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But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/18-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/04_Num_18_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 18:15 - Offerings for Priests and Levites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. 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But you must redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. <a href="/nlt/numbers/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> “The firstborn of every mother, whether human or animal, that is offered to the LORD will be yours. But you must always redeem your firstborn sons and the firstborn of ceremonially unclean animals. <a href="/esv/numbers/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> Everything that opens the womb of all flesh, whether man or beast, which they offer to the LORD, shall be yours. Nevertheless, the firstborn of man you shall redeem, and the firstborn of unclean animals you shall redeem. <a href="/bsb/numbers/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/numbers/18.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/numbers/18.htm">New King James Version</a> “Everything that first opens the womb of all flesh, which they bring to the LORD, whether man or beast, shall be yours; nevertheless the firstborn of man you shall surely redeem, and the firstborn of unclean animals you shall redeem. <a href="/nasb_/numbers/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Every firstborn of the womb of all flesh, whether human or animal, which they offer to the LORD, shall be yours; however you must redeem the human firstborn, and the firstborn of unclean animals you shall redeem. <a href="/nasb/numbers/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Every first issue of the womb of all flesh, whether man or animal, which they offer to the LORD, shall be yours; nevertheless the firstborn of man you shall surely redeem, and the firstborn of unclean animals you shall redeem. <a href="/nasb77/numbers/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Every first issue of the womb of all flesh, whether man or animal, which they offer to the LORD, shall be yours; nevertheless the first-born of man you shall surely redeem, and the first-born of unclean animals you shall redeem. <a href="/lsb/numbers/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Every first issue of the womb of all flesh, whether man or animal, which they bring near to Yahweh, shall be yours; nevertheless the firstborn of man you shall surely redeem, and the firstborn of unclean animals you shall redeem. <a href="/amp/numbers/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Every firstborn of the womb of all flesh, whether it is man or animal, which they bring to the LORD, shall be yours; nevertheless, the firstborn of man you shall most certainly redeem, and the firstborn of unclean animals you shall redeem. <a href="/csb/numbers/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The firstborn of every living thing, human or animal, presented to the LORD belongs to you. But you must certainly redeem a human firstborn, and redeem the firstborn of an unclean animal. <a href="/hcsb/numbers/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The firstborn of every living thing, man or animal, presented to the LORD belongs to you. But you must certainly redeem the firstborn of man, and redeem the firstborn of an unclean animal. <a href="/asv/numbers/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/numbers/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The first-born son in every Israelite family, as well as the first-born males of their flocks and herds, belong to me. But every first-born son and first-born donkey must be bought back from me. <a href="/erv/numbers/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> Every thing that openeth the womb, of all flesh which they offer unto the LORD, both of man and beast, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem. <a href="/gwt/numbers/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Every firstborn male, human or animal, that is brought to the LORD is yours. But you must buy back every firstborn son and the firstborn male of any unclean animal. <a href="/gnt/numbers/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Every first-born child or animal that the Israelites present to me belongs to you. But you must accept payment to buy back every first-born child, and must also accept payment for every first-born animal that is ritually unclean. <a href="/isv/numbers/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> Everything that opens the womb, any living thing that they bring to the LORD—whether from human beings or animals—are for you. Just be sure that you redeem the firstborn of people and the firstborn of unclean animals. <a href="/msb/numbers/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/numbers/18.htm">NET Bible</a> The firstborn of every womb which they present to the LORD, whether human or animal, will be yours. Nevertheless, the firstborn sons you must redeem, and the firstborn males of unclean animals you must redeem. <a href="/nheb/numbers/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Everything that opens the womb, of all flesh which they offer to the LORD, both of man and animal shall be yours: nevertheless you shall surely redeem the firstborn of man, and you shall redeem the firstborn of unclean animals. <a href="/wbt/numbers/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring to the LORD, whether of men or beast, shall be thine: nevertheless, the first born of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem. <a href="/web/numbers/18.htm">World English Bible</a> Everything that opens the womb, of all flesh which they offer to Yahweh, both of man and animal, shall be yours. Nevertheless, you shall surely redeem the firstborn of man, and you shall redeem the firstborn of unclean animals. