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H1067 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בְּכוֹרָה
Bekorah
Noun, feminine
birthright, right of the firstborn

Definition

Bekorah refers to the birthright — the privileges and inheritance belonging to the firstborn son. In ancient Israel, the firstborn received a double portion of the father's estate and carried the family's spiritual leadership. The word derives from bekor (בְּכוֹר, H1060), meaning "firstborn." The birthright was not merely an economic arrangement but a sacred trust carrying covenantal significance.

Usage & Theological Significance

The most famous birthright narrative is Esau selling his bekorah to Jacob for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:31–34), an act the author of Hebrews calls profane (Hebrews 12:16). This event reverses primogeniture — a recurring biblical theme showing that God's election does not follow human convention. The birthright points forward to Christ, the true Firstborn over all creation (Colossians 1:15), whose inheritance believers share by adoption.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 25:31 Jacob said, 'Sell me your birthright [bekorah] first.'
Genesis 25:34 So Esau despised his birthright [bekorah].
Genesis 27:36 'He has taken away my birthright [bekorah], and now he has taken away my blessing!'
1 Chronicles 5:1 Reuben was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father's bed, his birthright [bekorah] was given to the sons of Joseph.

Related Words

External Resources

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