutes given by God to Moses immediately following the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. These laws elaborate on the foundational principles of the covenant, providing practical guidance for Israel's communal, ethical, and religious life. Specifically, Exodus 22:30 directly follows the command concerning the dedication of firstfruits and firstborn sons ([Exodus 22:29](/exodus/22-29 "Exodus 22:29 - Firstfruits and Firstborn")) and precedes further instructions on social justice and offerings. It is part of a series of regulations that define Israel's obligations to God and to one another, emphasizing holiness and proper worship. The broader context of firstborn dedication is established earlier in the narrative, particularly after the Passover event ([Exodus 13](/exodus/13 "Exodus 13 - Consecration of the Firstborn")) where God claimed all firstborn as His own due to their deliverance from Egypt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of dedicating the firstborn of humans, animals, and crops was a widespread practice, often seen as an act of thanksgiving or appeasement to deities. However, Israel's practice, as commanded by Yahweh, was distinct. It was rooted in God's redemptive act during the Passover, where He "passed over" the firstborn of Israel while striking down the firstborn of Egypt ([Exodus 12:29](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29 - The Tenth Plague")). This event established God's unique claim on Israel's firstborn as a sign of their deliverance and His covenant ownership. Livestock, particularly oxen and sheep, were central to Israel's agrarian economy and wealth. The command to dedicate the firstborn of these valuable animals on the eighth day ensured that the animal was strong enough to survive independently, and it also carried significant symbolic weight. The eighth day often marked a new cycle or beginning, as seen in the practice of circumcision ([Genesis 17:12](/genesis/17-12 "Genesis 17:12 - Circumcision on the Eighth Day")), signifying entry into the covenant and a fresh start. This timing also ensured the animal was ritually pure and viable for sacrifice or priestly sustenance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"dam" (Hebrew, _ʾimmo_):** The King James Version's use of "dam" refers to the mother animal. The Hebrew term `אִמּוֹ` (`ʾimmo`) literally means "its mother." This emphasizes the natural nurturing period, ensuring the young animal receives vital nourishment and care during its most vulnerable stage. The seven-day period with the mother ensures the animal's health and viability before its consecration.
* **"seven days" (Hebrew, _shivʿat yamim_):** The number seven in biblical numerology often signifies completion, perfection, or a full cycle. In this context, it represents a complete week of life and development, ensuring the animal is fully formed and healthy before being set apart for God. This period also aligns with the seven days of purification or consecration often found in Mosaic Law.
* **"eighth day" (Hebrew, _bayyom hashmini_):** This specific timing is highly significant. The eighth day, immediately following a complete week, often symbolizes new beginnings, resurrection, or a new creation. It marks the transition from a period of nurturing and completion (seven days) to a new state of dedication and holiness. This mirrors the timing for circumcision ([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")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, [and] with thy sheep":** This clause extends the previous command concerning firstborn sons and firstfruits (Exodus 22:29) to include the firstborn of large and small livestock. It specifies the scope of the divine claim, encompassing the most valuable and productive animals in Israel's economy, reinforcing the principle that the "first and best" of all increase belongs to God.
* **"seven days it shall be with his dam":** This instruction mandates a seven-day period during which the newborn animal must remain with its mother. This period is crucial for the animal's physical development, ensuring it is strong and healthy enough to be presented. Theologically, it also represents a period of completion or readiness before it enters a state of dedication to the Lord.
* **"on the eighth day thou shalt give it me":** This final clause specifies the precise timing for the animal's consecration. The act of "giving it" to the Lord signifies its dedication for sacrificial purposes, as a redemption offering, or for the sustenance of the priesthood. The "eighth day" carries profound symbolic weight, marking a new beginning or a new phase of existence for the animal, now set apart as holy to God.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 22:30 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Legal Formula** is evident in the prescriptive, imperative language ("shalt thou do," "shalt give"), typical of covenant stipulations. This direct address emphasizes the divine authority behind the command. **Symbolism** is profoundly present, particularly in the numbers "seven" and "eight." Seven symbolizes completion and perfection, indicating a full cycle of development and readiness. Eight, immediately following seven, symbolizes new beginnings, a new creation, or a transition to a consecrated state. This numerical symbolism connects 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 claim on the initial and best produce, whether human, animal, or agricultural. This repetition reinforces a core theological concept throughout the Mosaic Law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 22:30 deeply embeds the theological principle of divine ownership, asserting God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation and the increase of His people. By commanding the dedication of the firstborn, God reminds Israel that their prosperity and very existence are gifts from Him. This act of giving the first and best is not merely a ritual but an acknowledgment of His provision and a demonstration of trust in His continued faithfulness. The command also underscores the theme of holiness and consecration; what is "given to me" (God) is set apart as sacred. The "eighth day" motif further links this command to themes of new life and covenant renewal, suggesting that true dedication inaugurates a fresh start in relationship with God.

