בְּכוֹרַת (be.kho.rat)
be.kho.rat
Becorath
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Bechorath identifies a specific ancestor of King Saul, mentioned only once in the Hebrew Bible at 1 Samuel 9:1. He is listed as the son of Aphiah and the father of Zeror, placing him within the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin during the period of the United Monarchy.
Etymologically, the name derives from the root meaning "first-born," a common element in Hebrew personal names that often reflected birth order or parental hope. While the individual himself appears in no narrative events, his inclusion in the lineage underscores the importance of family records in establishing Saul’s royal credentials.
This single reference serves as a vital link in the chain connecting Saul back to his tribal roots. By preserving this name, the biblical text maintains the integrity of Saul’s heritage, which was significant for his acceptance as Israel’s first king.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Names in Scripture often carry weight beyond their sound. Bechorath means "first-born," a title that signals priority and inheritance in ancient Israel. Though he appears only once, his name anchors King Saul’s lineage to the tribe of Benjamin. This detail reminds us that God works through families and histories, not just isolated individuals.
Your own story is part of a larger narrative. Even when your role seems small or unseen, you are connected to something greater. Just as Bechorath’s place in the genealogy mattered for Saul’s kingship, your faithfulness in daily life contributes to God’s ongoing work. Trust that your place in His story is purposeful.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Becorath1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּכוֹרַ֛ת1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 9:1
Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor.
This verse lists Bechorath as the grandfather of Kish, establishing Saul’s legitimate tribal lineage from Benjamin.