Exodus 13:12

12 the thou shalt appoynte vnto the Lorde all that openeth the matrice, and all the firstborne among the beestes which thou hast yf they be males.

Exodus 13:12 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 13:12

That thou shalt set apart unto the Lord all that openeth the
matrix
Or "the womb", as in ( Exodus 13:2 ) , and this phrase, "set apart", explains the word "sanctify" there, and shows that it signifies the separating of such to the use and service of God, causing it to "pass", as the word ^F4 here used signifies, from a man's own power and use, to be the Lord's only: and every firstling that cometh from a beast which thou hast;
or "even every firstling" ^F5, explaining what is meant by what opens the matrix or womb, even every firstborn of a beast; though Jarchi interprets it of an abortion, what comes before its time, that this also should be set apart to the Lord; this must be understood of the firstlings of clean creatures, fit for food and sacrifice, such as the firstlings of cows, sheep, and goats, ( Numbers 18:17 ) as distinguished from unclean ones in the following verse: the males [shall be] the Lord's;
which explains what sort of firstborn of man and beast were to be set apart for his use, not females, though the first that opened the womb; but males.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F4 (trbehw) "et transire facies", Pagninus, Montanus, Fagius, Vatablus, Drusius, Cartwright; so Ainsworth.
F5 (rjp lkw) "etiam quicunque vel quicquid aperuerit", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Ainsworth.

Exodus 13:12 In-Context

10 se thou kepe therfore this ordinauce in his season from yere to yere.

11 Moreouer when the Lorde hath broughte the in to the londe of the Canaanytes, as he hath sworne vnto the and to thi fathers, and hath geuen it the,

12 the thou shalt appoynte vnto the Lorde all that openeth the matrice, and all the firstborne among the beestes which thou hast yf they be males.

13 And all the firstborne of the asses, thou shalt redeme with a shepe: yf thou redeme him not, then breake hys necke. But all the firstborne amonge thi childern shalt thou bye out.

14 And when thi sonne axeth the in tyme to come saynge: what is this? thou shalt saye vnto him: with a mightie hande the Lorde broughte us out of Egipte, out of the housse of bondage.