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Redeem all your firstborn sons. &#8220No one is to appear before me empty-handed. <a href="/nlt/exodus/34.htm">New Living Translation</a> A firstborn donkey may be bought back from the LORD by presenting a lamb or young goat in its place. But if you do not buy it back, you must break its neck. However, you must buy back every firstborn son. “No one may appear before me without an offering. <a href="/esv/exodus/34.htm">English Standard Version</a> The firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, or if you will not redeem it you shall break its neck. All the firstborn of your sons you shall redeem. And none shall appear before me empty-handed. <a href="/bsb/exodus/34.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> You must redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb; but if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before Me empty-handed. <a href="/kjv/exodus/34.htm">King James Bible</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="/nkjv/exodus/34.htm">New King James Version</a> But the firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb. And if you will not redeem him, then you shall break his neck. All the firstborn of your sons you shall redeem. “And none shall appear before Me empty-handed. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/34.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> You shall redeem with a lamb the firstborn from a donkey; and if you do not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons. None are to appear before Me empty-handed. <a href="/nasb/exodus/34.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220You shall redeem with a lamb the first offspring from a donkey; and if you do not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons. None shall appear before Me empty-handed. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/34.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And you shall redeem with a lamb the first offspring from a donkey; and if you do not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the first-born of your sons. And none shall appear before Me empty-handed. <a href="/lsb/exodus/34.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And you shall redeem with a lamb the first offspring from a donkey; and if you do not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons. None shall appear before Me empty-handed. <a href="/amp/exodus/34.htm">Amplified Bible</a> You shall redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb; but if you do not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons. None of you are to appear before Me empty-handed. <a href="/csb/exodus/34.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> You may redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a sheep, but if you do not redeem it, break its neck. You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one is to appear before me empty-handed. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/34.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> You must redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a sheep, but if you do not redeem it, break its neck. You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one is to appear before Me empty-handed.&#8221 <a href="/asv/exodus/34.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break its neck. All the first-born of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty. <a href="/cev/exodus/34.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You can save the life of a first-born donkey by sacrificing a lamb; if you don't, you must break the donkey's neck. You must save every first-born son. Bring an offering every time you come to worship. <a href="/erv/exodus/34.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break its neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty. <a href="/gwt/exodus/34.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> It will cost you a sheep or a goat to buy back the firstborn donkey. If you don't buy it back, then you must break the donkey's neck. You must buy back every firstborn of your sons. "No one may come into my presence without an offering. <a href="/gnt/exodus/34.htm">Good News Translation</a> but you are to buy back every first-born donkey by offering a lamb in its place. If you do not buy it back, break its neck. Buy back every first-born son. "No one is to appear before me without an offering. <a href="/isv/exodus/34.htm">International Standard Version</a> You are to redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a sheep, and if you don't redeem it, you are to break its neck. You are to redeem every firstborn of your sons, and no one is to appear before me empty-handed. <a href="/msb/exodus/34.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> You must redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb; but if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before Me empty-handed. <a href="/net/exodus/34.htm">NET Bible</a> Now the firstling of a donkey you may redeem with a lamb, but if you do not redeem it, then break its neck. You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons. "No one will appear before me empty-handed. <a href="/nheb/exodus/34.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb: and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. All the firstborn of your sons you shall redeem. No one shall appear before me empty. <a href="/wbt/exodus/34.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou shalt not redeem him, then shalt thou break his neck. All the first-born of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty. <a href="/web/exodus/34.htm">World English Bible</a> You shall redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb. If you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before me empty. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/34.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and you ransom the firstling of a donkey with a lamb; and if you do not ransom, then you have beheaded it; you ransom every firstborn of your sons, and they do not appear before Me empty. <a href="/ylt/exodus/34.