The Hebrew word bikkur refers to the firstfruits of the harvest — the initial, earliest portion of agricultural produce. It is related to bekor (firstborn), sharing the root concept of that which opens or leads, representing the whole.
Bikkur carries profound theological weight in the Mosaic covenant. Israel was commanded to bring the firstfruits to God as an acknowledgment that all increase comes from Him. By giving the first, best portion to God, Israel declared His ownership over the entire harvest and their dependence on Him. The New Testament picks up this imagery directly: Paul calls Christ 'the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep' (1 Corinthians 15:20), declaring that His resurrection is the guarantee and foretaste of the full harvest to come — the resurrection of all believers. This typological fulfillment transforms a harvest ritual into a cosmic promise.