רֵאשִׁית (re.shit)
re.shit
first: beginning
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 45 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun re’shit denotes the beginning, but it carries a specific weight of priority. It refers to what comes first in time, place, or rank, often implying that the initial element holds special significance. In Genesis 1:1, it marks the start of creation, while in Proverbs 9:10, it describes the fear of the Lord as the foundational starting point for wisdom.
Beyond simple chronology, re’shit frequently signifies the best or choicest portion, particularly in religious contexts. It is the term used for firstfruits offered to God, such as in Leviticus 23:10 and Deuteronomy 26:2. This usage highlights a principle where the initial yield represents the whole, serving as a tangible expression of honor and dedication.
The word’s range extends to leadership and dignity, appearing in passages like Amos 6:1 to describe the chief or principal person. Its etymological root relates to the head or foremost part, reinforcing the idea that what is first is also preeminent. Translators often render it as beginning, firstfruits, or chief, depending on whether the context emphasizes time, ritual offering, or status.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word re’shit carries a rich weight that goes beyond simple chronology. It denotes the beginning, but also implies priority and preeminence. When Scripture speaks of the beginning, it often highlights what is foundational or choicest. This concept invites us to consider how we order our lives and what we place at the forefront of our devotion.
In religious practice, this word frequently appears in the context of firstfruits. Offering the initial yield of the harvest was a tangible act of honoring God with the best portion. It serves as a reminder that the first and finest things belong to Him. This principle extends beyond agriculture to leadership and wisdom, suggesting that what comes first holds special significance.
Reflecting on this word can reshape our perspective on dedication. Whether in the creation account or in daily offerings, re’shit points to a reality where the beginning defines the whole. It encourages a heart that seeks to give God the primary place in time, resources, and reverence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 45 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] beginning of7×
- [the] first of6×
- in/ [the] beginning of3×
- some of/ [the] first of2×
- and/ [the] first of2×
- [is the] beginning of2×
- more than/ beginning/ its1×
- more than/ beginning/ his1×
- in/ beginning1×
- from/ [the] choicest of1×
- from/ [the] beginning of1×
- from/ [the] beginning1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רֵאשִׁ֣ית9×
- רֵאשִׁית֙3×
- בְּ/רֵאשִׁ֗ית3×
- רֵאשִׁ֨ית2×
- רֵאשִׁ֥ית2×
- רֵאשִׁ֤ית2×
- רֵאשִׁ֗ית2×
- רֵאשִׁ֖ית2×
- רֵאשִׁיתָ֛/ם1×
- רֵאשִׁיתְ/ךָ֣1×
- רֵאשִׁ֛ית1×
- רֵ֝אשִׁ֗ית1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 1:1
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
This verse establishes the word as marking the absolute start of creation, giving it cosmic significance.
-
Leviticus 23:10
“Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘When you have come into the land which I give to you, and shall reap its harvest, then you shall bring the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest.
The term designates the first sheaf of the harvest, representing the initial offering brought to God.
-
Deuteronomy 26:2
that you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you shall bring in from your land that Yahweh your God gives you. You shall put it in a basket, and shall go to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there.
It instructs the Israelites to take the first of all fruit from the ground as a tangible act of worship.
-
Job 40:19
He is the chief of the ways of God. He who made him gives him his sword.
Here it describes the behemoth as the chief of God's works, emphasizing its preeminence in strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word re’shit mean?
How is re’shit different from other words for first?
Where does re’shit appear in the Bible?
What is the significance of re’shit in religious offerings?
Every Occurrence (45 verses across 18 books)
Genesis 3 verses
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 10:10The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
Genesis 49:3“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in dignity, and excelling in power.