בְּכִירָה (be.khi.rah)
be.khi.rah
firstborn
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun bekirah refers specifically to a firstborn daughter. Unlike its masculine counterpart, which denotes the primary heir or leader of a household, this term is strictly limited to female offspring in the biblical text. It appears only six times in the Old Testament, ensuring that its meaning remains narrow and precise.
Lexical sources such as Brown-Driver-Briggs and Strong’s Concordance emphasize that the word is always used of women. This specificity distinguishes it from general terms for birth order or primogeniture. The term highlights the unique status of the first female child, though its rare occurrence suggests it was not a central legal category in ancient Israelite society compared to male inheritance rights.
Its limited usage across Genesis and Samuel indicates that while the concept of a firstborn daughter existed, it did not carry the same theological or economic weight as the bechor (firstborn son). The word serves as a precise descriptor for birth order among females, without implying the automatic privileges associated with male primogeniture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word bekirah identifies a firstborn daughter, marking her as the initial child in a family line. While ancient Israelite law often focused on the rights of the firstborn son regarding inheritance and leadership, this term simply acknowledges the birth order of a female child. It appears rarely in Scripture, reminding us that every individual holds a specific place in their family history.
In Genesis 19, we see the daughters of Lot referred to by this title as they navigate a desperate situation to preserve their lineage. Similarly, in 1 Samuel, Merab is named as Saul’s firstborn daughter. These accounts show that while women did not always hold the same legal privileges as men, their identity and birth order were still recorded and recognized within the biblical narrative.
This precise language invites us to appreciate the unique position of each person. Whether in ancient times or today, being the first brings a distinct role and responsibility. It reminds us that our origins matter and that God’s record-keeping is detailed and intentional about every member of His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ firstborn6×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/בְּכִירָה֙4×
- הַ/בְּכִירָֽה\׃1×
- הַ/בְּכִירָ֛ה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 19:31
The firstborn said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in to us in the way of all the earth.
This verse establishes the context for the daughters' actions, identifying the older sister who initiates the plan to preserve their father's line.
-
Genesis 29:26
Laban said, “It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn.
Laban uses this concept to explain cultural norms regarding marriage order, showing that birth priority was a recognized social principle even when applied to daughters in marriage arrangements.
-
I Samuel 14:49
Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua; and the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal.
Here the term clearly distinguishes Merab from her younger sister Michal, confirming its specific use for female offspring in royal genealogies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does bekirah mean in the Bible?
How is bekirah different from the word for firstborn son?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 5 verses
The firstborn said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in to us in the way…
Genesis 19:33They made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father. He didn’t know when…
Genesis 19:34It came to pass on the next day, that the firstborn said to the younger, “Behold, I lay last night with my father.…
Genesis 19:37The firstborn bore a son, and named him Moab. He is the father of the Moabites to this day.
Genesis 29:26Laban said, “It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn.