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).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bâkar**, represented by `{{H1069}}`, is a primitive root with the core meaning of bringing something forth first. It appears 4 times in 4 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning encompasses the act of bearing a first child, producing early fruit, and legally designating the firstborn to grant a birthright.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical text, `{{H1069}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It defines a legal status in the laws of inheritance, where a father is prohibited from making a younger son **firstborn** over the true firstborn [[Deuteronomy 21:16]]. In a sacrificial context, it refers to an animal that is the Lord's **firstling** by birth [[Leviticus 27:26]]. The verb is also used metaphorically to describe the intense anguish of Zion, which is compared to a woman who **bringeth forth her first child** [[Jeremiah 4:31]]. Finally, it illustrates supernatural abundance in a prophetic vision where trees by a holy river **bring forth new fruit** every month [[Ezekiel 47:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of birth, primacy, and fruitfulness:
* `{{H1060}}` **bᵉkôwr** (firstborn): This is the noun form derived from `{{H1069}}`, signifying the person or animal that is the firstborn. The **firstborn** holds a special status, belonging to God [[Exodus 13:2]] and receiving special honor [[Jeremiah 31:9]].
* `{{H2470}}` **châlâh** (woman in travail): This root describes being sick, afflicted, or in the pains of childbirth. It is used alongside `{{H1069}}` in [[Jeremiah 4:31]] to emphasize the deep sorrow and anguish associated with the symbolic birth pangs of Zion.
* `{{H6529}}` **pᵉrîy** (fruit): This word for fruit is the direct object of the action in [[Ezekiel 47:12]]. The concept of **fruit** is used throughout scripture to refer to both literal produce and the figurative outcome or reward of one's actions [[Jeremiah 17:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1069}}` is seen in the principles it enacts.
* **The Law of the Firstborn:** The verb is central to establishing the legal and religious status of the firstborn. The act of making a **firstling** consecrates it to the Lord [[Leviticus 27:26]], and the designation of the **firstborn** son secures his rightful inheritance [[Deuteronomy 21:16]].
* **Imagery of Divine Renewal:** In Ezekiel's vision, the action of bringing forth new fruit is a direct result of life-giving water flowing from the sanctuary. This use of `{{H1069}}` points to a theme of supernatural provision and restoration that comes from God's presence [[Ezekiel 47:12]].
* **A Symbol of Extreme Distress:** The physical act of bringing forth a first child is used as a powerful scriptural metaphor for a nation's ultimate crisis. It conveys a unique and overwhelming anguish, as illustrated by the daughter of Zion's suffering [[Jeremiah 4:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1069}}` is a specific and potent verb that, while rare, is foundational to the concept of "firstness" in scripture. It moves beyond a simple biological function to define legal rights, consecrate offerings to God, and provide vivid imagery for both divine blessing and profound human suffering. It demonstrates how a single action word can carry significant legal, agricultural, and theological meaning.
TRV