feminine of בִּכּוּר; the early fig; firstripe (fruit).
Transliteration:bikkûwrâh
Pronunciation:bik-koo-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun בִּכּוּרָה (bikkûwrâh), Strong's `{{H1063}}`, is a feminine form derived from `{{H1061}}` (bikkûr), meaning "firstfruits." Its base definition specifically refers to "the early fig" or "firstripe (fruit)." This particularity highlights not just any first fruit, but the very first and often most prized yield of a tree, especially the fig. The semantic range thus centers on the concepts of earliness, prime quality, desirability, and a certain immediacy, as these fruits are typically consumed quickly upon ripening due to their delicacy and early appearance. It implies a peak of perfection or an initial, promising stage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term בִּכּוּרָה appears in four significant contexts within the Hebrew Bible, each lending a nuanced layer to its meaning:
* **[[Isaiah 28:4]]**: "And the glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, and as the hasty fruit before the summer; which when he that looketh upon it seeth it, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up." Here, the "hasty fruit" (בִּכּוּרָה) metaphorically describes the fleeting glory and quick consumption of Samaria's prosperity. It is desirable, quickly seized, but ultimately ephemeral, signifying a swift decline and destruction.
* **[[Hosea 9:10]]**: "I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baal-peor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved." In this poignant verse, Israel's early state is likened to a בִּכּוּרָה – a delightful and precious discovery, full of promise and joy, much like finding the first, sweet figs. This ideal initial state is sharply contrasted with their subsequent apostasy and devotion to idolatry.
* **[[Jeremiah 24:2]]**: "One basket had very good figs, even like the figs that are first ripe: and the other basket had very naughty figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad." This verse is part of Jeremiah's vision of two baskets of figs, symbolizing the exiles in Babylon and those remaining in Jerusalem. The "first ripe figs" (בִּכּוּרָה) represent the exiles whom God considers good and will restore, signifying divine favor, choiceness, and a future hope. They are the preferred, desirable remnant.
* **[[Micah 7:1]]**: "Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit." The prophet laments the utter moral and spiritual desolation of the land. The absence of בִּכּוּרָה here symbolizes the complete lack of righteousness, integrity, or any spiritual goodness. The longing for this early, choice fruit expresses a deep yearning for a return to moral uprightness that is nowhere to be found.
Across these contexts, בִּכּוּרָה consistently conveys a sense of something highly desirable and choice, whether it be a source of joy, a symbol of divine favor, a fleeting possession, or a desperately missed commodity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word בִּכּוּרָה is intrinsically linked to `{{H1061}}` (bikkûr), "firstfruits," as its feminine form. This connection is vital, as it places בִּכּוּרָה within the broader theological framework of offering the first and best to God. Other related terms include:
* `{{H7225}}` (rēʼšîth): "first, beginning, choicest part." This term often overlaps with the concept of firstfruits, emphasizing priority and excellence.
* `{{H6529}}` (pěrî): The general Hebrew word for "fruit," from which בִּכּוּרָה specifies a particular, early kind.
* `{{H8570}}` (těʼēnâh): "Fig tree" or "fig," the specific fruit most commonly associated with בִּכּוּרָה.
Concepts closely associated with בִּכּוּרָה include divine election, ripeness, quality, desirability, and, conversely, transience and spiritual barrenness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of בִּכּוּרָה is multi-faceted:
* **Divine Favor and Election:** In [[Hosea 9:10]] and [[Jeremiah 24:2]], the בִּכּוּרָה serves as a powerful metaphor for God's initial delight in Israel and His specific favor upon a chosen remnant. It signifies that which is precious, set apart, and destined for blessing or restoration by divine decree.
* **Anticipation and Promise:** As the first fruits of the season, בִּכּוּרָה inherently carries a sense of anticipation for the main harvest. Theologically, this can point to God's promises and the initial fulfillment of His redemptive plan, foreshadowing greater blessings to come.
* **The Transience of Earthly Glory:** The use of בִּכּוּרָה in [[Isaiah 28:4]] offers a sobering theological lesson on the impermanence of human achievements and material prosperity. What is quickly gained and enjoyed can just as swiftly fade, reminding believers to place their trust in enduring divine realities rather than fleeting earthly glories.
* **Spiritual Desolation and Longing:** [[Micah 7:1]] employs the absence of בִּכּוּרָה to depict a profound spiritual and moral famine. This highlights the deep human yearning for righteousness, justice, and faithfulness, which are tragically absent in a society that has turned away from God. It underscores the severity of spiritual decay and the prophet's plea for divine intervention.
* **Covenantal Relationship:** While not an offering itself, בִּכּוּרָה is a specific type of "firstfruit," linking it implicitly to the broader covenantal practice of offering the first and best of the harvest to Yahweh. This act of giving acknowledged God's sovereignty, provision, and the people's dependence on Him, reinforcing the reciprocal nature of the covenant.
### Summary
The word בִּכּוּרָה (bikkûwrâh), `{{H1063}}`, specifically denotes the "firstripe" or "early fig," a highly valued and desirable fruit. As a particular form of "firstfruits" (`{{H1061}}`), it consistently appears in contexts that imbue it with profound theological significance. It serves as a vivid metaphor for divine favor and election, representing that which is precious and set apart by God ([[Hosea 9:10]], [[Jeremiah 24:2]]). Conversely, it underscores the fleeting nature of earthly glory and the perils of misplaced trust ([[Isaiah 28:4]]). Its absence can powerfully convey a state of spiritual barrenness and a deep longing for righteousness ([[Micah 7:1]]). Thus, בִּכּוּרָה encapsulates themes of divine choice, human transience, and the profound spiritual state of a people in their relationship with God.
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