Exodus 34:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 34:19 declares God's absolute claim over all firstborn, specifically "all that openeth the matrix"—the first male offspring—among both humans and livestock, particularly oxen and sheep. This divine decree underscores God's sovereignty as the Creator and Sustainer of all life, asserting His inherent right to the "first and best" of all creation. It stands as a foundational instruction within the renewed covenant, emphasizing the principle of consecration and the unique, redemptive relationship between the Lord and His people, Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal moment of covenant renewal between God and Israel on Mount Sinai. Following Israel's egregious sin with the golden calf, which led to the breaking of the initial covenant tablets, Moses interceded for the people, and God graciously agreed to restore the relationship ([Exodus 32:30-34](/exodus/32-30-34 "Exodus 32:30-34 - Moses' Intercession")). Moses ascended the mountain a second time to receive new tablets ([Exodus 34:1](/exodus/34-1 "Exodus 34:1 - New Tablets of Stone")), during which God revealed His glorious character as merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, yet also just in punishing sin ([Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Self-Revelation")). The commandments that follow, including the one regarding the firstborn in [Exodus 34:19](/exodus/34-19 "Exodus 34:19 - God's Claim on the Firstborn"), are not arbitrary laws but are integral to re-establishing the terms of this renewed covenant. They outline the practical expressions of Israel's renewed commitment to exclusive worship, separation from pagan practices, and the dedication of life and produce to the Lord, forming the framework for a holy people living in covenant with a holy God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of the "firstborn" held immense significance, often denoting preeminence, inheritance, and special status within families and societies. However, God's claim over the firstborn in Israel transcended these common cultural norms, rooting it uniquely in His redemptive history with His people. This command directly harks back to the climactic Passover event in Egypt, where God demonstrated His supreme power by striking down the firstborn of Egypt while miraculously sparing the firstborn of Israel ([Exodus 12:29-30](/exodus/12-29-30 "Exodus 12:29-30 - The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn")). This act not only secured Israel's liberation but also established God's absolute claim of ownership over them as His redeemed people. The consecration of the firstborn—both human and animal—thus served as a perpetual memorial of this pivotal deliverance and a constant reminder of God's ownership and Israel's unique status as His "firstborn son" among the nations ([Exodus 4:22](/exodus/4-22 "Exodus 4:22 - Israel, God's Firstborn Son")). The male firstborn of clean animals were to be sacrificed, while the male firstborn of humans and unclean animals were to be redeemed or bought back, illustrating that all life belonged to God, but not all life was to be sacrificed in the same manner ([Exodus 13:13](/exodus/13-13 "Exodus 13:13 - Redemption of the Firstborn")).

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 34:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Ownership**, asserting God's absolute claim over all life and creation, particularly the "first and best." This undergirds the entire sacrificial system and the concept of **Consecration and Holiness**, where Israel is called to dedicate themselves and their possessions to the Lord as a holy nation set apart for Him ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation")). The verse also reinforces the theme of **Remembrance and Redemption**, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's redemptive act during the Passover, which established His claim over Israel's firstborn. Furthermore, it highlights the **Covenant Relationship**, outlining the practical outworkings of Israel's commitment to their covenant Lord, emphasizing exclusive worship and the rejection of idolatry ([Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - Do Not Worship Other Gods")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **openeth (Hebrew, _peṭer'_):** From a root meaning "to split" or "to cleave," this word specifically refers to the act of "opening" or "breaking forth." In this context, it denotes the firstborn as the one who "opens" or "breaks open" the womb. It emphasizes the initial emergence of life, marking the first offspring as distinct and uniquely significant. The term highlights the physical act of birth as the basis for God's claim.
* **matrix (Hebrew, _rechem'_):** This word directly translates to "womb." Its inclusion alongside "openeth" forms the precise phrase "opener of the womb," which is a technical term for the first male offspring. The "womb" is the source of life, and God's claim on "all that openeth the matrix" signifies His ultimate authority over the very origin and continuation of life itself, asserting His prerogative over fertility and procreation.
* **cattle (Hebrew, _miqneh'_):** This term refers to "livestock" or "acquired property," specifically in the form of animals. It encompasses herds and flocks, representing a significant portion of the wealth and sustenance of ancient Israelite society. By specifying "cattle," God extends His claim from human firstborn to the vital economic resources of His people, emphasizing that their prosperity and the fruitfulness of their land are also under His divine ownership and subject to His commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All that openeth the matrix [is] mine;":** This foundational clause establishes God's universal and absolute claim. It declares that every first male offspring, whether human or animal, that initiates the birth process from the womb belongs exclusively to Him. This statement underscores God's sovereignty as the Creator and Giver of life, asserting His inherent right over the very beginning of life and fertility. It sets the overarching principle of divine ownership that governs the subsequent specific applications.
* **"and every firstling among thy cattle,":** This phrase narrows the focus from the universal principle to a specific, tangible application for the Israelites: their livestock. It reiterates the concept of the "firstling" (which the KJV translates from the same root as "openeth" here, emphasizing the *result* of opening the matrix), reinforcing that the initial offspring of their herds and flocks are included in God's divine claim. This was a practical and daily reminder for the Israelites to acknowledge God's ownership in their agricultural and economic lives.
* **"[whether] ox or sheep, [that is male].":** This final part provides specific examples of the clean animals to which the command primarily applies: oxen and sheep, which were central to Israel's economy and sacrificial system. The explicit clarification "[that is male]" removes any ambiguity, confirming that the claim is specifically on the male firstborn, consistent with the meaning of "openeth the matrix." This detail highlights the meticulousness of God's covenant instructions and their direct, practical implications for Israel's daily life and worship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Emphasis** is achieved through the precise and repeated focus on the "firstborn" through the phrase "all that openeth the matrix" and the subsequent reference to "every firstling." This repetition underscores the importance and breadth of God's claim, firmly establishing the principle of divine ownership over the initial and most vital aspects of life. The language is characterized by **Legalistic Language**, typical of covenant stipulations, presenting a clear, concise, and unambiguous divine decree. This direct and authoritative tone reinforces the binding nature of the command, framing it as an unnegotiable aspect of the covenant relationship. Furthermore, there is profound **Symbolism** inherent in the "firstborn" itself. The firstborn represents not only the initial fruit of fertility but also the strength, preeminence, and future of a lineage or a flock. By claiming the firstborn, God symbolically claims the entirety of the flock, the family, and indeed, the nation, asserting His ultimate authority and right to consecration over all that belongs to His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 34:19 powerfully articulates the foundational theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty and ownership over all creation. It is not merely a legalistic requirement but a profound statement that all life, particularly the "first and best," originates from and belongs to the Creator. This principle of divine ownership undergirds the entire sacrificial system and the concept of consecration in Israelite worship, teaching the people that their very existence and prosperity were gifts from God, to be acknowledged through dedication and worship. The command for the firstborn, while establishing a specific practice, also serves as a broader theme of "firstfruits," encouraging a lifestyle where God is prioritized and honored with the initial and most valuable aspects of one's life, time, and resources. Ultimately, this principle of God's claim over the firstborn foreshadows the ultimate act of redemption, where a perfect "firstborn" would be given to redeem all humanity.

