from the same as רֹאשׁ; the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit); beginning, chief(-est), first(-fruits, part, time), principal thing.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rêʼshîyth**, represented by `{{H7225}}`, is a significant term for the **beginning** or **first** of something. Its base definition includes concepts like "the first, in place, time, order or rank" and is translated as **beginning**, **chief**, **firstfruits**, and **principal thing**. It appears 51 times across 49 unique verses, highlighting its diverse applications in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7225}}` is used in several key ways. It marks the absolute start of time and creation, as famously stated in, "In the **beginning** God created the heaven and the earth" [[Genesis 1:1]]. The term is also central to agricultural and religious offerings, frequently translated as **firstfruits**. Believers are instructed to honor the LORD with the **firstfruits** of their increase [[Proverbs 3:9]], and specific laws required bringing a sheaf of the **firstfruits** of the harvest to the priest [[Leviticus 23:10]]. Beyond a literal first, it signifies the primary or most important element, such as when wisdom is called the **principal thing** [[Proverbs 4:7]] or when describing the **chief** of the nations [[Amos 6:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words build upon the concept of primacy and beginnings:
* `{{H7218}}` **rôʼsh** (head): As the root word for `{{H7225}}`, it signifies the head, captain, chief, or principal thing. It appears in contexts describing the "heads of the people" [[Deuteronomy 33:21]].
* `{{H1061}}` **bikkûwr** (the first-fruits of the crop): This word is often used in parallel with `{{H7225}}` to specify the first produce of a harvest that is to be offered. For example, the law commands bringing "The first of the **firstfruits**" into the house of the LORD [[Exodus 23:19]].
* `{{H319}}` **ʼachărîyth** (the last or end): This term serves as a direct contrast to `{{H7225}}`, often used in the same verse to compare a matter's beginning to its end. For instance, scripture notes that the end of a thing is better than its **beginning** [[Ecclesiastes 7:8]], and God declares the **end** from the **beginning** [[Isaiah 46:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7225}}` is significant, establishing foundational principles of faith and worship.
* **Divine Origination:** The word's use in [[Genesis 1:1]] establishes God as the ultimate originator of all creation. This theme is echoed in [[Proverbs 8:22]], where the LORD possessed wisdom in the **beginning** of His way, before His works of old.
* **The Principle of Firstfruits:** Scripture commands honoring the LORD with the **firstfruits** of all increase [[Proverbs 3:9]], signifying that the first and best portion belongs to God. Israel itself is described as the **firstfruits** of God's increase, set apart as holy to Him [[Jeremiah 2:3]]. These offerings were a tangible expression of faith and acknowledgment of God's provision.
* **Foundation of Wisdom:** The concept is tied directly to spiritual understanding. Both [[Proverbs 1:7]] and [[Psalms 111:10]] state that "The fear of the LORD is the **beginning**" of knowledge and wisdom, identifying reverence for God as the starting point for all true insight.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7225}}` extends far beyond a simple temporal marker. It denotes the absolute **beginning** of creation, the **chief** in rank, and the **principal thing** in importance. From the command to offer the **firstfruits** of the harvest to identifying the fear of the LORD as the **beginning** of wisdom, **rêʼshîyth** consistently points to what is primary, foundational, and of highest value in one's relationship with God and the world He created.
TRV