Firstborn — Meaning in the Bible
The first child born, usually the first son, who had special rights and duties in the family. God claimed Israel's firstborn after the Passover.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
The firstborn son received a double share of the inheritance. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a meal. Deuteronomy 21:15–17Genesis 25:29–34
In the last plague the firstborn of Egypt died, and God told Israel to set apart every firstborn to him. Jesus is called the firstborn among many brothers and the firstborn from the dead. Exodus 12:29Exodus 13:1–2Luke 2:7Colossians 1:18
Key passages
- Genesis 25:29–34 — The birthright sold.
- Exodus 13:1–2 — Set apart to God.
- Luke 2:7 — Mary's firstborn son.
- Colossians 1:15–18 — The firstborn of creation and from the dead.
For children
The firstborn is the first child born in a family. Esau was Isaac's firstborn son, but he traded his special rights to Jacob for a bowl of stew. Genesis 25:33–34