from בָּכַר; the first-fruits of the crop; first fruit (-ripe (figuratively)), hasty fruit.
Transliteration:bikkûwr
Pronunciation:bik-koor'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word bikkûwr (`{{H1061}}`) is derived from the root bākar (`{{H1069}}`), which signifies "to be first-born," "to bear early fruit," or "to deal as first-born." This etymological connection immediately situates bikkûwr within the semantic field of priority, origin, and excellence. Literally, bikkûwr refers to the "first-fruits" of the crop, denoting the earliest, and often the choicest, produce of the land. Its semantic range extends to encompass not only the initial agricultural yield (e.g., grapes, figs, grain) but also, by extension, anything considered "first-ripe" or "hasty fruit," implying a quality of being early, desirable, and superior. While bikkûwr can refer to a singular instance of such a fruit, its theological significance is most pronounced when considered in relation to the collective offering of first-fruits, often represented by its plural form.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term bikkûwr appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily to describe the early or first-ripe produce. For instance, in [[Numbers 13:20]], the spies sent by Moses are instructed to observe the land and bring back some of its fruit, specifically noting the time of "the first-ripe grapes." Here, bikkûwr emphasizes the quality and timing of the produce, highlighting its freshness and desirability. Similarly, in [[Jeremiah 24:2]], the prophet uses "first-ripe figs" as a metaphor for the good exiles taken to Babylon, distinguishing them from the bad figs that represent those left behind. This usage underscores the idea of bikkûwr as something choice and valuable. Another notable instance is in [[Nahum 3:12]], where the prophet declares, "All thy strongholds shall be like fig trees with the first-ripe figs: if they be shaken, they shall even fall into the mouth of the eater." In this context, bikkûwr signifies something easily accessible, desirable, and therefore vulnerable to being consumed or taken. While bikkûwr itself may not always directly denote the *offering* of first-fruits, its strong connection to the root bākar and the broader concept of "firstness" places it firmly within the cultic framework of the first-fruits offerings, which were central to Israelite worship and mandated as an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and provision (e.g., [[Exodus 23:19]], [[Leviticus 23:10-14]], [[Deuteronomy 26:1-11]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Bikkûwr (`{{H1061}}`) is intricately linked to several other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **bākar (`{{H1069}}`):** The verbal root from which bikkûwr is derived, meaning "to be first-born" or "to bear early fruit." This root is foundational to understanding the concept of priority and dedication to God.
* **bĕkôr (`{{H1060}}`):** "Firstborn" (of humans or animals). This cognate highlights the parallel between the first of the harvest and the first of offspring, both of which were consecrated to the Lord.
* **bikkūrîm (often plural of `{{H1061}}`):** This is the more common and liturgically significant form, referring to the collective "first-fruits" offering. It is extensively used in the Pentateuch to describe the agricultural offerings brought to the Temple as an act of worship and gratitude.
* **rē'shîth (`{{H7225}}`):** Meaning "beginning," "first," or "choicest." While bikkûwr specifically denotes the first *produce*, rē'shîth is a broader term for the "first" of anything, including time, strength, or any portion of the harvest. Both terms share the concept of offering the initial and often superior portion.
* **Consecration:** The act of setting apart something as holy for sacred use. The first-fruits, by their very nature as bikkûwr, were often consecrated to God.
* **Tithe:** While distinct from first-fruits, the concept of tithes (a tenth part) also relates to giving a portion of one's produce to God, reinforcing the themes of divine ownership and human stewardship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of bikkûwr and the broader concept of first-fruits is profound:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Provision:** The offering of bikkûwr was a powerful declaration that Yahweh was the ultimate owner of the land and the sole source of all fertility and provision. By giving the first and best, Israel acknowledged that their sustenance flowed from God's gracious hand, not merely from their own labor ([[Deuteronomy 26:10]]).
* **Trust and Faith:** Presenting the bikkûwr before the full harvest was gathered required an act of faith. It demonstrated trust that God would indeed bring the remainder of the crop to fruition, embodying a worship that preceded full assurance of abundance.
* **Holiness and Dedication:** The bikkûwr were considered holy to the Lord ([[Leviticus 23:14]]). This holiness extended from the offering to the offerer, signifying a covenant relationship where the people dedicated their best to God, thereby sanctifying the entire harvest.
* **Anticipation and Hope:** The bikkûwr served as a down payment or a guarantee of the full harvest to come. Theologically, this prefigures New Testament concepts such as the Holy Spirit being the "firstfruits" (`{{G536}}` aparche) of our inheritance, guaranteeing future glory and and resurrection ([[Romans 8:23]], [[Ephesians 1:14]]).
* **Remembrance of Deliverance:** The ritual of offering bikkûwr in [[Deuteronomy 26]] explicitly linked the agricultural blessing to God's redemptive act of delivering Israel from Egyptian bondage, reinforcing the idea that all blessings are rooted in God's saving work.
### Summary
The Hebrew word bikkûwr (`{{H1061}}`) denotes the "first-ripe" or "first-fruits" of agricultural produce, embodying the concepts of priority, excellence, and initial yield. Derived from the root bākar (`{{H1069}}`), it signifies the earliest and often choicest part of the harvest, whether singular (e.g., [[Numbers 13:20]]) or, more significantly, as the collective bikkūrîm presented as an offering. Theologically, the practice of offering bikkûwr was a foundational act of worship for ancient Israel. It served as a tangible acknowledgment of God's absolute sovereignty as the provider of all sustenance, fostered a deep sense of trust and faith in His continued provision, and consecrated both the harvest and the covenant people to Him. This act of giving the first and best was a profound expression of gratitude, a remembrance of divine deliverance, and an anticipation of future blessings, laying a crucial theological groundwork that resonates with later biblical concepts of divine promise and eschatological hope.
TRV