Numbers 18:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Every thing that openeth {H6363} the matrix {H7358} in all flesh {H1320}, which they bring {H7126} unto the LORD {H3068}, whether it be of men {H120} or beasts {H929}, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn {H1060} of man {H120} shalt thou surely {H6299} redeem {H6299}, and the firstling {H1060} of unclean {H2931} beasts {H929} shalt thou redeem {H6299}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Everything that comes first out of the womb, of all living things which they offer to ADONAI, whether human or animal, will be yours. However, the firstborn of a human being you must redeem, and the firstborn of an unclean beast you are to redeem.

Berean Standard Bible

The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals.

American Standard Version

Everything that openeth the womb, of all flesh which they offer unto Jehovah, both of man and beast shall be thine: nevertheless the first-born of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 18:15 precisely details a crucial aspect of the priestly provisions, outlining the specific regulations concerning the firstborn of both humans and animals. It asserts God's ultimate claim over all that "openeth the matrix," designating these firstborn (or their redemption value) as the portion for the Aaronic priesthood. Crucially, the verse distinguishes between firstborn animals that could be sacrificed and those, like human firstborn and firstlings of unclean beasts, that required redemption through a payment, thereby underscoring the sanctity of life and the divine mechanism for priestly sustenance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 18:15 is situated within a broader discourse (Numbers 16-18) that re-establishes and clarifies the roles, responsibilities, and provisions for the Levitical priests and Levites. This section directly follows the dramatic rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, which challenged Aaron's priestly authority. Chapters 16 and 17 narrate God's decisive vindication of Aaron's priesthood, culminating in Aaron's budding staff. Chapter 18 then transitions to outlining the specific duties of the priests and Levites in the Tabernacle and, critically, their means of support. Verse 15 builds upon the general principles of priestly dues (e.g., firstfruits, heave offerings) mentioned earlier in the chapter, focusing specifically on the highly significant category of the firstborn, which was a fundamental aspect of Israel's covenant relationship with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of the firstborn belonging to God is deeply rooted in Israel's foundational history, particularly the [Exodus narrative](/exodus/13 "Exodus 13 - Consecration of the Firstborn"). Following the tenth plague in Egypt, where the firstborn of Egypt were struck down while Israel's were spared through the Passover lamb, God commanded Israel to consecrate all their firstborn to Him ([Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")). This law served as a perpetual reminder of God's saving power and Israel's redemption. In the broader ancient Near East, firstborn often held special status, but Israel's law uniquely tied this to divine ownership and redemption, distinguishing it from pagan practices. The provision for the priests (Levites) was essential because they had no tribal land inheritance ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - Priests' Inheritance")), making these offerings their sole means of sustenance and allowing them to devote themselves fully to their sacred duties.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the Pentateuch. First, **Divine Ownership and Sovereignty** is paramount; all life, especially the "first" of creation, belongs to the Lord as a testament to His creative power and redemptive acts ([Exodus 13:12](/exodus/13-12 "Exodus 13:12 - All Firstborn Belong to the Lord")). Second, the theme of **Redemption** is central, particularly for human firstborn and unclean animals, highlighting the sanctity of human life and God's provision for substitutionary payment ([Exodus 34:20](/exodus/34-20 "Exodus 34:20 - Redemption of the Firstborn")). Third, **Priestly Provision and Sustenance** is explicitly addressed, ensuring that those dedicated to God's service are adequately supported by the community through these sacred dues, enabling their full devotion to their calling ([Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - Tithes for the Levites")). Finally, the distinction between **Clean and Unclean** animals is reinforced, guiding what can be sacrificed directly and what requires redemption or alternative handling ([Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Matrix (Hebrew, _rechem'_):** Literally "womb." The phrase "openeth the matrix" (peter rechem) is a technical term specifically referring to the firstborn, emphasizing their unique status as the very first to emerge from the womb. This designation underscores God's claim over the initial fruit of all life, whether human or animal, as a foundational principle of consecration and a reminder of His power over life and death.
* **Redeem (Hebrew, _padah'_):** This verb signifies "to ransom," "to buy back," or "to deliver." It implies a transfer of ownership through a payment or substitute. For human firstborn, a specific price of five shekels of silver was mandated ([Numbers 3:47](/numbers/3-47 "Numbers 3:47 - Redemption Price for Firstborn")). For unclean animals, redemption allowed their value to be transferred to the priests without the animal itself being sacrificed, highlighting the transactional nature of fulfilling God's claim while respecting the laws of ritual purity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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:"** This opening clause establishes the broad scope of God's claim: all firstborn, whether human or animal, are consecrated to Him. The phrase "shall be thine" directly addresses Aaron and his priestly descendants, indicating that these consecrated firstborn (or their redemption price) are designated as their portion, serving as a divine provision for their sustenance and livelihood. This highlights the sacred nature of the priests' income, derived directly from God's own declared property.
* **"nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem,"** This crucial qualification introduces the principle of redemption. While human firstborn belong to God, their lives are sacred and cannot be sacrificed on the altar. Instead, they must be "bought back" from God's direct claim through a prescribed payment to the priests. This command underscores the sanctity of human life and God's merciful provision for substitution, ensuring that His claim is honored without requiring human sacrifice.
* **"and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem."** Similar to human firstborn, the firstborn of ritually unclean animals (e.g., donkeys, camels) could not be offered as sacrifices to the Lord due to their impurity. Therefore, they also had to be redeemed by a payment to the priests, or if not redeemed, they were to be killed. This distinction reinforces the purity laws and ensures that only acceptable sacrifices are brought before God, while still allowing the priests to benefit from the firstborn principle in a manner consistent with the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs precise **Legal Language** to establish clear statutes and distinctions regarding offerings, characteristic of the Mosaic Law. The use of **Repetition** in the word "redeem" emphasizes its critical importance and dual application for both human and unclean animal firstborn, highlighting the nuanced application of the broader principle of divine ownership. The structure creates a clear **Contrast** between the general rule that all firstborn belong to the priests ("shall be thine") and the specific exceptions that require redemption, drawing the reader's attention to the vital difference in how various firstborn are handled based on their nature (human vs. animal) and ritual status (clean vs. unclean). This precise legalistic framing ensures there is no ambiguity in the priestly duties and provisions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 18:15 is a microcosm of foundational biblical truths, reiterating God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, especially the "first" of every kind, as a sign of His ultimate ownership and the source of all life. The requirement for redemption, particularly for human firstborn, underscores the sanctity of human life and foreshadows the broader theological concept of God providing a substitute for that which is rightfully His but cannot be offered. This system of offerings also highlights God's meticulous care for His appointed ministers, ensuring their provision so they can fully dedicate themselves to their sacred duties without worldly distractions, thereby upholding the integrity of the Tabernacle service.

