Redemption of First-born

Redemption of First-born (pidyon ha-ben in Hebrew), is an important ritual in Judaism. It is still observed today, particularly by Orthodox Jews.

Principles

When a woman gives birth by natural birth through her vagina (and not by Caesarean section), to a firstborn son, then the child must be "redeemed" from a known Kohen representing the original Jewish Temple priesthood, for the sum of five silver Shekels. The procedure does not apply to the children of whom the father is a Kohen or Levi, or the mother descends from one.

This "redemption" ceremony is done on the 31st day after the birth of the child and is accompanied by an obligatory festive meal known as a se'udath mitzvah ("meal of a mitzvah").

Background

The laws concerning this redemption of the first-born of man are recorded in Ex. 13:12–15; 22:29; 34:20; Num. 3:45; 8:17; 18:16; Lev. 12:2, 4.

In the early part of the Bible, as recorded in the Book of Genesis, the duties of a priest fell upon the eldest son of each family. The first-born was to be dedicated to God in order to perform this task.

Following the departure of the Hebrews from Egypt (see the book of Exodus), an extensive plan of formal sacrificial worship was instituted, and the tribe of the Levites was instead dedicated to this task, after the nation had sinned with the Golden Calf. At the same time it was instituted that the first born of each family should be redeemed; i.e. they would be 'bought back' from the dedication to God that would previously have been required of them.

The first-born male of every clean animal was to be given up to the priest for sacrifice (Deut. 12:6; Ex. 13:12; 34:20; Num. 18:15–17). The first-born of unclean animals, however, was either to be redeemed or sold and the price given to the priest (Lev. 27:11–13, 27). The first-born of an ass, if not redeemed, was to be put to death (Ex. 13:13; 34:20).

Redemption of First-born is a concept in both Jewish and Christian theology.

See also

• Brit milah (circumcision)

Reference

• This entry incorporates text from Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897, with some modernisation.