Exodus 13:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God claims all firstborn humans and animals as His own and requires them to be set apart as sacred.
The Context of Exodus 13:2
God declares the firstborn belong to Him and must be sanctified.
What Does Exodus 13:2 Mean?
The law encompasses both human firstborn and the firstborn of livestock. The phrase 'openeth the womb' refers to the firstborn birth, and this applies to every Israelite household and every herd animal.
Because God brought Israel out of Egypt through His mighty hand, He declares all firstborn as His possession. This establishes that life itself comes from God and that the firstborn represent the best of what God has given.
Exodus 13:2 in the Original Language
qadash (קָדַשׁ), 'sanctify' — to set apart or make holy for sacred use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 13:2
What does Exodus 13:2 mean?
God claims all firstborn humans and animals as His own and requires them to be set apart as sacred.
What is the context of Exodus 13:2?
God declares the firstborn belong to Him and must be sanctified.