* [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")
* [Numbers 3:47](/numbers/3-47 "Numbers 3:47 - Redemption Price for Firstborn Sons")
* [Leviticus 27:26](/leviticus/27-26 "Leviticus 27:26 - No Redemption for Firstborn Animals")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient law from Numbers 18:15, while rooted in the specific context of the Old Covenant priesthood, offers profound principles for believers today. It calls us to acknowledge God's ultimate ownership over every aspect of our lives, especially our "firstfruits" – our best time, talents, and resources. Just as the firstborn were consecrated to the Lord, we are called to live lives of consecration, recognizing that we have been "bought with a price" ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Bought with a Price")). The concept of redemption reminds us of the immense value God places on life and His provision for our salvation. It prompts us to consider what "redemption" looks like in our own lives – how we respond to God's claim on us, and how we might "buy back" time or resources from worldly pursuits to dedicate them to His purposes. Furthermore, the provision for the priests serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to support those who minister the Word, enabling them to serve without hindrance and devote themselves fully to the spiritual nourishment of God's people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most need to acknowledge God's ultimate ownership and dedicate your "firstfruits" to Him?**
* **How does the concept of redemption in Numbers 18:15 deepen your appreciation for the redemption offered through Christ?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "redeem" your time or resources from worldly distractions for God's kingdom purposes this week?**

### FAQ

**Why did God claim the firstborn?**

Answer: God claimed the firstborn as a perpetual reminder of His decisive deliverance of Israel from Egypt during the tenth plague. In that plague, the firstborn of Egypt were struck down, but Israel's firstborn were spared through the blood of the Passover lamb ([Exodus 12:29-30](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29-30 - The Tenth Plague") and [Exodus 13:14-15](/exodus/13-14 "Exodus 13:14-15 - Meaning of the Consecration")). This act established His unique ownership and covenant relationship with Israel, signifying that all life, especially the "first" and "best," belongs to Him. It was a foundational principle of consecration and a constant sign of His saving power and Israel's redemption.

**What was the purpose of redeeming the firstborn of man and unclean animals?**

Answer: The purpose was twofold, reflecting both the sanctity of life and the laws of ritual purity. For human firstborn, their lives were sacred and could not be sacrificed; thus, a redemption price was paid to the priests, symbolizing their "buying back" from God's direct claim ([Numbers 3:47](/numbers/3-47 "Numbers 3:47 - Redemption Price for Firstborn Sons")). This also provided a means of support for the priests. For unclean animals, their firstlings could not be offered as sacrifices due to their ritual impurity ([Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals")). Therefore, they also had to be redeemed by payment or, if not redeemed, killed, ensuring that only ritually pure animals were associated with the Tabernacle service, while still acknowledging God's claim on all firstborn.

**How did the priests benefit from this law?**

Answer: The priests, specifically the sons of Aaron, benefited directly from this law as it formed a significant part of their divinely appointed livelihood. Since they had no tribal land inheritance in Israel ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - Priests' Inheritance")), God ordained that various offerings and dues, including the redemption money for human firstborn and unclean animal firstlings, would be their portion. This provision ensured their financial stability, allowing them to devote themselves entirely to their sacred duties of ministering in the Tabernacle and teaching God's law to the people, without needing to engage in secular labor for sustenance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 18:15, with its emphasis on divine ownership, consecration, and redemption, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the "firstborn over all creation" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Firstborn of All Creation")), the "firstborn from the dead" ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Firstborn from the Dead")), and the "firstborn among many brethren" ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Christ, the Firstborn Among Many Brethren")). Whereas human firstborn under the Old Covenant required a payment of silver to be redeemed, humanity, enslaved by sin, required a far greater price. Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offered Himself as the ultimate, unblemished sacrifice, providing the full and final redemption for all who believe ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")). He is the true "opener of the womb" of the new creation, bringing forth spiritual life. Through His once-for-all sacrifice, He has fully satisfied God's righteous claim on humanity, not by a monetary payment, but by His precious blood, thereby inaugurating a new covenant where believers are consecrated to God not through ritual, but through faith in Him, becoming part of the "church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven" ([Hebrews 12:23](/hebrews/12-23 "Hebrews 12:23 - The Church of the Firstborn")).

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 34:20

But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem [him] not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.

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 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.

Exodus 13:13

And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.

Numbers 3:46

And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;

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.

Numbers 3:13

Because all the firstborn [are] mine; [for] on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I [am] the LORD.