Bible Dictionary
First-born, Redemption of
The redemption of the first-born was the required payment or substitution by which Israelite first-born sons and unclean animals were released from special consecration to God. Clean first-born animals were given for sacrifice, while other animals were redeemed or sold.
Biblical Usage
The practice followed the replacement of the family first-born’s priestly role by the Levites. It applied to first-born males of people and animals, with different provisions for clean and unclean animals.
Scripture References