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    Firstborn

    בְּכוֹר (bekhor)

    The first child — holding a position of preeminence, authority, and double inheritance.

    Hebrew
    Pronunciation: beh-KHOR
    Quick Answer

    Bekhor is the Hebrew word for firstborn, carrying significance far beyond birth order. The firstborn held preeminence, authority, and a double inheritance. Christ is called the 'firstborn' of all creation and from the dead.

    "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature." — Colossians 1:15 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Colossians 1:15

    “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.”
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    Romans 8:29

    “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
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    Exodus 4:22

    “And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn.”
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    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Bekhor comes from a root meaning 'to be born first.' In the ancient Near East, the firstborn son held a privileged position: he received a double portion of the inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17), exercised authority over siblings, and carried the family name forward. Firstborn status conveyed rank, responsibility, and honor beyond mere chronology.

    Firstborn in Israel's Story

    God called Israel His firstborn (Exodus 4:22), giving the nation a special status among all peoples. The tenth plague — the death of Egypt's firstborn — and the Passover's sparing of Israel's firstborn dramatized this distinction. The firstborn of every family and flock belonged to God (Exodus 13:2) and was to be redeemed or consecrated.

    Christ the Firstborn

    Colossians 1:15 calls Christ 'the firstborn of every creature' — not meaning He was created first but that He holds supremacy and preeminence over all creation. He is also 'the firstborn from the dead' (Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5), the first to rise to permanent, glorified life, guaranteeing the resurrection of all who believe.

    Firstborn Among Many

    Romans 8:29 reveals God's purpose: believers are predestined to be conformed to Christ's image 'that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.' Christ is the preeminent brother in a vast redeemed family. Believers share His inheritance, His likeness, and His glory — not as equals to the Son but as beloved siblings through adoption.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does firstborn mean in the Bible?

    Firstborn (bekhor) signifies preeminence, authority, and a double inheritance — not merely being born first. When applied to Christ, it means He holds supremacy over all creation and is the first to rise in glorified life.

    Does 'firstborn of creation' mean Jesus was created?

    No. In Colossians 1:15, 'firstborn' denotes rank and sovereignty, not origin. The next verses clarify: 'by him were all things created' (v. 16) — the Creator cannot be a creature. It means He has the rights and preeminence of the firstborn over all that exists.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Firstborn"?

    Colossians 1:15 — "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature" (KJV). It also appears in Romans 8:29, Exodus 4:22.

    Why does the Hebrew word behind "Firstborn" matter?

    Bekhor comes from a root meaning 'to be born first.' In the ancient Near East, the firstborn son held a privileged position: he received a double portion of the inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17), exercised authority over siblings, and carr… English uses one word, "Firstborn", where the Hebrew בְּכוֹר (bekhor) carries the fuller sense: the first child — holding a position of preeminence, authority, and double inheritance.

    Related Words

    Inheritance
    Christ
    Resurrection

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    Word Meaning

    Firstborn (בְּכוֹר (bekhor))

    The first child — holding a position of preeminence, authority, and double inheritance.

    Commentary

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    Colossians 1:15 Commentary

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    Dream Meaning

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    Often the mind processing grief; test carefully against Scripture.

    Devotional

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    Word Meaning

    Dominion (רָדָה (Radah))

    To rule, have dominion, or exercise authority over creation.

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