Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the term "matrix" refers to the womb, specifically in the context of childbirth and the firstborn. The word is derived from the Latin "matrix," meaning "womb" or "source," and is used in the King James Version of the Bible to denote the concept of the firstborn opening the womb. This term is primarily found in the Old Testament and is associated with the laws and rituals concerning the firstborn of both humans and animals.Biblical References: 1. Exodus 13:12 : "you are to present to the LORD the firstborn of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the LORD." This verse is part of the instructions given to the Israelites regarding the consecration of the firstborn. The term "matrix" is used here to emphasize the significance of the firstborn as the one who "opens the womb." 2. Exodus 13:15 : "And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the first male offspring of every womb and redeem every firstborn of my sons." This passage highlights the historical and theological importance of the firstborn, linking it to the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. 3. Exodus 34:19 : "The first offspring of every womb belongs to Me, including all the firstborn males among your livestock, whether cattle or sheep." Here, the term underscores the dedication of the firstborn to God, a practice that served as a reminder of God's sovereignty and provision. 4. 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 the firstborn of man and the firstborn of unclean animals." This verse outlines the priestly rights to the firstborn and the requirement for redemption, particularly for human firstborns and unclean animals. Theological Significance: The concept of the matrix, or the firstborn opening the womb, holds deep theological significance in the biblical narrative. It symbolizes the principle of firstfruits, where the first and best are dedicated to God as an acknowledgment of His lordship and blessings. The firstborn, as the initial issue of the womb, represents the beginning of strength and the continuation of the family line, making its consecration to God a profound act of faith and obedience. In the broader biblical context, the dedication of the firstborn prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15), who is consecrated to God and serves as the Redeemer of humanity. The redemption of the firstborn in the Old Testament foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, who fulfills the law and brings about spiritual deliverance. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the firstborn held a place of special honor and responsibility. The firstborn son typically inherited a double portion of the family estate and assumed leadership of the family upon the father's death. The biblical mandate to consecrate the firstborn to God set Israel apart from surrounding nations, emphasizing their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. The practice of redeeming the firstborn, particularly human firstborns, reflects the value placed on human life and the recognition of God's ultimate ownership of all creation. This redemption process involved a symbolic act of substitution, where an offering was made in place of the firstborn, underscoring the themes of sacrifice and atonement that permeate the biblical narrative. In summary, the term "matrix" in the Bible is intricately linked to the themes of consecration, redemption, and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over life and creation. It serves as a reminder of the special status of the firstborn and the broader theological truths that point to God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A situation or surrounding substance that gives form or origin to anything; a womb.2. (n.) The womb. 3. (n.) The cavity in which anything is formed, and which gives it shape; a die; a mold, as for the face of a type. 4. (n.) The earthy or stony substance in which metallic ores or crystallized minerals are found; the gangue. 5. (n.) The five simple colors, black, white, blue, red, and yellow, of which all the rest are composed. 6. (n.) The lifeless portion of tissue, either animal or vegetable, situated between the cells; the intercellular substance. 7. (n.) A rectangular arrangement of symbols in rows and columns. The symbols may express quantities or operations. Greek 2836. koilia -- belly ... belly, womb. From koilos ("hollow"); a cavity, ie (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart -- belly, womb. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2836.htm - 6k 3388. metra -- the womb 1064. gaster -- the belly Strong's Hebrew 7358. rechem -- womb... matrix, womb. From racham; the womb (compare racham) -- matrix, womb. see HEBREW racham. see HEBREW racham. 7357, 7358. rechem. 7359 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/7358.htm - 6k 6363. peter -- that which separates or first opens Library Epistle Xliv. To Cornelius, Concerning Polycarp the Adrumetine. Boehme's Universe Qu??nam De Procreatione Liberorum Tractanda Sint. On a Piece of Chalk. A Lecture to Working Men. Christ Born of a virgin, of Her Substance the Physiological Facts ... Book Twelve the Mode of Creation and the Truth of Scripture. ... The Cause of Spiritual Stupidity. A Series of Dilemmas they Show that Hermogenes Cannot Escape from ... Elucidations. Marriage not Abolished by the Commendation of virginity. Thesaurus Matrix (4 Occurrences)...Matrix (4 Occurrences). ... (KJV WBS). Exodus 34:19 All that openeth the matrix is mine; and every firstling among thy cattle, whether ox or sheep, that is male. ... /m/matrix.htm - 8k Openeth (48 Occurrences) Firstling (8 Occurrences) Gang (1 Occurrence) Drive (132 Occurrences) Mats (2 Occurrences) Matrites (1 Occurrence) Porphyry (1 Occurrence) Bowels (40 Occurrences) Slew (206 Occurrences) Resources What is the theory of directed panspermia? | GotQuestions.orgIs artificial intelligence (AI) biblically possible? | GotQuestions.org How should Christians view Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW)? | GotQuestions.org Matrix: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Matrix (4 Occurrences)Exodus 13:12 Exodus 13:15 Exodus 34:19 Numbers 3:12 Subtopics Related Terms |