Exodus 34:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: All that open the womb are mine, all your male livestock, the firstborn of cow and sheep.

NIV: "The first offspring of every womb belongs to me, including all the firstborn males of your livestock, whether from herd or flock.

NASB: The firstborn from every womb belongs to Me, and all your male livestock, the firstborn from cattle and sheep.

CSB: "The firstborn male from every womb belongs to me, including all your male livestock, the firstborn of cattle or sheep.

NLT: The firstborn of every animal belongs to me, including the firstborn males from your herds of cattle and your flocks of sheep and goats.

KJV: All that openeth the matrix is mine; and every firstling among thy cattle, whether ox or sheep, that is male.

NKJV: “All that open the womb are Mine, and every male firstborn among your livestock, whether ox or sheep.

Exodus 34:10–28 is God's renewed declaration of covenant laws for Israel. The Lord includes more details on specific aspects of the Law this time. This added detail is a direct response to Israel's recent sin of idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). God especially emphasizes idolatry, consecration of the firstborn, and observing the Sabbath. Moses stays on Mount Sinai for forty days and nights hearing from the Lord.

Moses obeys God's command to bring new stone tablets (Exodus 32:19) onto Mount Sinai. There, God fulfills His earlier promise to reveal more of His glory to Moses (Exodus 33:18–23). The Lord renews the covenant with Israel and gives additional details on subjects such as idolatry, the Sabbath, and certain festivals. When Moses returns, the people are intimidated by his now-shining face.

Israel quickly broke God's laws (Exodus 20:3–6) by committing idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). This caused a rift between them and God. One consequence was a removal of God's direct presence (Exodus 33:1–3). In this chapter, the covenant is renewed. The remaining chapters (Exodus 35—40) mirror the instructions for building the tabernacle (Exodus 25—31).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 9/16/2025 2:15:02 PM