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> everyone opening a womb of all flesh which they bring near to YHWH, among man and among beast, is yours; only, you certainly ransom the firstborn of man, and you ransom the firstling of the unclean beast. <a href="/ylt/numbers/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> every one opening a womb of all flesh which they bring near to Jehovah, among man and among beast, is thine; only, thou dost certainly ransom the first-born of man, and the firstling of the unclean beast thou dost ransom. <a href="/slt/numbers/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Every thing cleaving the womb for all flesh, which they shall bring to Jehovah, in man or in cattle, shall be to thee: but redeeming, thou shalt redeem the first-born of man, and the firstborn of unclean cattle thou shalt redeem.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Whatsoever is firstborn of all flesh, which they offer to the Lord, whether it be of men, or of beasts, shall belong to thee: only for the firstborn of man thou shalt take a price, and every beast that is unclean thou shalt cause to be redeemed, <a href="/cpdv/numbers/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Whatever goes out first from the womb, of all flesh, which they offer to the Lord, whether from men or from cattle, shall be your right; yet only in so far as, for the firstborn of man, you shall accept a price. And every animal that is unclean you shall cause to be redeemed. <a href="/nabre/numbers/18.htm">New American Bible</a> Every living thing that opens the womb, human being and beast alike, such as are to be offered to the LORD, shall be yours; but you must redeem the firstborn of human beings, as well as redeem the firstborn of unclean animals. <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The first issue of the womb of all creatures, human and animal, which is offered to the LORD, shall be yours; but the firstborn of human beings you shall redeem, and the firstborn of unclean animals you shall redeem.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Everything that opens the womb of all flesh which they offer to the LORD, whether it be of man or beasts, shall be yours; nevertheless the first-born of man shall you surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shall you redeem. <a href="/hpbt/numbers/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And everything opening a womb of all flesh that they bring to LORD JEHOVAH, of man and of beast, it shall be yours; however you shall certainly redeem the firstborn of man and you shall redeem the firstborn of unclean beasts.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Every thing that openeth the womb, of all flesh which they offer unto the LORD, both of man and beast, shall be thine; howbeit the first-born of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem. <a href="/sep/numbers/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And every thing that opens the womb of all flesh, whatsoever they bring to the Lord, whether man or beast, shall be thine: only the first-born of men shall be surely redeemed, and thou shalt redeem the first-born of unclean cattle. <a href="/parallel/numbers/18-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=5783" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/numbers/18.htm">Offerings for Priests and Levites</a> …14Every devoted thing in Israel belongs to you. 15<a href="/hebrew/6363.htm" title="6363: pe·ṭer (N-msc) -- That which separates or first opens. Or pitrah; from patar; a fissure, i.e. firstling.">The firstborn</a> <a href="/hebrew/7358.htm" title="7358: re·ḥem (N-ms) -- Womb. From racham; the womb."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵāl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of every</a> <a href="/hebrew/1320.htm" title="1320: bā·śār (N-ms) -- Flesh. From basar; flesh; by extension, body, person; also The pudenda of a man.">womb,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">whether</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: bā·’ā·ḏām (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/929.htm" title="929: ū·ḇab·bə·hê·māh (Conj-w, Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A beast, animal, cattle. From an unused root; properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal.">or beast,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7126.htm" title="7126: yaq·rî·ḇū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To come near, approach. A primitive root; to approach for whatever purpose.">that is offered</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">to the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">belongs</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">to you.</a> <a href="/hebrew/389.htm" title="389: ’aḵ (Adv) -- Surely, howbeit. Akin to 'aken; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence only.">But</a> <a href="/hebrew/6299.htm" title="6299: pā·ḏōh (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To ransom. A primitive root; to sever, i.e. Ransom; gener. To release, preserve.">you must surely redeem</a> <a href="/hebrew/6299.htm" title="6299: ṯip̄·deh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To ransom. A primitive root; to sever, i.e. Ransom; gener. To release, preserve."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1060.htm" title="1060: bə·ḵō·wr (N-msc) -- First-born. From bakar; firstborn; hence, chief.">every firstborn</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’êṯ (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6299.htm" title="6299: tip̄·deh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To ransom. A primitive root; to sever, i.e. Ransom; gener. To release, preserve.