or רִאשֹׁן; from רִאשָׁה; first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun); ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word רִאשׁוֹן (riʼshôwn), Strong's `{{H7223}}`, functions as both an adjective and a noun, deriving from the root רִאשָׁה (from רֹאשׁ `{{H7218}}`, meaning "head" or "beginning"). This etymological connection immediately grounds רִאשׁוֹן in the concept of primacy. Its semantic range is broad, encompassing three primary dimensions of "firstness":
1. **Temporal Primacy:** This is perhaps its most common usage, referring to that which is earliest in time. It denotes "first" in sequence, "former," "past," "of old time," or "beginning." It can describe events, periods, or even individuals who existed "before."
2. **Spatial Primacy:** It can indicate "first" in place or position, signifying that which is at the front or foremost.
3. **Hierarchical Primacy:** In this sense, רִאשׁוֹן refers to that which is "first" in rank, importance, or preeminence, including the concept of "eldest."
Thus, רִאשׁוֹן communicates a fundamental sense of origin, priority, and precedence, whether in terms of chronology, location, or status.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word רִאשׁוֹן appears frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible, illuminating its diverse applications:
* **Temporal Order:** In the Pentateuch, it is often used to establish chronological sequence, such as "the first month" (e.g., [[Exodus 12:2]], [[Numbers 9:1]], [[Deuteronomy 16:1]]), marking the beginning of the sacred calendar. It also describes the "first day" (e.g., [[Genesis 8:5]], [[Numbers 7:12]]). In some contexts, it refers to "former" or "previous" events or generations, as in "the former rain" ([[Deuteronomy 11:14]]) or "the former prophets" ([[Zechariah 1:4]]).
* **Historical and Prophetic Discourse:** A particularly significant usage is found in the book of Isaiah, where רִאשׁוֹן (often in the plural, רִאשׁוֹנוֹת, "former things") is a key term in God's challenge to the idols and their worshippers. God declares, "I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no God" ([[Isaiah 44:6]], [[Isaiah 48:12]]). Furthermore, God repeatedly points to His ability to declare "the former things" before they happen, demonstrating His unique omniscience and power to bring His word to pass (e.g., [[Isaiah 41:22]], [[Isaiah 43:9]], [[Isaiah 48:3]]). This contrasts sharply with the impotence of idols who cannot predict or explain the past or future.
* **Ancestral Reference:** The term can denote "ancestor" or "forefather," referring to those who came first in a lineage or historical sequence (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 24:4]], "her former husband").
* **Spatial and Positional:** While less frequent in this specific sense, רִאשׁוֹן can describe the "first" in a physical arrangement or the "first" to arrive (e.g., [[Joshua 6:1]] implicitly refers to Jericho as the first city encountered).
Across these contexts, רִאשׁוֹן consistently highlights precedence, whether in the unfolding of history, the establishment of divine commands, or the demonstration of God's unique attributes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of רִאשׁוֹן is enriched by its relationship to several other key Hebrew terms:
* **רֹאשׁ (rosh) `{{H7218}}`**: As the root from which רִאשׁוֹן is derived, רֹאשׁ means "head," "top," "beginning," or "chief." This foundational connection underscores the inherent sense of primacy and leadership in רִאשׁוֹן.
* **רֵאשִׁית (reʼshiyth) `{{H7225}}`**: This noun, also from רֹאשׁ, means "beginning," "first-fruits," or "chief." While רִאשׁוֹן functions as an adjective (first) or an ordinal noun, רֵאשִׁית typically refers to the absolute start or the very best/first portion (e.g., "in the beginning" in [[Genesis 1:1]]). רִאשׁוֹן can describe something *as* first, while רֵאשִׁית often *is* the beginning.
* **בְּכוֹר (bekor) `{{H1060}}`**: This term specifically denotes a "firstborn" child or animal, carrying significant legal and social implications in ancient Israel. While רִאשׁוֹן can mean "eldest" in a general sense, בְּכוֹר is the precise term for the firstborn of a womb.
* **קֶדֶם (qedem) `{{H6924}}`**: Meaning "east," "ancient time," or "before," קֶדֶם shares the temporal aspect of "before" or "of old," often referring to primordial or ancient times.
These related terms collectively paint a rich picture of how the Hebrew language expresses concepts of origin, precedence, and the passage of time.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of רִאשׁוֹן is profound, particularly in its application to God and His relationship with creation and history:
* **Divine Primacy and Eternity:** The declaration "I am the רִאשׁוֹן and I am the last" ([[Isaiah 44:6]], [[Isaiah 48:12]]) is a powerful assertion of God's unique, eternal nature. He is without beginning or end, existing prior to all creation. This underscores His absolute sovereignty, His self-existence, and His being the ultimate source and goal of all things. He is the first cause, the originating power.
* **Omniscience and Prophetic Authority:** In the prophetic books, especially Isaiah, God's ability to declare "the רִאשׁוֹנוֹת" (former things) highlights His omniscience. He knows the end from the beginning and orchestrates history according to His divine plan. This serves as irrefutable proof of His deity, distinguishing Him from powerless idols and false gods who cannot foretell or explain the past with accuracy. It affirms that His word is reliable and His promises will be fulfilled.
* **Covenantal Faithfulness and Continuity:** References to "former days" or "ancestors" (using רִאשׁוֹן) remind the Israelites of God's consistent dealings with them throughout their history. It grounds the present in God's past faithfulness, reinforcing the continuity of His covenant relationship with His people and calling them to remember His mighty acts.
* **Divine Order and Establishment:** The use of רִאשׁוֹן in establishing the "first month" or "first day" for sacred observances (e.g., Passover) reveals God's meticulous establishment of order in time and His institution of specific times for worship and remembrance, emphasizing their importance and priority within the divine economy.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רִאשׁוֹן (riʼshôwn) `{{H7223}}` is a multifaceted term signifying "first" in place, time, or rank. Derived from רֹאשׁ `{{H7218}}` ("head," "beginning"), it conveys a fundamental sense of origin, priority, and precedence. Its usage across the Old Testament illuminates temporal sequences (e.g., "first month"), historical periods ("former things"), and hierarchical standing ("eldest"). Theologically, רִאשׁוֹן is crucial for understanding God's eternal nature as the "First" and the "Last," His unique omniscience demonstrated through His declaration of "former things" in prophecy, and His consistent faithfulness throughout covenant history. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty, His role as the ultimate originator, and the divinely established order within creation and redemption.
TRV