Exodus 34:19

All that openeth the matrix [is] mine; and every firstling among thy cattle, [whether] ox or sheep, [that is male].

All that openeth {H6363} the matrix {H7358} is mine; and every firstling {H6363} among thy cattle {H4735}, whether ox {H7794} or sheep {H7716}, that is male {H2142}.

"Everything that is first from the womb is mine. Of all your livestock, you are to set aside for me the males, the firstborn of cattle and flock.

The first offspring of every womb belongs to Me, including all the firstborn males among your livestock, whether cattle or sheep.

All that openeth the womb is mine; and all thy cattle that is male, the firstlings of cow and sheep.

Commentary

Exodus 34:19 (KJV) states, "All that openeth the matrix [is] mine; and every firstling among thy cattle, [whether] ox or sheep, [that is male]." This verse is part of God's renewed covenant instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai, emphasizing divine ownership and the foundational principles of Israelite worship.

Context

This verse appears within a section where God reaffirms His covenant with Israel after the incident of the golden calf. Having broken the first set of tablets, Moses is now receiving a new set of commandments directly from the Lord (Exodus 34:1). The laws listed here, including the command regarding the firstborn, serve to re-establish the relationship between God and His people and outline the expectations for their worship and daily life. This command echoes earlier instructions regarding the consecration of the firstborn, highlighting its enduring importance in the Israelite covenant.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ownership: The central message is God's absolute claim over the firstborn of all creatures, both human and animal. This signifies His sovereignty over life itself and His right to the "first and best" of all creation. It's a reminder that everything ultimately belongs to Him.
  • Consecration and Holiness: By claiming the firstborn, God establishes a principle of setting apart or dedicating to Him that which is holy. This concept of consecration was vital for Israel to understand their unique relationship with a holy God.
  • Redemption: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the command for the firstborn often leads to the concept of redemption. Human firstborns and certain unclean animals were not sacrificed but redeemed, typically through a payment or substitution (e.g., the Levites in place of the firstborn sons, as seen in Numbers 3:13). This foreshadows a deeper spiritual redemption.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "openeth the matrix" is a key KJV translation. "Matrix" here refers to the womb. Thus, "all that openeth the matrix" specifically denotes the firstborn male, whether of humans or animals. It signifies the first offspring to break forth from the mother's womb, emphasizing its unique status as the beginning of life from that particular lineage. This precise wording highlights the specific nature of the offering or claim God makes.

Practical Application & Reflection

For believers today, Exodus 34:19 carries profound spiritual implications:

  • God's Sovereignty: It reminds us that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all life, and therefore, all things ultimately belong to Him. This should foster a spirit of humility and gratitude.
  • Giving Our Best: The principle of the firstborn encourages us to give our "firstfruits" – our best time, talents, and resources – to God, rather than merely our leftovers. It’s about prioritizing Him in all aspects of life.
  • Christ, the Ultimate Firstborn: This Old Testament command points forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is called the firstborn of all creation and the firstborn from the dead. He perfectly fulfilled the concept of dedication and redemption, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice to redeem humanity. His life and resurrection validate God's claim over all things and provide the means for our own redemption.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 13:2

    Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, [both] of man and of beast: it [is] mine.

  • Exodus 22:29

    Thou shalt not delay [to offer] the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.

  • 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.

  • Numbers 18:15

    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.

  • Numbers 18:17

    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.

  • Ezekiel 44:30

    And the first of all the firstfruits of all [things], and every oblation of all, of every [sort] of your oblations, shall be the priest's: ye shall also give unto the priest the first of your dough, that he may cause the blessing to rest in thine house.

  • Luke 2:23

    (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
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