Hebrew · Strong's H1060
בְּכוֹר
(beh-KOR)
noun, masculine
This noun refers to the first born child, usually male, and carries implications of preeminence and inheritance.
The Hebrew word בְּכוֹר (bekor) broadly denotes the firstborn, particularly the first male offspring within a family. This status often carried significant privileges and responsibilities in ancient Israelite society, including a double portion of the inheritance and leadership within the family. The concept of the firstborn was not always strictly biological; sometimes, it could refer to one who held preeminence, even if not chronologically the first. This is seen in instances where a younger son receives the blessing and status typically reserved for the firstborn, as in the cases of Jacob over Esau, and Ephraim over Manasseh, demonstrating that God's choice could override societal norms.
The theological weight of בְּכוֹר is profound, especially in its application to both people and animals. God claimed the firstborn of Israel as His own, a foundational concept tied to the Passover and the Exodus. The sparing of Israel's firstborn while Egypt's firstborn perished established a divine right over the firstborn of Israel, leading to the command to consecrate them to the Lord or to redeem them. This act served as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance and His covenant relationship with Israel.
Beyond human and animal firstborns, the term can also extend metaphorically to denote something or someone principal or preeminent. While less common, this usage highlights the inherent value and position associated with the status of the firstborn. The theme of the firstborn in the Old Testament also foreshadows the concept of Jesus as the "firstborn over all creation" in the New Testament, signifying His supreme authority and unique relationship with God, as well as His role in a new creation. The prominence of the firstborn in Israelite law and narrative underscores its importance in understanding ancient family structures, inheritance, and, importantly, God's redemptive plan.
Common English renderings
- firstborn
- eldest
- firstling
Key verses
"for all the first-born are mine; on the day that I smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the first-born in Israel, both man and beast; mine they shall be: I am Jehovah."
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"and all the first-born in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first-born of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the first-born of the maid-servant that is behind the mill; and all the first-born of cattle."
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"And the children of Reuben, Israel’s first-born, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;"
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"For I will go through the land of Egypt in that night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am Jehovah."
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"And it came to pass at midnight, that Jehovah smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt, from the first-born of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the first-born of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the first-born of cattle."
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"And Jehovah said unto Moses, Number all the first-born males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names."
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