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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 13:13. It's a really important passage about how to handle livestock – specifically, sheep and goats – before they are taken to Egypt. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about safeguarding your valuable animals. It’s giving you a rule for protecting your livestock while they’re traveling to a new land where they might be vulnerable to predators. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Exodus 13:13” : This is the verse itself – a specific passage from the Book of Exodus in the Bible. “And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb…” : This tells us what to do with the animals. It means you should trade or buy one of the animals (an "ass" is a young goat) and then give the rest of it back to a lamb. “…and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck…” : This is the crucial part! If you don't manage to get rid of the animal, you have to kill it . You must break its neck. “all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.” : This emphasizes that you are responsible for protecting your own children (representing the entire human race). It means you’re safeguarding the most valuable things – your offspring – and ensuring their safety. What does this mean practically? This verse is rooted in a story about Moses leading his people out of Egypt. God told Pharaoh to keep the Israelites from leaving the land, so he commanded him to take the animals as a sign of God’s protection. This verse is an ancient law that was passed down through generations – a way for God to ensure safety and security for His chosen people. In short: It's about protecting your valuable livestock and ensuring their safety through a ritualistic act that demonstrates God’s care. Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or perhaps discuss the significance of this passage within the broader context of the Old Testament? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism behind the lamb and the goat How this verse relates to the story of Noah’s Ark