THEOSISEphraem the Syrian
This indicates individuals who have been baptized and carry the mark of their Baptism, and it must be understood that they are eternally consecrated to the Lord.
Exodus 34:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
All of the male kind that openeth the womb, shall be mine. Of all beasts; both of oxen and of sheep, it shall be mine.
כָּל־פֶּ֥טֶר רֶ֖חֶם לִ֑י וְכָֽל־מִקְנְךָ֙ תִּזָּכָ֔ר פֶּ֖טֶר שׁ֥וֹר וָשֶֽׁה׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Jerome of Stridon
"All that openeth the spoon shall be called unto Me." Those who deviate from the truth have erred, failing to grasp the mystery surrounding His incarnation. The phrase, "He that openeth the spoon shall be called devoted to the Lord," pertains more specifically to the unique Nativity of the Savior rather than to the birth of humanity at large. Indeed, Christ alone was able to open the sealed gates of the virgin womb, which remained intact even as they were opened. These gates symbolize the shut entrances of the East, through which only the high priest may enter and exit, and yet they remain perpetually closed (Ezekiel 44:1-3).
Wlastow G.K.
Examine the verses 2 and 12 from chapter 13, along with the associated note of this chapter.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Ex 13:2Sanctify unto me every firstborn that openeth the womb among the children of Israel, as well of men as of beasts: for they are all mine.
- Ex 22:29Thou shalt not delay to pay thy tithes and thy firstfruits: thou shalt give the firstborn of thy sons to me.
- Ex 13:12Thou shalt set apart all that openeth the womb for the Lord, and all that is first brought forth of thy cattle: whatsoever thou shalt have of the male sex, thou shalt consecrate to the Lord.
- Num 18:15Whatsoever is firstborn of all flesh, which they offer to the Lord, whether it be of men, or of beasts, shall belong to thee: only for the firstborn of man thou shalt take a price, and every beast that is unclean thou shalt cause to be redeemed,
- Num 18:17But the firstling of a cow, and of a sheep and of a goat thou shalt not cause to be redeemed, because they are sanctified to the Lord. Their blood only thou shalt pour upon the altar, and their fat thou shalt burn for a most sweet odour to the Lord.
- Ezek 44:30And the firstfruits of all the firstborn, and all the libations of all things that are offered, shall be the priest's: and you shall give the firstfruits of your meats to the priest, that he may return a blessing upon thy house.
- Luke 2:23As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord: