### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bᵉkôwr**, represented by `{{H1060}}`, designates the **firstborn**. Derived from the root בָּכַר (bâkar), it means firstborn, chief, or eldest son. It appears 117 times across 96 unique verses in the Bible, indicating its importance in matters of lineage, inheritance, and divine law. The term is applied to both humans and animals, establishing a principle of primacy and special status.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1060}}` is used in several key contexts. It is fundamental to establishing genealogical lines and patriarchal succession, as seen with "Reuben, Jacob's **firstborn**" [[Genesis 35:23]] and in the lists of the sons of Ishmael [[Genesis 25:13]] and David [[2 Samuel 3:2]]. The legal and social weight of the **firstborn** is highlighted in laws concerning inheritance, where a father could not disfavor the true **firstborn** [[Deuteronomy 21:16]], who was entitled to a double portion as "the beginning of his strength" [[Deuteronomy 21:17]]. The term is also central to the Passover event, where the Lord struck down every **firstborn** in Egypt, from the **firstborn** of Pharaoh to the **firstborn** of the captive [[Exodus 12:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of the firstborn and primacy:
* `{{H1062}}` **bᵉkôwrâh** (the firstling of man or beast; abstractly primogeniture; birthright, firstborn(-ling)): The feminine form of `{{H1060}}`, this word specifically refers to the rights and status of the firstborn. Esau famously despised and sold his **birthright** to Jacob [[Genesis 25:34]], and Reuben's **birthright** was given to the sons of Joseph after he defiled his father's bed [[1 Chronicles 5:1]].
* `{{H1069}}` **bâkar** (to burst the womb, i.e. (causatively) bear or make early fruit (of woman or tree); also (as denominative from בִּכּוּר); to give the birthright): This is the root verb from which `{{H1060}}` is derived. It is used to describe the act of bringing forth a first child [[Jeremiah 4:31]] and the legal act of making a son a **firstborn** in matters of inheritance [[Deuteronomy 21:16]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): As the word for **son**, `{{H1121}}` is the necessary counterpart to `{{H1060}}`. The status of the firstborn is a specific designation for a **son** that carries unique responsibilities and privileges, such as in the law of Levirate marriage where the firstborn **son** succeeds in the name of the deceased brother [[Deuteronomy 25:6]].
* `{{H6363}}` **peṭer** (firstling (as opening the matrix)): This term is often used in parallel with `{{H1060}}` to describe that which "openeth the womb" [[Exodus 13:2]]. It emphasizes the biological act of being the first to be born, tying directly into the laws of sanctifying the firstborn to God [[Exodus 34:19]].
* `{{H7225}}` **rêʼshîyth** (the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)): This word denotes the "beginning" or "chief" part. Jacob calls Reuben, his firstborn, "the beginning of my strength" [[Genesis 49:3]], and the plague on Egypt's firstborn is described as smiting "the chief of their strength" [[Psalms 105:36]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1060}}` is significant, establishing principles of consecration, national identity, and royal honor.
* **Divine Ownership:** God lays a specific claim to the firstborn. Following the exodus from Egypt, the Lord declares, "Sanctify unto me all the **firstborn**...it is mine" [[Exodus 13:2]]. This principle is repeated, confirming that the firstborn of both man and beast in Israel belong to Him as a memorial of the Passover [[Numbers 3:13]]. The Levites were later taken as substitutes for the firstborn of Israel [[Numbers 8:16]].
* **National Identity:** The concept is elevated from an individual to a national level when God identifies the entire nation of Israel as His son. God instructs Moses to tell Pharaoh, "Israel is my son, even my **firstborn**" [[Exodus 4:22]]. This designates Israel as having a unique and cherished relationship with God. In a similar vein, Ephraim is called God's **firstborn**, signifying a place of special honor [[Jeremiah 31:9]].
* **Figurative and Messianic Honor:** The title of **firstborn** is used figuratively to grant the highest status. God promises to make the Davidic king His **firstborn**, "higher than the kings of the earth" [[Psalms 89:27]]. The term is also used in metaphors of profound grief and destruction, as in the "firstborn of death" [[Job 18:13]] and the mourning for a pierced figure being compared to the bitterness for a lost **firstborn** [[Zechariah 12:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1060}}` **bᵉkôwr** is a term laden with legal, social, and theological significance. It moves beyond the simple definition of the first child to define a status of leadership, inheritance rights, and sacred obligation. From establishing family lineage and property laws to defining Israel's core identity as God's chosen nation, the concept of the firstborn is a cornerstone of Old Testament thought, signifying both great privilege and profound consecration to God.
TRV