Old Testament
Numbers 18:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But you must not redeem the firstborn of a cow, a sheep, or a goat — they are holy. You must sprinkle their blood on the altar and burn their fat as a fire offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
Compare translations
But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not redeem; they are holy: thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat for an offering made by fire, for a sweet savour unto the LORD.
What Numbers 18:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 18:17, God instructs the Israelites regarding the treatment of the firstborn animals, specifically cows, sheep, and goats. These animals are considered holy and cannot be redeemed or exchanged for money. Instead, their blood must be sprinkled on the altar, and their fat should be burned as a fire offering. This act is meant to please the Lord, symbolizing the dedication of the firstborn to Him. The emphasis on the holiness of these animals reflects the importance of giving God the best and recognizing His sovereignty over life. The ritual serves as a reminder of the Israelites' covenant with God and their need to honor Him through sacrifices. This practice also highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement, as the blood represents life and the fat symbolizes the richness of the offering. Overall, this verse underscores the significance of obedience to God's commands and the proper way to worship Him through sacrifices.
How to apply Numbers 18:17 to your life
We can apply this verse by recognizing the importance of dedicating our best to God. This might mean prioritizing our time, resources, and talents for His service. It encourages us to approach worship with sincerity and reverence, offering our lives as living sacrifices.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 18:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 18:17
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 18:17 mean?
Numbers 18:17 explains that the firstborn of cows, sheep, and goats are considered holy and cannot be redeemed. Instead, they must be sacrificed by sprinkling their blood on the altar and burning their fat as an offering to God.
What is the significance of the firstborn animals in Numbers 18:17?
The firstborn animals in Numbers 18:17 symbolize dedication to God, representing the best of what the Israelites have. Their sacrifice serves as a reminder of the covenant between God and His people, emphasizing the importance of obedience and worship.
Why can't the firstborn animals be redeemed according to Numbers 18:17?
According to Numbers 18:17, the firstborn animals cannot be redeemed because they are considered holy. This reflects the idea that the firstborn belongs to God and must be offered to Him as a sign of reverence and commitment.
What does the blood and fat represent in Numbers 18:17?
In Numbers 18:17, the blood represents life and the fat symbolizes the richness of the offering. Sprinkling the blood on the altar and burning the fat signifies the act of worship and the seriousness of atonement for sin.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.