share torah logo

Exodus 13:13 - Redeem or sanctify firstborn?

Exodus 13:13 - שמות 13:13

Hebrew Text

וְכָל־פֶּטֶר חֲמֹר תִּפְדֶּה בְשֶׂה וְאִם־לֹא תִפְדֶּה וַעֲרַפְתּוֹ וְכֹל בְּכוֹר אָדָם בְּבָנֶיךָ תִּפְדֶּה׃

English Translation

And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break its neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.

Transliteration

Vechol-peter chamor tifdeh veseh ve'im-lo tifdeh va'arafto vechol bechor adam bevaneycha tifdeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכׇל־פֶּ֤טֶר חֲמֹר֙ תִּפְדֶּ֣ה בְשֶׂ֔ה וְאִם־לֹ֥א תִפְדֶּ֖ה וַעֲרַפְתּ֑וֹ וְכֹ֨ל בְּכ֥וֹר אָדָ֛ם בְּבָנֶ֖יךָ תִּפְדֶּֽה׃
וְכׇל־פֶּ֤טֶר חֲמֹר֙ תִּפְדֶּ֣ה בְשֶׂ֔ה וְאִם־לֹ֥א תִפְדֶּ֖ה וַעֲרַפְתּ֑וֹ וְכֹ֨ל בְּכ֥וֹר אָדָ֛ם בְּבָנֶ֖יךָ תִּפְדֶּֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Pidyon Peter Chamor (Redemption of the Firstborn Donkey)

The verse commands the redemption of a firstborn donkey (פֶּטֶר חֲמֹר) with a sheep (שֶׂה), or its destruction if not redeemed. Rashi (Shemot 13:13) explains that this mitzvah is unique because the donkey, an impure animal, has no inherent sanctity like a kosher firstborn. The redemption with a sheep elevates it by associating it with a pure animal. The Rambam (Hilchos Bikkurim 12:1) adds that this teaches the principle of exchanging the mundane for the sacred.

Breaking the Donkey's Neck if Unredeemed

The Torah mandates arifah (breaking the neck) if the donkey is not redeemed. The Mechilta (Bo 13) states this emphasizes the seriousness of neglecting mitzvos—since the donkey could have been elevated through redemption, its destruction becomes necessary if that opportunity is missed. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 22) connects this to the broader theme of consecrating firstborns to Hashem.

Pidyon HaBen (Redemption of Human Firstborns)

The verse concludes with the obligation to redeem firstborn sons (בְּכוֹר אָדָם). The Talmud (Bechoros 47a) derives that this applies only to males and requires giving five silver shekels to a Kohen. Rambam (Hilchos Bikkurim 11:1) clarifies this applies to a firstborn from the mother’s side, reflecting the sanctity of Israel’s firstborns saved during Makkas Bechoros (Exodus 12:29). The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 18:3) links this mitzvah to gratitude for Hashem sparing Jewish firstborns in Egypt.

  • Symbolism: The donkey represents materialism (Chamor from "chomer," physicality), and its redemption signifies elevating the mundane to holiness (Likutei Torah, Re'eh).
  • Practical Halacha: The Shulchan Aruch (YD 305) details the procedure for Pidyon HaBen, emphasizing it must occur after 30 days.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bekhorot 11a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the redemption of the firstborn donkey and the obligation to redeem human firstborns.
📖 Sanhedrin 56b
The verse is referenced in the discussion of the Noachide laws and the obligations that apply to all humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to redeem a firstborn donkey with a lamb?
A: The Torah commands that a firstborn donkey must be redeemed by giving a lamb to a Kohen (priest). This teaches us that even animals have sanctity, and we must acknowledge Hashem's ownership by redeeming them. Rashi explains that if one does not redeem it, the donkey must be killed (by breaking its neck) to prevent any benefit from it.
Q: Why does the Torah specify donkeys and not other animals?
A: The donkey is singled out because it is an impure (non-kosher) animal, yet it still has sanctity as a firstborn. The Rambam (Hilchos Bikkurim 12:1) explains that this mitzvah highlights that even things not typically used for holiness can still have a connection to divine service when redeemed properly.
Q: What is the significance of redeeming a firstborn human child?
A: Just as firstborn animals have sanctity, so do firstborn sons. The Torah commands that a firstborn Jewish male must be redeemed (Pidyon HaBen) by giving five silver coins to a Kohen (Numbers 18:16). This mitzvah reminds us that our lives are dedicated to serving Hashem, and we symbolically transfer this sanctity to the Kohanim, who serve in the Temple.
Q: Why must the donkey be killed if it is not redeemed?
A: If the donkey is not redeemed with a lamb, it cannot be used for ordinary work or benefit because it retains its sanctity as a firstborn. The Talmud (Bechoros 11a) explains that breaking its neck ensures no one derives personal gain from something that belongs to Hashem. This teaches us the seriousness of treating holy matters with respect.
Q: How does this verse apply today?
A: Today, we still perform Pidyon HaBen (redemption of a firstborn son) as a reminder of this mitzvah. While we no longer have the Temple service, the concept of acknowledging Hashem's ownership remains. The laws of firstborn animals also teach us to recognize holiness in everyday life and act with mindfulness of divine commandments.