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the firstling of an ass thou dost ransom with a lamb; and if thou dost not ransom, then thou hast beheaded it; every first-born of thy sons thou dost ransom, and they do not appear before Me empty. <a href="/slt/exodus/34.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the first-born of the ass thou shalt redeem with a sheep: and if thou shalt not ransom, thou shalt break his neck. Every first-born of thy sons thou shalt ransom, and he shall not be seen before me empty.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/34.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a sheep: but if thou wilt not give a price for it, it shall be slain. The firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem: neither shalt thou appear before me empty. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/34.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> The firstborn of a donkey, you shall redeem with a sheep. But if you will not give a price for it, it shall be slain. The firstborn of your sons you shall redeem. You shall not appear empty in my sight. <a href="/nabre/exodus/34.htm">New American Bible</a> The firstling of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; if you do not redeem it, you must break its neck. The firstborn among your sons you shall redeem. No one shall appear before me empty-handed. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/34.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, or if you will not redeem it you shall break its neck. All the firstborn of your sons you shall redeem. No one shall appear before me empty-handed.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/34.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And all the firstlings of the cattle you shall redeem with a lamb; but if you shall not redeem it, then you shall kill it. All the first-born of your sons you shall redeem. And none shall appear before me empty-handed. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/34.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Everything opening the womb to me and every firstborn of your cattle of oxen and of sheep.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/34.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break its neck. All the first-born of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before Me empty. <a href="/sep/exodus/34.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the first-born of an ass thou shalt redeem with a sheep, and if thou wilt not redeem it thou shalt pay a price: every first-born of thy sons shalt thou redeem: thou shalt not appear before me empty. <a href="/parallel/exodus/34-20.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/kVae3PiKqhs?start=9006" 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/exodus/34.htm">The LORD Renews the Covenant</a> …19The first offspring of every womb belongs to Me, including all the firstborn males among your livestock, whether cattle or sheep. 20<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.">You must redeem</a> <a href="/hebrew/6363.htm" title="6363: ū·p̄e·ṭer (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- That which separates or first opens. Or pitrah; from patar; a fissure, i.e. firstling.">the firstborn</a> <a href="/hebrew/2543.htm" title="2543: ḥă·mō·wr (N-ms) -- A male ass. Or chamor; from chamar; a male ass.">of a donkey</a> <a href="/hebrew/7716.htm" title="7716: ḇə·śeh (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Or sey; probably from sha'ah through the idea of pushing out to graze; a member of a flock, i.e. A sheep or goat.">with a lamb;</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">but if</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">you do not</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.">redeem it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6202.htm" title="6202: wa·‘ă·rap̄·tōw (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms:: 3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to bend downward; but used only as a denominative from oreph, to break the neck; hence to destroy.">you are to break its neck.</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.">You must redeem</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kōl (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1060.htm" title="1060: bə·ḵō·wr (N-msc) -- First-born. From bakar; firstborn; hence, chief.">the firstborn</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bā·ne·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">of your sons.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">No</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: yê·rā·’ū (V-Nifal-Imperf-3mp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">one shall appear</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: p̄ā·nay (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before Me</a> <a href="/hebrew/7387.htm" title="7387: rê·qām (Adv) -- Emptily, vainly. From reyq; emptily; figuratively ineffectually, undeservedly.">empty-handed.</a> 21Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even in the seasons of plowing and harvesting, you must rest.…<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/13-13.htm">Exodus 13:13</a> 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="/numbers/18-15.htm">Numbers 18:15</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="/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="/leviticus/27-26.htm">Leviticus 27:26</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. <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/16-16.htm">Deuteronomy 16:16</a> Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed. <a href="/deuteronomy/26-2.htm">Deuteronomy 26:2</a> you are to take some of the firstfruits of all your produce from the soil of the land that the LORD your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for His Name, <a href="/1_samuel/1-24.htm">1 Samuel 1:24</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. <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/2-23.htm">Luke 2:23</a> (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”), <a href="/hebrews/11-28.htm">Hebrews 11:28</a> By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch Israel’s own firstborn. <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a> Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But the firstling of an ass you shall redeem with a lamb: and if you redeem him not, then shall you break his neck. All the firstborn of your sons you shall redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.firstling<a href="/exodus/13-10.htm">Exodus 13:10</a> Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year.