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/1060.htm" title="1060: bə·ḵō·wr- (N-msc) -- First-born. From bakar; firstborn; hence, chief.">every firstborn male</a> <a href="/hebrew/2931.htm" title="2931: haṭ·ṭə·mê·’āh (Art:: Adj-fs) -- Unclean. From tame'; foul in a relig. Sense.">of unclean</a> <a href="/hebrew/929.htm" title="929: hab·bə·hê·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A beast, animal, cattle. From an unused root; properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal.">animals.</a> 16You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your valuation: five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/13-2.htm">Exodus 13:2</a> “Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.” <a href="/exodus/13-12.htm">Exodus 13:12-13</a> you are to present to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the LORD. / You must redeem every firstborn donkey with a lamb, and if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. And every firstborn of your sons you must redeem. <a href="/leviticus/27-26.htm">Leviticus 27:26-27</a> But no one may consecrate a firstborn of the livestock, because a firstborn belongs to the LORD. Whether it is an ox or a sheep, it is the LORD’s. / But if it is among the unclean animals, then he may redeem it according to your valuation and add a fifth of its value. If it is not redeemed, then it shall be sold according to your valuation. <a href="/deuteronomy/15-19.htm">Deuteronomy 15:19</a> You must set apart to the LORD your God every firstborn male produced by your herds and flocks. You are not to put the firstborn of your oxen to work, nor are you to shear the firstborn of your flock. <a href="/deuteronomy/12-6.htm">Deuteronomy 12:6</a> To that place you are to bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and heave offerings, your vow offerings and freewill offerings, as well as the firstborn of your herds and flocks. <a href="/deuteronomy/12-17.htm">Deuteronomy 12:17</a> Within your gates you must not eat the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, the firstborn of your herds or flocks, any of the offerings that you have vowed to give, or your freewill offerings or special gifts. <a href="/deuteronomy/14-23.htm">Deuteronomy 14:23</a> And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks, in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always. <a href="/deuteronomy/14-28.htm">Deuteronomy 14:28-29</a> At the end of every three years, bring a tenth of all your produce for that year and lay it up within your gates. / Then the Levite (because he has no portion or inheritance among you), the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow within your gates may come and eat and be satisfied. And the LORD your God will bless you in all the work of your hands. <a href="/1_samuel/1-24.htm">1 Samuel 1:24-28</a> Once she had weaned him, Hannah took the boy with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. Though the boy was still young, she brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. / And when they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli. / “Please, my lord,” said Hannah, “as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/31-6.htm">2 Chronicles 31:6</a> And the Israelites and Judahites who lived in the cities of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God, and they laid them in large heaps. <a href="/nehemiah/10-36.htm">Nehemiah 10:36</a> And we will bring the firstborn of our sons and our livestock, as it is written in the Law, and will bring the firstborn of our herds and flocks to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God. <a href="/luke/2-22.htm">Luke 2:22-24</a> And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord / (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”), / and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” <a href="/matthew/1-25.htm">Matthew 1:25</a> But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a Son. And he gave Him the name Jesus. <a href="/luke/2-7.htm">Luke 2:7</a> And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. <a href="/romans/8-29.htm">Romans 8:29</a> For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Every thing that opens the matrix in all flesh, which they bring to the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be yours: nevertheless the firstborn of man shall you surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shall you redeem.openeth<a href="/numbers/3-13.htm">Numbers 3:13</a> 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.<a href="/exodus/13-2.htm">Exodus 13:2,12</a> Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine… <a href="/exodus/22-29.htm">Exodus 22:29</a> 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.the firstborn<a href="/exodus/13-13.htm">Exodus 13:13</a> 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.<a href="/exodus/34-20.htm">Exodus 34:20</a> 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.<a href="/leviticus/27-27.htm">Leviticus 27:27</a> And if it be of an unclean beast, then he shall redeem it according to thine estimation, and shall add a fifth part of it thereto: or if it be not redeemed, then it shall be sold according to thy estimation.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/8-17.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/numbers/8-17.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/numbers/8-17.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-26.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/numbers/13-28.htm">Howbeit</a> <a href="/numbers/3-12.htm">Matrix</a> <a href="/numbers/14-44.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/numbers/18-12.