a primitive root; properly, 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; make firstborn, be firstling, bring forth first child (new fruit).
Transliteration:bâkar
Pronunciation:baw-kar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root בָּכַר (bâkar, `{{H1069}}`) is a primitive verb whose core meaning revolves around the concept of "firstness" or "primacy." Etymologically, it is understood as "to burst the womb," vividly depicting the initial emergence of life. From this foundational image, the semantic range expands to encompass several related ideas. Causatively, it signifies "to bear or make early fruit," applicable to both human offspring and the produce of trees. This highlights the aspect of being the *first* to emerge or ripen.
Beyond this literal sense of birth or initial yield, bâkar also functions as a denominative verb derived from the noun בִּכּוּר (bikkûr, `{{H1061}}`, "firstfruits"). In this usage, it means "to give the birthright," "to make firstborn," or "to be a firstling." This extends the concept of "firstness" into legal, social, and cultic spheres, where the firstborn holds a position of priority, authority, and special status. The root thus encapsulates the essence of commencement, precedence, and the initial, often consecrated, portion of a yield, whether biological or agricultural.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb bâkar appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, consistently conveying the idea of being or making something "first."
In sacrificial contexts, the term is crucial for understanding the offering of the *firstborn*. For instance, [[Genesis 4:4]] describes Abel bringing "of the firstlings of his flock," an act of worship demonstrating the offering of the prime and initial produce. This practice is codified in the Mosaic Law, where God commands the sanctification of the firstborn: "Whatever opens the womb among the sons of Israel, both of man and beast, is Mine" [[Exodus 13:2]]. The verb bâkar is used in [[Exodus 13:12]] and [[Exodus 34:19]] to denote the setting apart of "that which opens the womb" (פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם), emphasizing God's claim over the first and best. This divine claim necessitates redemption for human firstborns and unclean animals [[Exodus 13:13]], or substitution (e.g., the Levites for the firstborn of Israel, [[Numbers 3:12]], [[Numbers 8:16]]).
In legal and familial contexts, bâkar relates to the concept of the birthright (בְּכֹרָה, `{{H1062}}`). [[Deuteronomy 21:16-17]] uses bâkar in the legal stipulation regarding inheritance, stating that a father "cannot make the son of the beloved the firstborn" (לְבַכֵּר) over the true firstborn, even if he is the son of the unloved wife. This underscores the legal precedence and unalterable nature of the firstborn status. Similarly, [[1 Chronicles 5:2]] notes that though Judah was preeminent, "the birthright belonged to Joseph" (וְהַבְּכֹרָה לְיוֹסֵף), signifying a transfer or recognition of his status.
Beyond human and animal firstborns, bâkar also applies to agricultural produce. [[Ezekiel 47:12]] describes trees by the river "bearing new fruit" (יְבַכֵּר), indicating a continuous yield of fresh, early fruit each month. This usage reinforces the meaning of "bringing forth the initial or early produce."
Collectively, these occurrences reveal bâkar as a verb central to Israelite understanding of divine ownership, covenant obligations, legal inheritance, and the natural cycle of life and produce, all revolving around the concept of "firstness."
### Related Words & Concepts
The root bâkar is intimately connected with a family of related Hebrew words that further illuminate its semantic field. The most prominent derivatives include:
* בְּכוֹר (bᵉkôr, `{{H1060}}`): The noun for "firstborn" (son or animal), directly reflecting the core meaning of bâkar. This word is ubiquitous in the Old Testament, denoting the one who emerges first from the womb.
* בִּכּוּרִים (bikkûrîm, `{{H1061}}`): The plural noun for "firstfruits," referring to the initial agricultural yield offered to God. This term directly links the concept of "firstness" to the realm of harvest and divine provision.
* בְּכֹרָה (bᵉkôrâ, `{{H1062}}`): The noun for "birthright," signifying the special privileges, inheritance, and authority associated with being the firstborn. This highlights the social and legal ramifications of the bâkar concept.
Beyond these direct lexical connections, bâkar relates to broader biblical concepts such as:
* **Consecration/Sanctification:** The act of setting apart the firstborn or firstfruits for God.
* **Redemption:** The necessity of redeeming the firstborn, particularly humans and unclean animals, from divine claim.
* **Covenant:** The firstborn laws are integral to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, signifying obedience and trust.
* **Priority/Preeminence:** The inherent status of being first, often implying leadership or a representative role.
* **Blessing and Inheritance:** The specific blessings and rights associated with the firstborn status.
The theological concept of "firstborn" in the Old Testament also finds profound resonance in the New Testament, particularly in the person of Christ, who is described as the "firstborn over all creation" (πρωτότοκος, G4416, [[Colossians 1:15]]) and the "firstborn from the dead" (G4416, [[Colossians 1:18]]), establishing His preeminence and unique status in God's redemptive plan. While a different language, the underlying theological concept of "firstness" and "preeminence" is a direct conceptual heir to the Hebrew bâkar.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of bâkar is profound, permeating the Israelite understanding of God's sovereignty, covenant, and the order of creation.
Firstly, the concept of the "firstborn" underscores God's ultimate ownership and claim. By demanding the sanctification of "all that opens the womb" ([[Exodus 13:2]]), Yahweh asserts His absolute right over life and creation. The firstborn, whether human or animal, represents the whole, and its consecration signifies the consecration of the entire progeny or flock to God. This serves as a constant reminder that all life and all good things originate from and belong to the Creator.
Secondly, the redemption of the firstborn (e.g., [[Exodus 13:13]]) introduces the theme of substitutionary atonement. The firstborn, otherwise subject to divine claim or even judgment (as seen in the tenth plague), must be redeemed through a sacrifice or a designated substitute. This foreshadows the greater redemption accomplished through the ultimate "Firstborn" who provides Himself as the perfect substitute for humanity.
Thirdly, the offering of "firstfruits" (bikkûrîm, derived from the same root idea) is an act of worship and trust. It acknowledges God as the provider of the harvest and demonstrates faith that He will continue to provide. It is a tangible expression of gratitude and obedience within the covenant relationship.
Finally, the theological concept inherent in bâkar culminates in the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus Christ. As the "firstborn over all creation" ([[Colossians 1:15]]), He possesses preeminence, authority, and priority above all things. As the "firstborn from the dead" ([[Colossians 1:18]]), He is the pioneer of resurrection, guaranteeing the resurrection of all who are in Him. In this sense, the ancient Hebrew root bâkar, with its emphasis on priority, ownership, and redemptive claim, finds its ultimate fulfillment and theological apex in the person and work of Christ.
### Summary
The Hebrew root בָּכַר (bâkar, `{{H1069}}`) is a multifaceted verb signifying "to be first," "to bring forth first," or "to give the birthright." Its core meaning of "bursting the womb" extends to encompass the initial emergence of life, the first produce of the earth, and the legal/social status of the firstborn. Biblically, bâkar is central to understanding the divine claim over the firstborn of humans and animals, necessitating their sanctification or redemption, as well as the offering of firstfruits as an act of worship. It defines the legal and social precedence of the firstborn in Israelite society. Theologically, bâkar underscores God's sovereignty and ownership, introduces the theme of redemption, and highlights the importance of offering the "first and best" to the Creator. Ultimately, the concept embedded in bâkar finds its profoundest theological resonance in the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus Christ as the preeminent "Firstborn" over all creation and from the dead, perfectly embodying the divine priority and redemptive purpose inherent in this significant Hebrew root.
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