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H1062 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בְּכֹרָה
Bekorah
Noun, feminine
Birthright / Firstborn Rights

Definition

Bekorah is the birthright or rights of the firstborn son. In ancient Israel, the firstborn (bekor) received a double portion of the inheritance and held a position of family leadership. The most famous occurrence is Esau selling his bekorah to Jacob for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:33) — a tragic exchange of eternal for temporal.

Usage & Theological Significance

The bekorah carries enormous theological weight. Esau's despising of the birthright (Hebrews 12:16) becomes a warning against trading eternal inheritance for momentary satisfaction. God Himself established the principle of the firstborn, declaring Israel His firstborn son (Exodus 4:22). Ultimately, Christ as the 'firstborn over all creation' (Colossians 1:15) and 'firstborn among many brothers' (Romans 8:29) holds the supreme birthright. Believers, as heirs with Christ, share in this inheritance.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 25:32 Esau said, 'Look, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?'
Genesis 25:34 So Esau despised his birthright.
1 Chronicles 5:1 Reuben the firstborn of Israel — for he was the firstborn, but when he defiled his father's bed, his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel.
Hebrews 12:16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.
Deuteronomy 21:17 He must acknowledge the son of his unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double share of all he has. That son is the first sign of his father's strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him.

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