Exodus 13:2

Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.

Cross-reference

Exodus 13:12-15 elaborates on consecrating firstborn, explaining the ritual and link to Passover.

Exodus 22:29 reiterates the command to give firstborn sons to God, confirming the ongoing obligation.

Exodus 22:30 specifies the timing for firstborn animals, adding detail to the general command.

In Exodus 34:19, this same command is restated: firstborn males belong to God, reaffirming the consecration law.

In Exodus 34:20, the law expands to include redemption of firstborn donkeys and sons, specifying the process.

Exodus 4:22 Typology

Exodus 4:22 calls Israel God's firstborn son, providing the theological foundation for consecrating literal firstborn.

Exodus 23:19 commands firstfruits offerings, paralleling the firstborn consecration as both dedicate the first to God.

In Leviticus 27:26, it clarifies that firstborn animals already belong to God and cannot be additionally dedicated.

Numbers 3:13 Historical context

In Numbers 3:13, God explains the basis: because He spared Israel's firstborn in Egypt, they are His.

In Numbers 8:16, the Levites are given to God instead of the firstborn, showing substitution.

Numbers 8:17 Historical context

In Numbers 8:17, the same reason from Egypt is repeated for the Levitical substitution.

In Numbers 18:15, the firstborn are given to priests, with redemption for sons and unclean animals.

In Deuteronomy 15:19, the command is reiterated with practical instructions not to work or shear firstborn livestock.

Luke 2:23 Citation

In Luke 2:23, Jesus is presented at the temple, fulfilling the law that every firstborn male be consecrated to the Lord.

Nehemiah 10:36 directly cites this law, pledging to bring firstborn sons and animals to the temple as commanded.

Ezekiel 16:20 condemns sacrificing firstborn to idols — a perversion of this command to consecrate firstborn to God.