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.
Every firstborn child and firstborn animal that people bring to the LORD belongs to you. However, you must buy back every firstborn human child, and you must also buy back the firstborn of any unclean animals.
God is telling the priests that firstborn children and animals belong to them, but human babies and unclean animals must be bought back with a payment.
📚 Historical Context
This command was given to Aaron and the Levitical priests as part of their compensation for serving in the temple, since they received no land inheritance like the other tribes. The practice of redeeming firstborns stemmed from God's claim on all firstborn life after He spared Israel's firstborn during the final plague in Egypt. Unclean animals like donkeys couldn't be sacrificed, so they had to be redeemed with money or a clean animal.
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