<a href="/numbers/18-15.htm">Numbers 18:15</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.lamb or kid.<a href="/exodus/13-15.htm">Exodus 13:15</a> 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.<a href="/numbers/3-45.htm">Numbers 3:45-51</a> Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD… none<a href="/exodus/23-15.htm">Exodus 23:15</a> Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)<a href="/deuteronomy/16-16.htm">Deuteronomy 16:16</a> Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:<a href="/1_samuel/9-7.htm">1 Samuel 9:7,8</a> Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we? … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/23-17.htm">Appear</a> <a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/exodus/13-13.htm">Beheaded</a> <a href="/exodus/34-13.htm">Break</a> <a href="/exodus/34-13.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/exodus/23-15.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/exodus/3-21.htm">Empty-Handed</a> <a href="/exodus/34-19.htm">First</a> <a href="/exodus/34-19.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/exodus/34-19.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/exodus/34-19.htm">Firstling</a> <a href="/exodus/29-41.htm">Lamb</a> <a href="/exodus/23-27.htm">Neck</a> <a href="/exodus/32-29.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/exodus/34-19.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/exodus/22-17.htm">Payment</a> <a href="/exodus/21-30.htm">Redeem</a> <a href="/exodus/33-12.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/34-23.htm">Appear</a> <a href="/numbers/16-15.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-6.htm">Beheaded</a> <a href="/leviticus/2-6.htm">Break</a> <a href="/leviticus/2-6.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/numbers/16-15.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-36.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-13.htm">Empty-Handed</a> <a href="/exodus/34-22.htm">First</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-26.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/numbers/3-2.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-26.htm">Firstling</a> <a href="/leviticus/3-7.htm">Lamb</a> <a href="/leviticus/5-8.htm">Neck</a> <a href="/exodus/34-25.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-21.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-13.htm">Payment</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-25.htm">Redeem</a> <a href="/numbers/10-31.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 34</div>1. <a href="/exodus/34-1.htm">The tablets are replaced</a> 5. <a href="/exodus/34-5.htm">The name of the Lord proclaimed</a> 8. <a href="/exodus/34-8.htm">Moses entreats God to go with them</a> 10. <a href="/exodus/34-10.htm">God makes a covenant with them, repeating certain duties</a> 28. <a href="/exodus/34-28.htm">Moses after forty days on the mount, comes down with the tablets</a> 29. <a href="/exodus/34-29.htm">His face is radiant, and he covers it with a veil</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/exodus/34.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/34.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>You must redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb; In ancient Israel, the donkey was considered an unclean animal, and thus its firstborn could not be sacrificed to the Lord. Instead, it had to be redeemed with a lamb, which was a clean animal. This practice underscores the principle of substitutionary redemption, a theme that runs throughout Scripture. The lamb, a symbol of innocence and purity, points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who redeems humanity from sin.but if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. This command highlights the seriousness of redemption. If the donkey was not redeemed, it had to be killed, signifying the cost of failing to fulfill God's requirements. This act served as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the necessity of atonement. It also reflects the broader biblical principle that life is forfeit without redemption, paralleling the spiritual death that results from unredeemed sin.You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons. The redemption of the firstborn sons is rooted in the Passover event, where God spared the firstborn of Israel while striking down the firstborn of Egypt. This act of redemption was a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance and covenant with Israel. The redemption price for a firstborn son was five shekels, as specified in <a href="/numbers/18-16.htm">Numbers 18:16</a>. This practice foreshadows the redemption offered through Christ, who is described as the firstborn over all creation (<a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a>).No one shall appear before Me empty-handed. This command emphasizes the importance of approaching God with offerings, reflecting gratitude and acknowledgment of His provision. In the context of the three annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Weeks, and Tabernacles), Israelites were to bring offerings as a sign of worship and dependence on God. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to offer themselves as living sacrifices (<a href="/romans/12.htm">Romans 12:1</a>), highlighting the call to give of oneself fully to God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The leader of the Israelites who received the law from God on Mount Sinai, including the instructions found in <a href="/bsb/exodus/34.htm">Exodus 34</a>. