Lexical Summary peter: Firstborn, firstling Original Word: פֶטֶר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance firstling, opening, such as open Or pitrah {pit-raw'}; from patar; a fissure, i.e. (concretely) firstling (as opening the matrix) -- firstling, openeth, such as open. see HEBREW patar Brown-Driver-Briggs מֶּ֫טֶר noun [masculine] that which separates, first opens; — construct, רֶחֶם ׳מּ i. e. firstborn, of man and beast, Ezekiel 20:26; Exodus 13:12,15; Exodus 34:19; Numbers 18:15; appositive בְּכוֺר Exodus 13:2; Numbers 3:12; רֶחֶם omitted Exodus 13:12,13; Exodus 34:19,20. [מִּטְרָה] noun feminine id., מִּטְרַת כָּלרֶֿחֶם Numbers 8:16. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Thematic Range The term פֶטֶר denotes the first offspring that “opens” the womb. In every passage where it appears, the word anchors divine claims of ownership, redemption, and consecration over that first issue—human or animal—and therefore over the totality that follows. Foundational Covenant Mandate (Exodus 13 and 34) Immediately after the exodus, the LORD commands, “Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast” (Exodus 13:2). This charge is repeated and expanded in Exodus 13:12–15 and Exodus 34:19–20. The requirement has two inseparable elements: 1. Presentation—the act of bringing the first offspring before the LORD. By calling for the firstborn of every womb, the LORD claims the first and best, reinforcing His sovereign deliverance of Israel’s firstborn from death on the night of Passover (Exodus 13:15). Principle of Redemption For unclean animals such as the donkey, substitutionary ransom is mandated (Exodus 13:13; 34:20). For human firstborn sons, a set price is later codified (Numbers 18:15–16). In every case, פֶטֶר teaches that life redeemed must be bought back at cost; consecration is never casual or optional. Levitical Substitution (Numbers 3 and 8) When the tribe of Levi is set apart, the Levites become a living redemption price for Israel’s firstborn males: “Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel in place of every firstborn from the womb of the Israelites” (Numbers 3:12). Numbers 8:16 reiterates the exchange. The Levitical ministry is therefore rooted in the פֶטֶר principle—representative life given for life. Priestly and Sacrificial Implications The ongoing service of the tabernacle, and later the temple, depends on this foundational exchange. The dedication of livestock offerings, the financial redemption of sons, and the perpetual service of the Levites all trace back to the LORD’s demand for the first opener of the womb. The system ensures continual remembrance of divine mercy and ownership. Prophetic Warning (Ezekiel 20:26) Ezekiel records a dark inversion: “I let them become defiled through their gifts—the sacrifice of every firstborn—so that I might devastate them” (Ezekiel 20:26). Israel’s apostasy turns consecration into idolatry, demonstrating that ritual without obedience invites judgment. Even the highest tokens can be corrupted when the heart strays. Christological Fulfillment The New Testament declares Jesus Christ “the firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15) and “the firstborn from the dead” (Revelation 1:5). His presentation at the temple (Luke 2:22–24) fulfills the פֶטֶר ordinance. Yet He also embodies the ransom: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). The ultimate opener of the womb becomes the final redeeming sacrifice, satisfying the law and inaugurating the new covenant. Continued Theological Relevance 1. Ownership: All life belongs to God; stewardship begins by acknowledging His prior claim. Practical Ministry Application • Family: Parents dedicating children publicly affirm God’s ownership and seek His grace for faithful upbringing. Key References Exodus 13:2; 13:12–15 Numbers 3:12–13; 8:16–18 Forms and Transliterations וּפֶ֤טֶר ופטר פִּטְרַ֨ת פֶּ֖טֶר פֶּ֣טֶר פֶּ֣טֶר ׀ פֶּ֤טֶר פֶּ֥טֶר פֶּֽטֶר־ פטר פטר־ פטרת pe·ṭer pe·ṭer- Peter peṭer peṭer- piṭ·raṯ pitRat piṭraṯ ū·p̄e·ṭer uFeter ūp̄eṭerLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 13:2 HEB: כָל־ בְּכ֜וֹר פֶּ֤טֶר כָּל־ רֶ֙חֶם֙ NAS: firstborn, the first offspring of every KJV: unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb INT: every firstborn the first of every womb Exodus 13:12 Exodus 13:12 Exodus 13:13 Exodus 13:15 Exodus 34:19 Exodus 34:19 Exodus 34:20 Numbers 3:12 Numbers 8:16 Numbers 18:15 Ezekiel 20:26 12 Occurrences |
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