* [Deuteronomy 15:19-20](/deuteronomy/15-19 "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 no longer observed in Christian worship, the enduring spiritual principles of Exodus 22:30 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to re-evaluate our understanding of ownership, reminding us that everything we possess—our time, talents, resources, and even our very lives—ultimately belongs to God. It calls us to cultivate a "firstfruits" mentality, dedicating the best and freshest of ourselves to Him, rather than offering Him only what is left over or convenient. This could manifest as prioritizing prayer and Bible study at the start of our day, giving our initial income as an act of worship, or dedicating our freshest energy to serving others. Embracing the symbolism of the "eighth day," we are invited to continually embrace new beginnings in our walk with Christ, recommitting ourselves to Him daily and living a life consecrated for His purposes. This act of faith-filled giving and dedication builds trust in God's unfailing provision and deepens our reliance on His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of divine ownership in Exodus 22:30 challenge my understanding of personal possessions and resources?**
* **In what practical ways can I apply the "firstfruits" principle to my daily life, beyond financial giving?**
* **What does the "eighth day" symbolism teach me about new beginnings and continuous dedication in my spiritual walk?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: The seven-day period ensured the physical health and viability of the newborn animal. It allowed the animal to gain strength, receive essential nourishment from its mother, and develop sufficiently to survive independently. This was a practical requirement to ensure the offering was unblemished and fit for presentation to God. The number seven also carries symbolic weight, representing a complete cycle or period of perfection, indicating that the animal had reached a state of readiness. 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" is highly significant in biblical symbolism, representing new beginnings, resurrection, and a new creation. Following a complete week (seven days), the eighth day signifies a transition into a new cycle or a consecrated state. This 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. It also foreshadows the resurrection of Jesus 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 a [new covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant"). For the firstborn animals, it marked their setting apart as holy to the Lord, entering a new status of dedication.

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

Answer: While Christians are not required to literally offer firstborn animals as sacrifices, the underlying spiritual principles of Exodus 22:30 remain profoundly relevant. The command teaches us about [divine ownership](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's") (all we have belongs to God), the importance of offering our "first and best" (a "firstfruits" principle) rather than leftovers, and the concept of [consecration](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice") (setting ourselves apart for God's purposes). It encourages a lifestyle of trust in God's provision and a willingness to dedicate our most valuable assets—our time, talents, and resources—to Him, acknowledging His sovereignty and faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 22:30, with its emphasis on the firstborn and the "eighth day" dedication, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who was sacrificed, perfectly embodying the unblemished offering required by God. More profoundly, Jesus is the [firstborn over all creation](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Firstborn of All Creation") and the [firstborn from the dead](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Firstborn from the Dead"), signifying His preeminence and His inauguration of a new spiritual reality. 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, a new creation in Him. Through Christ's perfect sacrifice and resurrection, the need for animal offerings is fulfilled, and 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 presented as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")), consecrated to God through their union with Him. Thus, the principle of divine ownership and timely dedication is transformed from a ritualistic command to a relational reality 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.