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, who were given the law to follow as part of their covenant relationship with Him. 3. <a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a> The place where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and other laws, including the redemption laws in <a href="/bsb/exodus/34.htm">Exodus 34</a>. 4. <a href="/topical/f/firstborn.htm">Firstborn</a> Refers to the first offspring of both humans and animals, which were considered sacred and belonged to God. 5. <a href="/topical/r/redemption.htm">Redemption</a> The act of buying back or substituting, which in this context involves offering a lamb in place of a firstborn donkey or redeeming the firstborn sons.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_principle_of_redemption.htm">The Principle of Redemption</a> Redemption is a key biblical theme, symbolizing God's provision and grace. The requirement to redeem the firstborn underscores the value God places on life and His provision for substitutionary atonement. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_redemption.htm">The Cost of Redemption</a> Redemption comes at a cost, whether it is a lamb for a donkey or the blood of Christ for humanity. This teaches us about the seriousness of sin and the preciousness of God's gift of salvation. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a> The Israelites were instructed not to appear before God empty-handed, highlighting the importance of obedience and bringing offerings to God as an act of worship and gratitude. <a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_the_firstborn.htm">Symbolism of the Firstborn</a> The firstborn represents the best and the beginning of strength. Offering the firstborn to God signifies giving Him the first and best of our lives, resources, and time. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_readiness.htm">Spiritual Readiness</a> Just as the Israelites were not to appear before God empty-handed, we are called to come before God with prepared hearts, ready to offer our lives as living sacrifices.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_34.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 34</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_blood_of_christ_mean.htm">What is the meaning of the Blood of Christ?</a> <a href="/q/what_happens_in_exodus.htm">What events occur in the biblical book of Exodus?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_jesus_justify_sabbath_healing.htm">Luke 14:3-4: How can Jesus justify healing on the Sabbath, when Old Testament law (Exodus 20:8-11) seems strict about keeping it holy?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_pentateuch.htm">What is The Pentateuch?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/34.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) The firstling of an ass.--See Notes 1-3 on <a href="/exodus/13-13.htm" title="And every firstling of an ass you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among your children shall you redeem.">Exodus 13:13</a>. <a href="/commentaries/exodus/34-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>You must redeem תִּפְדֶּ֣ה (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 the firstborn וּפֶ֤טֶר (ū·p̄e·ṭer) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6363.htm">Strong's 6363: </a> That which separates or first opens of a donkey חֲמוֹר֙ (ḥă·mō·wr) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2543.htm">Strong's 2543: </a> A male ass with a lamb; בְשֶׂ֔ה (ḇə·śeh) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7716.htm">Strong's 7716: </a> A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat but if וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not you do not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no redeem it, תִפְדֶּ֖ה (ṯip̄·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 break its neck. וַעֲרַפְתּ֑וֹ (wa·‘ă·rap̄·tōw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6202.htm">Strong's 6202: </a> To break the neck, to destroy You must redeem תִּפְדֶּ֔ה (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 all כֹּ֣ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the firstborn בְּכ֤וֹר (bə·ḵō·wr) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> Firstborn, chief of your sons. בָּנֶ֙יךָ֙ (bā·ne·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son No וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no one shall appear יֵרָא֥וּ (yê·rā·’ū) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see before Me פָנַ֖י (p̄ā·nay) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face empty-handed. רֵיקָֽם׃ (rê·qām) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7387.htm">Strong's 7387: </a> Emptily, ineffectually, undeservedly <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/34-20.htm">Exodus 34:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/34-20.htm">Exodus 34:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/34-20.htm">Exodus 34:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/34-20.htm">Exodus 34:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/34-20.htm">Exodus 34:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/34-20.htm">Exodus 34:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/34-20.htm">Exodus 34:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/34-20.htm">Exodus 34:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/34-20.htm">Exodus 34:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/34-20.htm">Exodus 34:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/34-20.htm">OT Law: Exodus 34:20 The firstborn of a donkey you shall (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/34-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 34:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 34:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/34-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 34:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 34:21" /></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>