Numbers 3:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because all the firstborn {H1060} are mine; for on the day {H3117} that I smote {H5221} all the firstborn {H1060} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} I hallowed {H6942} unto me all the firstborn {H1060} in Israel {H3478}, both man {H120} and beast {H929}: mine shall they be: I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the firstborn males belong to me, because on the day that I killed all the firstborn males in the land of Egypt, I separated for myself all the firstborn males in Isra'el, both human and animal. They are mine; I am ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

for all the firstborn are Mine. On the day I struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They are Mine; I am the LORD.”

American Standard Version

for all the first-born are mine; on the day that I smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the first-born in Israel, both man and beast; mine they shall be: I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 3:13 serves as a foundational declaration of divine ownership, asserting God's absolute claim over all firstborn in Israel, both human and animal. This claim is not arbitrary but is profoundly rooted in the pivotal historical event of the Exodus, specifically the night God executed judgment upon the firstborn of Egypt while sparing Israel's. By hallowing the firstborn of Israel to Himself, God established a perpetual reminder of His redemptive power and covenant faithfulness, setting the stage for the subsequent dedication of the tribe of Levi as a substitute for these firstborn.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Numbers chapter 3, which meticulously details the census and specific duties of the Levitical tribe. Following the general census of the other tribes in Numbers 1-2, chapter 3 focuses exclusively on the Levites, outlining their unique role as servants of the Tabernacle, distinct from the priestly lineage of Aaron. Numbers 3:11-12 explicitly states God's decision to take the Levites "instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel," and verse 13 provides the divine rationale and historical precedent for this substitution. It anchors the Levites' sacred service directly to God's prior claim on the firstborn, a claim established earlier in the Pentateuch (e.g., [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")). Thus, Numbers 3:13 functions as the theological bedrock for the Levitical consecration, explaining *why* the Levites were chosen for this special service.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the firstborn held a position of special significance, often inheriting a double portion of the inheritance and leadership responsibilities. The concept of dedicating the firstborn to a deity was also present in various cultures, sometimes involving sacrifice. For Israel, God's claim on the firstborn was uniquely established through the tenth and final plague in Egypt, detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and the Tenth Plague"). On that fateful night, God "smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt" ([Exodus 12:29](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29 - Death of the Firstborn")), from Pharaoh's heir to the firstborn of livestock, while miraculously passing over the homes of the Israelites marked by the blood of the Passover lamb. This act of judgment and redemption underscored God's absolute sovereignty over life and death and solidified His covenant relationship with Israel. By claiming the firstborn of Israel, God was not merely asserting ownership but commemorating this defining moment of salvation, setting apart those He had redeemed as His own special possession. This historical act became the perpetual basis for their consecration, a tangible reminder of their deliverance from bondage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Firstborn (Hebrew, _bekor'_):** Refers to the first male offspring, whether of humans or animals. In ancient Israelite society, the firstborn held a privileged position, often associated with strength, leadership, and inheritance rights. God's claim on the firstborn here signifies His appropriation of that which is preeminent and foundational, establishing His supreme authority over the very principle of primogeniture and its associated blessings. It underscores that even the most valued aspects of life belong ultimately to Him.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** This verb denotes a forceful striking, often with destructive intent. In the context of the Exodus, it refers to God's decisive and devastating judgment upon the firstborn of Egypt. The use of this strong verb emphasizes the divine power and justice displayed in the plague, which was the ultimate catalyst for Israel's liberation. It highlights the severity of the judgment and the miraculous nature of Israel's deliverance, which forms the basis of God's claim.
* **Hallowed (Hebrew, _qadash'_):** Meaning to set apart, consecrate, or make holy. When God "hallowed" the firstborn, He declared them sacred and exclusively His own, separating them from common use for a divine purpose. This act of hallowing is not merely a legal declaration but an intrinsic change in status, reflecting God's unique ownership and His intention for them to serve as a perpetual memorial of His redemptive act. It implies a special relationship and a demand for a corresponding life of dedication.
* **I am the LORD (Hebrew, _Yahweh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and unwavering faithfulness to His promises. The declaration "I am the LORD" serves as a divine authentication and a solemn affirmation of the truth and authority of the preceding statement. It underscores that this claim over the firstborn is not a suggestion but a divine decree from the sovereign God who revealed Himself to Israel and delivered them from Egypt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because all the firstborn [are] mine":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental premise: God's absolute and rightful ownership over every firstborn. This is a declaration of divine prerogative, asserting that the firstborn, as the initial fruit of creation and procreation, belong inherently to the Creator. It sets the stage for the theological justification that follows, rooted in a specific historical event.
* **"[for] on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt":** This clause provides the historical and redemptive basis for God's claim. The "day" refers to the night of the tenth plague, when God executed judgment upon Egypt's firstborn, demonstrating His power and distinguishing Israel from their oppressors. This act of judgment and deliverance is the precise moment when God's unique claim on Israel's firstborn was solidified.
* **"I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast":** As a direct consequence of the Exodus event, God consecrated or set apart for Himself all the firstborn of Israel, encompassing both human and animal life. This "hallowing" signifies a special dedication and sacred status, marking them as God's exclusive possession. It was a tangible and pervasive reminder of the Passover miracle and Israel's redemption.
* **"mine shall they be":** This reiterates and reinforces the declaration of divine ownership, emphasizing the permanence and certainty of God's claim. It serves as a conclusive statement, leaving no doubt about the ultimate belonging of the firstborn to the Lord. This phrase underscores the enduring nature of the covenant relationship established through the Exodus.
* **"I [am] the LORD":** This concluding divine self-identification, using the covenant name Yahweh, powerfully authenticates the entire statement. It signifies that this declaration of ownership and the historical events it references are from the one true, sovereign, and covenant-keeping God. It lends ultimate authority and weight to the divine decree, affirming His identity as the God who acts in history to redeem His people and establish His claims.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 3:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Repetition** of the phrase "mine" ("all the firstborn are mine" and "mine shall they be") powerfully emphasizes God's absolute and non-negotiable ownership, driving home the central theme of divine prerogative. The verse also functions as a **Divine Declaration**, a direct and authoritative statement from God Himself, underscored by the concluding **Covenant Formula** "I am the LORD," which authenticates the pronouncement and links it to God's unchanging character and covenant faithfulness. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Historical Allusion** by explicitly referencing the "day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt." This concise phrase evokes the entire narrative of the Passover and Exodus, serving as a powerful reminder of God's redemptive act and the basis of His claim. The structure moves from a general declaration of ownership to its specific historical grounding, then to the act of consecration, culminating in a reaffirmation of ownership and divine identity, creating a compelling and logically structured argument for God's claim.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 3:13 establishes a profound theological principle: God's claim on His people is rooted in His redemptive acts. Just as He claimed the firstborn of Israel because He redeemed them from death and slavery in Egypt, so too does His work of salvation establish His sovereign claim over the lives of all whom He redeems. This verse highlights divine ownership, the sanctity of life (especially that which is "first" and therefore representative), and the principle of substitution, as the Levites were taken in place of the firstborn. It underscores that deliverance from bondage creates an obligation of dedication and service to the Deliverer, forming a perpetual covenant relationship.

