בְּכוֹר (be.khor)
be.khor
firstborn
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 96 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun bekor simply means "firstborn," referring to the eldest child of a father or the initial offspring of animals. In Genesis, it identifies family lineage, such as when Jacob blesses Ephraim and Manasseh, noting that although Manasseh was the firstborn, Ephraim would become greater (Genesis 48:18). This term establishes legal and social precedence within the household.
Its significance extends beyond biology into religious ritual. Exodus records God claiming all firstborn males as His own, a right commemorated after the plague that struck every firstborn in Egypt (Exodus 13:2). The word also carries metaphorical weight for supremacy. In Psalm 89:27, God calls David "My firstborn," using the term to denote highest honor and preeminence among earthly kings.
The sources note a striking figurative use in Job 18:13, where death is described as the "firstborn of destruction." This unusual phrasing treats death as the eldest child of ruin, emphasizing its primary role in bringing about decay. Such usage shows how the concept of primacy could apply to abstract forces as well as human lineage.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for firstborn carries weight beyond simple birth order. It marks a position of inheritance and privilege within the family structure. In ancient Israel, this status meant receiving a double portion of the father’s estate and assuming responsibility for the household after his passing. This legal standing provided stability and clear lines of succession for future generations.
Yet the term also points to something deeper than biology or law. When Scripture describes God’s relationship with His people or His chosen kings, it uses this language to show supreme honor and special care. It reminds us that being firstborn is about value and purpose, not just timing. We are invited to see how God values each person uniquely in His plan.
This concept helps us understand our own place in the community of faith. Just as the firstborn held a distinct role, every believer shares in a special identity before God. It encourages us to live with the dignity and responsibility that comes from being part of His family.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 96 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] firstborn of31×
- firstborn22×
- the/ firstborn20×
- firstborn/ his11×
- [was] the/ firstborn4×
- from/ [the] firstborn of3×
- firstborn/ your3×
- firstborn of3×
- and/ [the] firstborn<s> of3×
- firstborn/ my2×
- [the] firstborn<s> of2×
- <the>/ firstborn2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּכ֣וֹר16×
- בְּכ֥וֹר8×
- הַ/בְּכ֖וֹר6×
- בְּכוֹר֙6×
- הַ/בְּכוֹר֙5×
- בְּכֹר֖/וֹ5×
- הַ/בְּכֽוֹר\׃4×
- וּ/בְכֹרֹ֥ת3×
- הַ/בְּכ֣וֹר\׀3×
- בְּכ֨וֹר3×
- בְּכוֹרֵ֣י2×
- בְּכוֹר֮2×
Key Verses
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Genesis 49:3
“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in dignity, and excelling in power.
Jacob calls Reuben his firstborn to highlight his initial strength and dignity, showing how the title reflects natural precedence in the family hierarchy.
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Exodus 4:22
You shall tell Pharaoh, ‘Yahweh says, Israel is my son, my firstborn,
God identifies Israel as His firstborn son, using the term to express a unique covenant relationship rather than biological birth.
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Exodus 13:2
“Sanctify to me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of animal. It is mine.”
This verse establishes the ritual requirement to sanctify all firstborn males, linking their physical status to religious dedication and ownership by God.
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Genesis 48:18
Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.”
Joseph objects to his father blessing Ephraim over Manasseh because Manasseh was the firstborn, illustrating the cultural importance of birthright in inheritance matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word bekor mean?
How is bekor used metaphorically in the Bible?
Why were firstborn males significant in ancient Israel?
Every Occurrence (96 verses across 19 books)
Genesis 16 verses
Abel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of its fat. Yahweh respected Abel and his offering,
Genesis 10:15Canaan became the father of Sidon (his firstborn), Heth,
Genesis 22:21Uz his firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel the father of Aram,
Genesis 25:13These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to the order of their birth: the firstborn of…
Genesis 27:19Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done what you asked me to do. Please arise, sit and eat of…
Genesis 27:32Isaac his father said to him, “Who are you?” He said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.”
Genesis 35:23The sons of Leah: Reuben (Jacob’s firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.
Genesis 36:15These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief…
Genesis 38:6Judah took a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.
Genesis 38:7Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in Yahweh’s sight. So Yahweh killed him.
Genesis 41:51Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, “For”, he said, “God has made me forget all my toil, and all my…
Genesis 43:33They sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth, and the men…
Genesis 46:8These are the names of the children of Israel, who came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn.
Genesis 48:14Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on…
Genesis 48:18Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.”
Genesis 49:3“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in dignity, and excelling in power.