xlit bekîyrâh corrected to bᵉkîyrâh; feminine from בָּכַר; the eldest daughter; firstborn.
Transliteration:bᵉkîyrâh
Pronunciation:bek-ee-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word בְּכִירָה (bᵉkîyrâh, `{{H1067}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root בָּכַר (`{{H1069}}`), which means "to be firstborn," "to bear early fruit," or "to show the rights of the firstborn." As a feminine form, its primary and most direct meaning is "the eldest daughter" or "firstborn daughter." It denotes the female offspring who is the first in order of birth within a family. Semantically, it carries the inherent significance of seniority by birth, reflecting the importance of primogeniture within ancient Near Eastern societal structures, even if the legal and inheritance implications often favored the male firstborn.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word בְּכִירָה (`{{H1067}}`) appears in a limited number of Old Testament passages, with its clearest and most definitive usage found in [[Genesis 29:26]]. In this pivotal narrative, Laban uses the term to justify his deception of Jacob, stating, "It is not the custom in our country to give the younger daughter before the firstborn [בְּכִירָה]." Here, "בְּכִירָה" unequivocally refers to Leah as the eldest daughter, emphasizing the cultural and familial custom of primogeniture in marriage arrangements. This context underscores the societal weight placed on birth order, even for daughters, in the ancient world.
A less straightforward occurrence is found in [[1 Samuel 17:13]], where the feminine form "בְּכִירָה" is used in reference to Eliab, Jesse's eldest son: "And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn [בְּכִירָה], and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah." This is an unusual application of the feminine form to a male individual. While the expected masculine form would be בְּכוֹר (`{{H1060}}`), this instance might reflect a rare grammatical flexibility, a scribal variation, or perhaps an adverbial usage meaning "first-bornly" or "as the eldest," rather than strictly "eldest daughter." Nonetheless, the primary and most consistent meaning of H1067 across the Hebrew Bible remains that of the eldest female offspring.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding בְּכִירָה (`{{H1067}}`) is enhanced by examining its linguistic family and associated concepts:
* **בָּכַר (`{{H1069}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to be firstborn," "to bear first fruits," or "to give birth to the firstborn." This root is fundamental to the entire concept of "firstness" in the Hebrew Bible.
* **בְּכוֹר (`{{H1060}}`):** The masculine noun for "firstborn son." This is the direct male counterpart to H1067 and carries immense legal, social, and religious significance in Israelite society, encompassing rights such as a double portion of inheritance, leadership, and a special status before God.
* **בִּכּוּרִים (`{{H1061}}`):** "Firstfruits." This noun extends the concept of "firstness" from human offspring to agricultural produce, referring to the initial and often best portion of the harvest, which was mandated to be offered to God. This highlights the sacred dimension of "firstness" as something consecrated.
* **בְּכֹרָה (`{{H1062}}`):** "Birthright" or "primogeniture." This noun refers to the specific rights, privileges, and status associated with being the firstborn, particularly the male firstborn. While H1067 denotes the person, H1062 refers to the inherent privilege.
* **Primogeniture:** The socio-legal principle by which the firstborn child (historically, often the firstborn son) inherits the majority or entirety of a parent's estate, title, or position. The use of H1067 in [[Genesis 29:26]] directly illustrates this principle in the context of marriage.
### Theological Significance
While בְּכִירָה (`{{H1067}}`) itself describes a human status, its usage contributes to several broader theological themes:
* **Divine Order and Human Custom:** The explicit mention of the "firstborn" daughter in [[Genesis 29:26]] underscores the importance of birth order not merely as a biological fact but as a foundational element of ancient social customs and legal structures. Laban's insistence on adhering to this custom, even deceptively, highlights the cultural weight and expectation associated with the status of the firstborn.
* **God's Sovereignty Over Birth Order:** Although H1067 describes a natural order, the broader biblical narrative frequently demonstrates God's sovereignty in transcending or even reversing human expectations based on birth order. Instances like Jacob being chosen over Esau, Ephraim over Manasseh, and David over his elder brothers exemplify that God's election and blessing are not bound by human conventions of primogeniture, but by His divine will.
* **The "Firstborn" as a Type and Prototype:** The overarching concept of "firstborn" in biblical theology carries profound significance, often pointing to special status, election, and even a redemptive role. Israel is designated as God's "firstborn" son ([[Exodus 4:22]]), signifying its unique covenantal relationship. Most significantly, Jesus Christ is repeatedly referred to as the "firstborn over all creation" ([[Colossians 1:15]]) and the "firstborn from the dead" ([[Colossians 1:18]]), indicating His preeminence, sovereignty, and inaugurating role in the new creation. While H1067 does not directly participate in these profound theological heights, it is part of the linguistic bedrock that establishes the concept of "firstness" within the biblical worldview, a concept that God then elevates and imbues with ultimate spiritual meaning in His redemptive plan.
### Summary
The Hebrew word בְּכִירָה (bᵉkîyrâh, `{{H1067}}`) precisely denotes the "eldest daughter" or "firstborn female." Derived from the root בָּכַר (`{{H1069}}`), it highlights seniority by birth within a family. Its most illustrative appearance is in [[Genesis 29:26]], where it clarifies Laban's adherence to the societal custom of primogeniture in marriage. While its use in [[1 Samuel 17:13]] for a male is an anomaly, it does not diminish the word's primary meaning. H1067 contributes to the rich biblical lexicon of "firstness," a concept deeply interwoven with themes of social order, divine sovereignty, and ultimately, the profound theological significance of the "firstborn" in God's redemptive narrative.
TRV