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/numbers/16-32.htm">Openeth</a> <a href="/numbers/16-30.htm">Opens</a> <a href="/numbers/3-46.htm">Redeem</a> <a href="/numbers/15-35.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/numbers/9-10.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/numbers/15-30.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/numbers/12-12.htm">Womb</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/31-11.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/numbers/20-4.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/numbers/31-11.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/numbers/20-4.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/numbers/31-22.htm">Howbeit</a> <a href="/exodus/13-12.htm">Matrix</a> <a href="/numbers/25-9.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/numbers/18-17.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Openeth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">Opens</a> <a href="/numbers/18-16.htm">Redeem</a> <a href="/numbers/22-17.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/numbers/19-7.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/numbers/29-39.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-13.htm">Womb</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 18</div>1. <a href="/numbers/18-1.htm">The charge of the priests and Levites</a> 8. <a href="/numbers/18-8.htm">The priests, portion</a> 21. <a href="/numbers/18-21.htm">The Levites,</a> 25. <a href="/numbers/18-25.htm">The heave offering to the priests out of the Levites' portion</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The firstborn of every womb In ancient Israel, the concept of the firstborn held significant importance. The firstborn was often seen as the one who would inherit leadership and a double portion of the family estate. This principle is rooted in the Passover event (Exodus 12), where the firstborn of Egypt were struck down, but the firstborn of Israel were spared. This act of divine deliverance established the firstborn as belonging to God, symbolizing His claim over all creation.Whether man or beast This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's claim. Both human and animal firstborns were considered sacred and set apart for the Lord. This reflects the holistic view of life in ancient Israel, where all aspects of existence were intertwined with spiritual significance. The inclusion of animals highlights the agrarian society of the Israelites, where livestock was a crucial part of their livelihood and worship practices.That is offered to the LORD belongs to you Here, God is addressing the Levitical priests, granting them the firstborn offerings. This provision was part of the support system for the priesthood, as they had no inheritance of land like the other tribes (<a href="/numbers/18-20.htm">Numbers 18:20-24</a>). The priests served as mediators between God and the people, and these offerings were a means of sustaining them in their sacred duties.But you must surely redeem every firstborn son The redemption of the firstborn son is a practice that underscores the value of human life and the sanctity of family. In <a href="/exodus/13-13.htm">Exodus 13:13</a>, God commands the Israelites to redeem their firstborn sons, which involved a payment or sacrifice to acknowledge God's ownership and to symbolically buy back the child. This act of redemption points forward to the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "firstborn over all creation" (<a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a>) and whose sacrifice redeems humanity.And every firstborn male of unclean animals Unclean animals, according to Levitical law, could not be offered as sacrifices (Leviticus 11). Therefore, they required redemption, often through a monetary substitute or the sacrifice of a clean animal. This regulation ensured that the holiness of offerings was maintained while still acknowledging God's claim over all firstborns. The distinction between clean and unclean animals also reflects the broader theme of holiness and separation that is prevalent throughout the Mosaic Law.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, to whom the laws and commandments were given, including the instructions in <a href="/bsb/numbers/18.htm">Numbers 18</a>. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_levites.htm">The Levites</a> The tribe set apart for priestly duties, responsible for the care of the tabernacle and the spiritual leadership of Israel. They were given the firstborn as part of their provision. 3. <a href="/topical/f/firstborn.htm">Firstborn</a> Refers to the first male offspring of both humans and animals, which held special significance in Israelite culture and law. 4. <a href="/topical/r/redemption.htm">Redemption</a> The act of buying back or reclaiming something, in this context, the firstborn of humans and unclean animals, which were to be redeemed rather than sacrificed. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_tabernacle.htm">The Tabernacle</a> The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the Levites served and where offerings were brought.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_principle_of_firstfruits.htm">The Principle of Firstfruits</a> The concept of offering the first and best to God is a recurring biblical theme. It teaches us to prioritize God in our lives, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision. <a href="/topical/r/redemption_and_its_significance.htm">Redemption and Its Significance</a> Redemption is a powerful biblical theme that points to the ultimate redemption through Christ. Just as the firstborn were redeemed, so are we redeemed by the blood of Jesus. