patronymically from בֶכֶר; a Bakrite (collectively) or descendants of Beker; Bachrites.
Transliteration:Bakrîy
Pronunciation:bak-ree'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term בַּכְרִי (Bakrîy, `{{H1076}}`) is a patronymic noun, meaning it denotes a descendant or collective group derived from a named ancestor. Specifically, it refers to the "descendants of Beker" or the "Bakrites" (collectively). The name "Beker" itself (בֶכֶר, `{{H1060}}`) carries the primary meaning of "firstborn" or "first-fruits," though it can also refer to a "young camel." In the context of a personal name, "Beker" most likely signifies "firstborn," indicating the original progenitor's status or the hope associated with his birth. Therefore, the semantic range of Bakrîy encompasses a specific tribal or familial lineage, identified by its connection to an ancestor named Beker, whose name inherently points to the concept of primogeniture or initial fruitfulness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term בַּכְרִי (Bakrîy, `{{H1076}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Numbers:
* [[Numbers 26:35]]: "These are the sons of Ephraim according to their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the family of the Bachrites; of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites."
This occurrence is found within the second census of Israel, conducted in the plains of Moab before entering the Promised Land. The purpose of this census was to enumerate the fighting men of Israel and to establish the basis for land distribution among the tribes and their constituent families. In this verse, the Bakrites are identified as one of the three primary family clans (מִשְׁפָּחָה, mishpachah, `{{H4940}}`) descended from Ephraim, the son of Joseph. This singular mention underscores the meticulous genealogical record-keeping within ancient Israel, highlighting the importance of lineage for identity, inheritance, and tribal organization. The context is purely descriptive, serving to list the families that constitute the tribe of Ephraim.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to בַּכְרִי (Bakrîy, `{{H1076}}`) is its root, בֶכֶר (beker, `{{H1060}}`), which means "firstborn," "first-fruits," or "young camel." This connection is vital for understanding the underlying concept. Other related terms that illuminate the broader semantic field include:
* בְּכוֹר (bekor, `{{H1062}}`): "firstborn," "eldest son," often carrying rights of primogeniture.
* בִּכּוּרִים (bikkurim, `{{H1061}}`): "first-fruits," referring to the initial produce of the harvest, consecrated to God.
* The broader concepts of "family" (מִשְׁפָּחָה, mishpachah, `{{H4940}}`) and "tribe" (שֵׁבֶט, shevet, `{{H7626}}`), which are fundamental to Israelite social and theological structure.
* Genealogy (יַחַס, yachas, `{{H3187}}`) and lineage, which are prominent themes throughout the Pentateuch, establishing identity and covenantal continuity.
### Theological Significance
While בַּכְרִי (Bakrîy, `{{H1076}}`) itself refers to a specific family unit, its etymological root in בֶכֶר (beker, `{{H1060}}`), meaning "firstborn," carries profound theological significance. The concept of the "firstborn" is central to Israelite theology:
1. **Covenantal Privilege and Leadership:** The firstborn son typically held a position of honor, authority, and received a double portion of the inheritance. This reflects a divine principle of order and succession.
2. **Redemption and Consecration:** The firstborn of Israel were consecrated to God after the Passover event in Egypt, where the firstborn of Egypt were slain while Israel's firstborn were spared by the blood of the lamb ([[Exodus 12:29-30]], [[Exodus 13:2]]). This act underscored God's redemptive power and Israel's status as God's "firstborn son" among the nations ([[Exodus 4:22]]).
3. **Christ as the "Firstborn":** In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is frequently referred to as the "firstborn" (πρωτότοκος, prototokos, `{{G4416}}`) – the "firstborn of all creation" ([[Colossians 1:15]]) signifying His preeminence and sovereignty, and the "firstborn from the dead" ([[Colossians 1:18]], [[Revelation 1:5]]) signifying His resurrection and His role as the pioneer of salvation for humanity.
The inclusion of the Bakrites in the census of Numbers highlights God's meticulous attention to the details of His covenant people. It demonstrates His faithfulness in multiplying Abraham's descendants and organizing them into distinct families and tribes, each with its place within the larger divine plan. This record underscores the importance of identity and belonging within the community of faith, meticulously ordered by God for His purposes.
### Summary
The word בַּכְרִי (Bakrîy, `{{H1076}}`) is a patronymic noun meaning "descendants of Beker" or "Bakrites." It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Numbers 26:35]], identifying a specific family clan within the tribe of Ephraim during the second census of Israel. Its significance is primarily genealogical, marking a distinct lineage. However, its etymological root in בֶכֶר (beker, `{{H1060}}`), meaning "firstborn" or "first-fruits," connects it to profound theological concepts of primogeniture, covenantal privilege, redemption, and ultimately, the preeminence of Christ as the ultimate "Firstborn." The detailed recording of the Bakrites within the census underscores God's meticulous care for His covenant people and the importance of lineage and identity within His divine ordering.
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