* [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")
* [Numbers 3:13](/numbers/3-13 "Numbers 3:13 - God's Claim on the Firstborn and the Levites")
* [Deuteronomy 15:19-20](/deuteronomy/15-19-20 "Deuteronomy 15:19-20 - Sanctifying the Firstborn of Livestock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 34:19, while rooted in ancient covenant law, carries profound and enduring spiritual implications for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is the ultimate source and sustainer of all life, and therefore, everything we possess—our lives, our talents, our resources, our time—ultimately belongs to Him. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of humility, gratitude, and faithful stewardship within us, moving us beyond a mindset of mere possession to one of responsible management of God's gifts. The principle of the "firstborn" or "firstfruits" challenges us to prioritize God in every aspect of our lives, offering Him our best, not our leftovers. This means dedicating our freshest energy, our most valuable time, and our initial earnings to His kingdom, rather than giving Him what remains after our own desires are satisfied. Living out this principle fosters a lifestyle of consecration, where our choices, actions, and aspirations are intentionally aligned with His will, acknowledging His rightful claim over all that we are and all that we have. It calls us to a radical reorientation of our priorities, placing God first not just in word, but in tangible, sacrificial action.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I truly giving God my "firstfruits" rather than just my leftovers?**
* **How does recognizing God's absolute ownership of all things, including my life, transform my perspective on my possessions and time?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to live out the principle of consecration and prioritize God more fully in my daily choices?**

### FAQ
**What does "openeth the matrix" mean in Exodus 34:19?**

Answer: The phrase "openeth the matrix" (Hebrew: פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם, _peter rechem_) specifically refers to the first male offspring to emerge from the mother's womb. It emphasizes that God's claim is on the very first birth, the initial life that breaks forth. This term is used for both human and animal firstborns, signifying a unique status as the beginning of fertility from that particular mother. It highlights God's sovereignty over the very act of creation and procreation, asserting His right to the "first" of all life. This concept is foundational to understanding God's claim over the firstborn throughout the Pentateuch, as seen in passages like [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn").

**Why did God claim the firstborn of livestock?**

Answer: God claimed the firstborn of livestock, particularly the male firstborn of clean animals like oxen and sheep, for several significant reasons. Firstly, it served as a perpetual memorial of the Passover event in Egypt, where God spared the firstborn of Israel while striking the firstborn of Egypt ([Exodus 12:29-30](/exodus/12-29-30 "Exodus 12:29-30 - The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn")). This act established God's ownership over Israel and all that belonged to them, marking them as a redeemed people. Secondly, it demonstrated God's absolute sovereignty and ownership over all life and creation. By claiming the "first" and "best" of their herds, Israelites acknowledged that their prosperity and sustenance came from God, fostering a spirit of gratitude and dependence. Thirdly, it served as a tangible expression of consecration and worship, where the best of their produce was dedicated back to the Lord, reinforcing the covenant relationship and the principle of giving God the firstfruits of all blessings ([Deuteronomy 15:19-20](/deuteronomy/15-19-20 "Deuteronomy 15:19-20 - Sanctifying the Firstborn of Livestock")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 34:19, with its declaration of divine ownership over the firstborn, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is uniquely identified in the New Testament as the "firstborn" in multiple, pivotal senses, perfectly embodying and transcending the Old Testament principle. Jesus is the [Firstborn of all creation](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Firstborn of All Creation"), signifying His preeminence, sovereignty, and active role as the agent through whom all things were brought into existence. He is also the [Firstborn from the dead](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Firstborn from the Dead"), the initial and ultimate victor over sin and death, guaranteeing the resurrection of all who believe in Him. Just as the firstborn of Israel were redeemed through a substitute, humanity, enslaved by sin, finds redemption through Christ, the perfect [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection serve as the ultimate "firstfruits" offered to God ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")), consecrating all of redeemed humanity to the Father. Thus, the ancient command to dedicate the firstborn points forward to God's ultimate dedication of His own Firstborn Son, through whom all who believe become His adopted children, consecrated and redeemed for His glory, living under His rightful ownership.

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 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;)