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_levites.htm">The Role of the Levites</a> The Levites' role as spiritual leaders and caretakers of the tabernacle highlights the importance of dedicated service to God. It encourages us to consider how we can serve God and His people today. <a href="/topical/h/holiness_and_separation.htm">Holiness and Separation</a> The requirement to redeem the firstborn underscores the holiness of God and the need for His people to be set apart. It challenges us to live lives that reflect God's holiness. <a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_for_his_servants.htm">God's Provision for His Servants</a> The provision of the firstborn to the Levites illustrates God's care for those who serve Him. It reminds us that God provides for our needs when we dedicate our lives to His service.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 18</a> <a href="/q/why_do_num._18_15-19_and_deut._differ.htm">Why does Numbers 18:15–19 differ in certain details from parallel instructions in Deuteronomy regarding firstborn offerings, and how can these discrepancies be reconciled? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_hacking.htm">What does the Bible say about being defiled?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_levites_replace_firstborns.htm">If the Levites replaced all Israel’s firstborn in worship (Numbers 8:16–18), how does this reconcile with earlier promises safeguarding the special status of firstborns?</a> <a href="/q/exodus_22_29-30__evidence_for_firstborn_rites.htm">Exodus 22:29-30: Is there archaeological or historical evidence that supports the command to dedicate the firstborn, and does it conflict with other biblical instructions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) Every thing that openeth the matrix . . . --(See <a href="/leviticus/27-6.htm" title="And if it be from a month old even to five years old, then your estimation shall be of the male five shekels of silver, and for the female your estimation shall be three shekels of silver.">Leviticus 27:6</a>; <a href="/context/leviticus/27-26.htm" title="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.">Leviticus 27:26-27</a>.) Five shekels was the redemption-price paid for each of the firstborn who were not redeemed by the Levites (<a href="/numbers/3-47.htm" title="You shall even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shall you take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)">Numbers 3:47</a>). <a href="/commentaries/numbers/18-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The firstborn פֶּ֣טֶר (pe·ṭer) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6363.htm">Strong's 6363: </a> That which separates or first opens of every כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every womb, בָּשָׂ֞ר (bā·śār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1320.htm">Strong's 1320: </a> Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man whether אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that man בָּאָדָ֥ם (bā·’ā·ḏām) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being or beast, וּבַבְּהֵמָ֖ה (ū·ḇab·bə·hê·māh) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_929.htm">Strong's 929: </a> A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal that is offered יַקְרִ֧יבוּ (yaq·rî·ḇū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> To come near, approach to the LORD לַֽיהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel belongs to you. יִֽהְיֶה־ (yih·yeh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be But אַ֣ךְ ׀ (’aḵ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_389.htm">Strong's 389: </a> A particle of affirmation, surely you must surely redeem פָּדֹ֣ה (pā·ḏōh) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6299.htm">Strong's 6299: </a> To sever, ransom, gener, to release, preserve every firstborn בְּכ֣וֹר (bə·ḵō·wr) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> Firstborn, chief son הָֽאָדָ֔ם (hā·’ā·ḏām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being [and] תִּפְדֶּֽה׃ (tip̄·deh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6299.htm">Strong's 6299: </a> To sever, ransom, gener, to release, preserve every firstborn male בְּכֽוֹר־ (bə·ḵō·wr-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> Firstborn, chief of unclean הַטְּמֵאָ֖ה (haṭ·ṭə·mê·’āh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2931.htm">Strong's 2931: </a> Unclean animals. הַבְּהֵמָ֥ה (hab·bə·hê·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_929.htm">Strong's 929: </a> A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/18-15.htm">Numbers 18:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/18-15.htm">Numbers 18:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/18-15.htm">Numbers 18:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/18-15.htm">Numbers 18:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/18-15.htm">Numbers 18:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/18-15.htm">Numbers 18:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/18-15.htm">Numbers 18:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/18-15.htm">Numbers 18:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/18-15.htm">Numbers 18:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/18-15.htm">Numbers 18:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/18-15.htm">OT Law: Numbers 18:15 Everything that opens the womb of all (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/18-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 18:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 18:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/18-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 18:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 18:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>