first-born

A Dictionary of the Bible | 1997 | 700+ words | Copyright

first-born The first son and the first fruits of a crop had a special significance for the Hebrews and other ancient peoples in the area, and were dedicated to God to ensure a blessing on the rest of the family or the crop. The first-born son had special privileges in inheritance (Deut. 21: 15–17) and authority (2 Kgs. 2: 9). The last of the plagues inflicted on Egypt was the death of the first-born, and the ritual of the feast of Passover owed something to the memory of this (Exod. 13: 11–16). In the NT Jesus is called the first-born of the Father (Rom. 8: 29; Rev. 1: 5).

Paul regards his first converts in Asia as first-fruits (Rom. 16: 5, NRSV marg.), and Christians in this earthly life have already received the first-fruits of the Spirit (Rom. 8: 23).

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W. R. F. BROWNING. "first-born." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

W. R. F. BROWNING. "first-born." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O94-firstborn.html

W. R. F. BROWNING. "first-born." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O94-firstborn.html

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