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◄ Exodus 34:20►

New International Version
Redeem the firstborn donkey with a lamb, but if you do not redeem it, break its neck. Redeem all your firstborn sons. “No one is to appear before me empty-handed.

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeemhim not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.

New King James Version
But the firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb. And if you will not redeemhim, then you shall break his neck. All the firstborn of your sons you shall redeem. “And none shall appear before Me empty-handed.

New American Standard Bible
You shall redeem with a lamb the firstborn from a donkey; and if you do not redeemit, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons. None are to appear before Me empty-handed.

NASB 1995
“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.

NASB 1977
“And you shall redeem with a lamb the first offspring from a donkey; and if you do not redeemit, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the first-born of your sons. And none shall appear before Me empty-handed.

Legacy Standard Bible
And you shall redeem with a lamb the first offspring from a donkey; and if you do not redeemit, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons. None shall appear before Me empty-handed.

Amplified Bible
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.

Christian Standard Bible
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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
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.”

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
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.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
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.

Good News Translation
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.

International Standard Version
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.

NET Bible
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.

New Heart English Bible
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.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
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.

World English Bible
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.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
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.

Young's Literal Translation
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.

Smith's Literal Translation
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.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.

New American Bible
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.

New Revised Standard Version
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.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
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.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Everything opening the womb to me and every firstborn of your cattle of oxen and of sheep.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
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.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The LORD Renews the Covenant
…19The first offspring of every womb belongs to Me, including all the firstborn males among your livestock, whether cattle or sheep.20You 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.21Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even in the seasons of plowing and harvesting, you must rest.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Exodus 13:13
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.

Numbers 18:15
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.

Deuteronomy 15:19
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.

Leviticus 27:26
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.

Deuteronomy 12:6
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.

Deuteronomy 12:17
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.

Deuteronomy 14:23
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.

Deuteronomy 16:16
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.

Deuteronomy 26:2
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,

1 Samuel 1:24
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.

2 Chronicles 31:6
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.

Nehemiah 10:36
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.

Luke 2:23
(as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”),

Hebrews 11:28
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.

Matthew 5:17
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.

Treasury of Scripture

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

Exodus 13:10
Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year.

Numbers 18:15
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.

Exodus 13:15
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.

Numbers 3:45-51
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: Iam the LORD…

none

Exodus 23:15
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:)

Deuteronomy 16:16
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:

1 Samuel 9:7,8
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, andthere is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we? …

Jump to Previous

Appear Ass Beheaded Break Broken Donkey Empty Empty-Handed First Firstborn First-Born Firstling Lamb Neck Offering Offspring Payment Redeem Wilt

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Appear Ass Beheaded Break Broken Donkey Empty Empty-Handed First Firstborn First-Born Firstling Lamb Neck Offering Offspring Payment Redeem Wilt

Exodus 34

1.The tablets are replaced
5.The name of the Lord proclaimed
8.Moses entreats God to go with them
10.God makes a covenant with them, repeating certain duties
28.Moses after forty days on the mount, comes down with the tablets
29.His face is radiant, and he covers it with a veil

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

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 inNumbers 18:16. This practice foreshadows the redemption offered through Christ, who is described as the firstborn over all creation (Colossians 1:15).

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 (Romans 12:1), highlighting the call to give of oneself fully to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the law from God on Mount Sinai, including the instructions found inExodus 34.

2.Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were given the law to follow as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

3.Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and other laws, including the redemption laws inExodus 34.

4.Firstborn
Refers to the first offspring of both humans and animals, which were considered sacred and belonged to God.

5.Redemption
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.

Teaching Points

The Principle of Redemption
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.

The Cost of Redemption
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.

Obedience to God's Commands
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.

Symbolism of the Firstborn
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.

Spiritual Readiness
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.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Exodus 34:20?

2.How does Exodus 34:20 emphasize the importance of redeeming the firstborn?

3.What does "redeem with a lamb" symbolize in the context of Christ's sacrifice?

4.How does Exodus 34:20 connect to the Passover in Exodus 12?

5.Why is obedience to God's commands in Exodus 34:20 crucial for believers today?

