פֶּ֫טֶר (pe.ter)
pe.ter
firstborn
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun peter refers to the firstborn, specifically describing an offspring that "opens" the womb. This term appears in nine verses, primarily within Exodus and Numbers, where it carries significant legal and theological weight regarding the consecration of the first male child or animal.
Its root meaning emphasizes the act of separation or emergence. The word does not merely denote birth order but highlights the unique status of the first to open the womb, setting it apart for a special purpose. In Exodus 13:2, God commands that every firstborn belongs to Him, establishing a principle of redemption and dedication.
Translators often render peter as "firstborn" or "firstling," capturing its sense of primacy. The term underscores the idea that what comes first holds a distinct place in the covenant community, requiring acknowledgment and, in many cases, redemption through substitution.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word peter points to the very first child or animal to emerge from the womb. In ancient Israel, this was not just a matter of birth order but a sacred designation. God claimed these firstborns as His own, requiring them to be set apart for holy use. This practice reminded the people that their lives and livelihoods belonged to Him.
For believers today, this concept finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is called the firstborn over all creation and the firstborn from the dead. Because of His sacrifice, we are no longer bound by the old system of redemption through animals. Instead, we rest in the grace that covers us completely.
This truth invites us to offer our lives as living sacrifices. Just as the firstborn were redeemed, we are bought with a price. We can trust that God values every part of our existence and calls us into a relationship defined by His faithful love rather than mere ritual obligation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- firstborn of6×
- [the] firstborn of4×
- and/ [the] firstborn of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פֶּ֤טֶר3×
- פֶּ֥טֶר2×
- פֶּֽטֶר\־1×
- פֶּ֣טֶר\׀1×
- פֶּ֣טֶר1×
- פֶּ֖טֶר1×
- פִּטְרַ֨ת1×
- וּ/פֶ֤טֶר1×
Key Verses
-
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 foundational claim that all firstborns belong to Yahweh, setting the stage for the entire covenantal system of redemption.
-
Exodus 13:15
When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, Yahweh killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of livestock. Therefore I sacrifice to Yahweh all that opens the womb, being males; but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’
Here the word links the judgment on Egypt with Israel's response, showing how divine justice prompts a life of grateful dedication to God.
-
Numbers 3:12
“Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine,
This occurrence shows the substitutionary principle where the Levites take the place of the firstborn, prefiguring Christ as our ultimate substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word peter mean?
Why were firstborns considered holy in the Old Testament?
How does this word relate to Jesus Christ?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 2 books)
Exodus 6 verses
“Sanctify to me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of animal. It…
Exodus 13:12that you shall set apart to Yahweh all that opens the womb, and every firstborn that comes from an animal which you…
Exodus 13:13Every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck;…
Exodus 13:15When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, Yahweh killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn…
Exodus 34:19“All that opens the womb is mine; and all your livestock that is male, the firstborn of cow and sheep.
Exodus 34:20You shall redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb. If you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. You…