* [Exodus 4:22](/exodus/4-22 "Exodus 4:22 - Israel, God's Firstborn Son")
* [Exodus 13:12](/exodus/13-12 "Exodus 13:12 - Dedication of the Firstborn")
* [Numbers 3:40-41](/numbers/3-40-41 "Numbers 3:40-41 - Ransom of the Firstborn")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 3:13 calls us to reflect deeply on the nature of God's claim on our lives. Just as the firstborn of Israel were declared God's property because He delivered them from the death sentence in Egypt, so too are believers today claimed by God through the ultimate act of redemption in Christ. Our salvation is not merely a rescue *from* something, but a rescue *for* someone—for God Himself. This verse reminds us that our lives are not our own; we have been "bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 6:20) and are therefore called to live lives of dedication and service. The principle of substitution, evident in the Levites taking the place of the firstborn, foreshadows the greater substitutionary work of Christ and invites us to consider who or what we allow to stand in the place of our full dedication to God. Do we truly live as those "hallowed" unto the Lord, set apart for His purposes, or do we allow other claims to compete for our ultimate allegiance? Our response to God's redemptive love should be a life wholly consecrated to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does God's redemptive work in your life establish His claim over you today?**
* **How does the concept of being "hallowed" or set apart for God impact your daily choices and priorities?**
* **Considering the principle of substitution, what might God be calling you to "substitute" in your life to deepen your dedication to Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did God claim the firstborn of Israel?**

Answer: God claimed the firstborn of Israel as His own because of the pivotal event of the Passover in Egypt. On the night of the tenth plague, God "smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt" ([Exodus 12:29](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29 - Death of the Firstborn")), but He "passed over" the homes of the Israelites whose doorposts were marked with the blood of a lamb. This act of divine judgment and miraculous preservation demonstrated God's sovereign power and His unique covenant relationship with Israel. By claiming their firstborn, God established a perpetual memorial of their deliverance from bondage and death, signifying that their lives, particularly the "first and best," belonged to Him as a result of His redemptive act. This claim was a tangible sign of their consecrated status as His chosen people.

**How did the Levites substitute for the firstborn of Israel?**

Answer: Numbers 3:11-12 explains that God took the tribe of Levi "instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel." Because the firstborn of Israel belonged to God due to the Passover, they were originally designated for special service. However, God chose the Levites to fulfill this role as a substitute. Instead of every firstborn male from every tribe serving in the Tabernacle, the entire tribe of Levi was consecrated for this purpose. A census was taken of the firstborn males and the Levites; if there was an excess of firstborn males over the number of Levites, a redemption price was paid for the remaining firstborn, ensuring that all were accounted for and released from direct service, while the Levites fully assumed their sacred duties (see [Numbers 3:44-51](/numbers/3-44-51 "Numbers 3:44-51 - Redemption of the Firstborn")). This arrangement underscored the principle of substitution and the sacredness of the Levites' role as God's designated servants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 3:13, with its declaration of divine ownership over the firstborn due to a redemptive act, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true "firstborn" in every sense: the [firstborn of all creation](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Firstborn of All Creation"), holding supremacy over all things; the [firstborn from the dead](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Christ, the Firstborn from the Dead"), inaugurating the new creation and eternal life; and the [firstborn among many brethren](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Christ, the Firstborn Among Many Brethren"), the prototype for all who are conformed to His image. Just as God "hallowed" the firstborn of Israel through the blood of the Passover lamb, Christ, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all substitutionary sacrifice. Through His shed blood, He redeemed us from the spiritual death sentence of sin, thereby hallowing us and setting us apart for God. Believers, by virtue of their union with Christ, become a "kind of firstfruits" of God's creation ([James 1:18](/james/1-18 "James 1:18 - Firstfruits of His Creatures")), consecrated to God not by a legal claim based on an earthly deliverance, but by a spiritual new birth and the indwelling of the Spirit, making us truly His own, dedicated for His eternal purposes.

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

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;)

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 13:2

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

Leviticus 27:26

¶ Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the LORD'S firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether [it be] ox, or sheep: it [is] the LORD'S.

Exodus 13:15

And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.

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.

Hebrews 12:23

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,