Exodus 22:30 kjv

Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, and with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with his dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me.

Exodus 22:30 nkjv

Likewise you shall do with your oxen and your sheep. It shall be with its mother seven days; on the eighth day you shall give it to Me.

Exodus 22:30 niv

Do the same with your cattle and your sheep. Let them stay with their mothers for seven days, but give them to me on the eighth day.

Exodus 22:30 esv

You shall do the same with your oxen and with your sheep: seven days it shall be with its mother; on the eighth day you shall give it to me.

Exodus 22:30 nlt

"You must also give me the firstborn of your cattle, sheep, and goats. But leave the newborn animal with its mother for seven days; then give it to me on the eighth day.

Exodus 22 verses

Exodus 22 30 Meaning

Exodus 22:30 extends the divine directive of dedicating the firstborn from human sons (Exo 22:29) to newborn male livestock – specifically oxen and sheep. It mandates that a calf or lamb must remain with its mother for seven full days to nurse and gain strength. Only on the eighth day is this firstborn animal to be given or presented to the Lord. This command reinforces God's universal claim over all "firstfruits" and underscores principles of ethical treatment, purity, and sacred timing in consecration to God.

Exodus 22 30 Context

Exodus chapter 22 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exo 20:22-23:33), detailing God's specific laws given to Israel following the Ten Commandments. This chapter focuses primarily on civil laws, including protection of property, justice for offenses, and various social regulations. It transitions into cultic laws towards its end, particularly regarding firstfruits, the firstborn, and specific religious duties. Verse 30 directly follows the command concerning the dedication of the firstborn son (Exo 22:29), creating a clear connection and continuity regarding God's claim on the "first" of all life, both human and animal. Historically, ancient Near Eastern cultures practiced forms of firstborn sacrifice or dedication. Israel's law distinguishes itself by mandating the dedication of clean animals for sacrifice to God, forbidding human child sacrifice, and introducing redemption for the firstborn of humans and unclean animals, emphasizing divine ownership while upholding human dignity and ethical animal welfare. The timing—seven days with the mother and presentation on the eighth—aligns with broader biblical themes of purity, readiness, and the symbolic significance of numbers seven (completion) and eight (new beginning, rebirth).

Exodus 22 30 Word analysis

• You shall do likewise: The Hebrew phrase for "likewise" (גַּם, gam) directly links this verse to the preceding one (Exo 22:29), emphasizing that the principle of dedicating the firstborn applies universally to humans and animals. It highlights God's holistic ownership.
• with your oxen and with your sheep: Refers to domesticated bovine (שׁוֹר, shor) and small livestock (צֹאן, tson), the primary sources of livelihood and sacrifice for ancient Israelites. These were "clean" animals permitted for offering. The command covers the foundational elements of Israelite agriculture.
• seven days: (שִׁבְעַת יָמִים, shiv'at yamim). A precise waiting period.
  • Significance: This duration allowed the newborn animal to gain strength, receive vital colostrum and milk for health and immunity, and ensures its viability as a healthy offering.
  • Thematic connection: The number seven frequently signifies completion, perfection, or preparation in biblical numerology, often preceding a new phase or consecration (e.g., seven days of creation, purification rituals for seven days).
• it shall be with its mother: (אִתּוֹ אִמּוֹ, itto immo). Explicitly commands the presence of the mother.
  • Care: Ensures natural feeding and nurturing. It indicates humane consideration for both the mother and the young, preventing premature separation that could cause distress or health issues. This reflects God's concern for animal welfare within His laws (Deut 22:6).
  • Purity: Potentially connects to broader purity laws, where an animal or person might be considered "unclean" for seven days before purification.
• on the eighth day: (הַיּוֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי, hayyom hashmini). The definitive day for offering.
  • New Beginning: The number eight often symbolizes a new beginning, resurrection, or transcendence in biblical thought, following the completion of seven.
  • Parallelism: Strongly echoes the command for circumcision on the eighth day (Gen 17:12; Lev 12:3), symbolizing consecration and covenant relationship with God. It indicates a fresh start and a sanctified status.
  • Consecration: This is the day the animal is ritually pure and ready to be consecrated to the Lord.
• you shall give it to Me: (תִּתְּנוֹ לִי, tit'nenu li). Implies an act of dedication, presentation, or sacrifice.
  • Divine Claim: Reaffirms God's ultimate ownership and right to the "first" and "best" of His creation. It's a demonstration of obedience and submission to divine sovereignty.
  • Sacrifice: For male oxen and sheep, this "giving" generally referred to sacrifice (Lev 22:27).

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "You shall do likewise with your oxen and with your sheep": This phrase broadens the scope of dedication beyond human firstborn, asserting God's claim over all the significant productive assets and life within the community. It sets a universal principle that the first and best of all life belong to Him.
• "seven days it shall be with its mother": This period emphasizes compassionate care, ensuring the physical well-being and maturity of the young animal. It also implies a natural process before spiritual dedication, mirroring God's patient working with His creation. This also suggests that immature, weak, or sick animals are not suitable offerings.
• "on the eighth day you shall give it to Me": This is the pivotal instruction. The specific timing on the "eighth day" elevates the act from mere donation to sacred ritual, imbuing it with spiritual significance beyond mere animal husbandry. It transforms an ordinary life cycle event into an act of worship and covenant affirmation.

Exodus 22 30 Bonus section

• Holiness from Birth: This law implies that the newborn animal, like the firstborn human, carries an inherent quality of "holiness" or being "set apart" from birth due to its status as "firstborn" – not through its own merit but by divine decree.
• Divine Timing and Order: The emphasis on precise timing ("seven days," "eighth day") reflects the orderly nature of God's commands and the importance He places on fulfilling them according to His revealed will, not human convenience or whim. This is consistent across many Mosaic laws regarding feasts and sacrifices.
• Anti-Pagan Contrast: In contrast to some pagan fertility rites that might involve immediate and brutal sacrifices, this law mandates a waiting period and care, demonstrating a morally superior and compassionate deity. It subtly educated Israel away from common pagan practices by establishing distinct divine commands that showed both reverence and humanity.

Exodus 22 30 Commentary

Exodus 22:30 stands as a succinct yet profound law within the covenant, articulating God's claim not just on the lives of His people, but on all their livelihood and natural increase. It underscores that true ownership rests with the Creator, and humanity's role is that of faithful stewardship and grateful offering. The command for a seven-day waiting period emphasizes divine consideration for animal welfare, ensuring the well-being of the newborn and mother, and demanding a robust, healthy offering. It is a compassionate yet practical requirement. The instruction to present the animal on the eighth day is highly significant, connecting it with themes of purity, new beginnings, and sanctification found in other laws like circumcision. This demonstrates a transition from a natural state to one set apart for God, signifying a complete consecration and new spiritual identity. This law served as a constant reminder that Israel's very existence, prosperity, and indeed, every "firstborn" life, ultimately derived from and belonged to God, reinforcing the covenant relationship through acts of dedicated worship.