KJV ORIGINAL
Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Set apart for me all the firstborn children and animals among the Israelites—every first child or animal born to a family belongs to me.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
God is claiming ownership of all firstborn children and animals among the Israelites as something sacred and special to Him.
📚 Historical Context
This command came right after God killed all the firstborn in Egypt during the final plague, while sparing the Israelite firstborn through the Passover. God was establishing that since He saved their firstborn from death, they now belonged to Him in a special way. This would later be fulfilled through dedication ceremonies and the Levitical priesthood system.
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