6.How can we apply the principle of redemption in Exodus 34:20 to our lives?

7.Why does Exodus 34:20 require the redemption of the firstborn donkey with a lamb?

8.What is the significance of redeeming the firstborn in Exodus 34:20?

9.How does Exodus 34:20 reflect the concept of sacrifice in the Old Testament?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 34?

11.What is the meaning of the Blood of Christ?

12.What events occur in the biblical book of Exodus?

13.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?

14.What is The Pentateuch?

What Does Exodus 34:20 Mean

Redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb

• Donkeys were considered ceremonially unclean, yet they were valuable work animals. God made provision so owners could keep them by substituting a clean animal—“a lamb”—in their place (Exodus 13:13;Numbers 18:15).

• The act underscored two truths:

– Every firstborn belongs to the LORD; He has first claim on all increase (Exodus 13:2).

– Redemption requires a spotless substitute, foreshadowing the ultimate Lamb who “takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29;1 Peter 1:18-19).

But if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck

• Refusing redemption left only judgment. Breaking the animal’s neck meant it could not be enjoyed or used; it was forfeited entirely.

• This stark alternative illustrated the costliness of ignoring God’s provision. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23); without a substitute, there is only loss.

• The choice placed before every Israelite—redeem or destroy—echoes later calls to “choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons

• Human firstborns could never be sacrificed (Leviticus 18:21); instead, parents paid a redemption price (Numbers 18:16;Luke 2:22-23).

• The practice reminded every family that God had spared Israel’s firstborn during the Passover (Exodus 12:12-13) and that their lives still belonged to Him.

• It pointed forward to Christ, the Father’s only “firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15), who paid our redemption price “not with silver or gold, but with His precious blood” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

No one shall appear before Me empty-handed

• Worship always involved giving back to God from what He first provided (Exodus 23:15;Deuteronomy 16:16-17).

• Offerings expressed gratitude, dependence, and covenant loyalty, echoing Abel’s “firstlings” (Genesis 4:4) and anticipating New-Covenant generosity—“On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside a sum” (1 Corinthians 16:2).

• Coming “empty-handed” was unthinkable because worship without sacrifice is hollow; love gives.

summary

Exodus 34:20 weaves a single theme through four commands: all firstborn life is God’s, yet He graciously provides redemption through a spotless substitute. Accepting that ransom brings blessing and ongoing generosity; refusing it brings loss and judgment. The verse looks back to Passover, regulates Israel’s worship, and looks ahead to Jesus—the Lamb who secures our redemption and inspires us to offer ourselves and our resources freely to the God who saved us.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(20)The firstling of an ass.--See Notes 1-3 onExodus 13:13.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

You must redeem
תִּפְדֶּ֣ה(tip̄·deh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6299:To sever, ransom, gener, to release, preserve

the firstborn
וּפֶ֤טֶר(ū·p̄e·ṭer)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6363:That which separates or first opens

of a donkey
חֲמוֹר֙(ḥă·mō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2543:A male ass

with a lamb;
בְשֶׂ֔ה(ḇə·śeh)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7716:A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat

but if
וְאִם־(wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

you do not
לֹ֥א(lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

redeem it,
תִפְדֶּ֖ה(ṯip̄·deh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6299: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
Strong's 6202:To break the neck, to destroy

You must redeem
תִּפְדֶּ֔ה(tip̄·deh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6299:To sever, ransom, gener, to release, preserve

all
כֹּ֣ל(kōl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every

the firstborn
בְּכ֤וֹר(bə·ḵō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1060:Firstborn, chief

of your sons.
בָּנֶ֙יךָ֙(bā·ne·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A son

No
וְלֹֽא־(wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

one shall appear
יֵרָא֥וּ(yê·rā·’ū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7200:To see

before Me
פָנַ֖י(p̄ā·nay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440:The face

empty-handed.
רֵיקָֽם׃(rê·qām)
Adverb
Strong's 7387:Emptily, ineffectually, undeservedly

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OT Law: Exodus 34:20 The firstborn of a donkey you shall (Exo. Ex)