# firstborn

## Definition:

The term “firstborn” refers to an offspring of people or animals that is born first, before the other offspring are born.

* In the Bible, “firstborn” usually refers to the first male offspring that is born.
* In Bible times, the firstborn son was given a place of prominence and twice as much of his family inheritance as the other sons.
* Often it was the firstborn male of an animal that was sacrificed to God.
* This concept can also be used figuratively. For example, the nation of Israel is called God’s firstborn son because God gave it special privileges over other nations.
* Jesus, the Son of God is called God’s firstborn because of his importance and authority over everyone else.

## Translation Suggestions:

* When “first-born” occurs in the text alone, it could also be translated as “firstborn male” or “firstborn son,” since that is what is implied. (See: [Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information](rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit))
* Other ways to translate this term could include “the son who was born first” or “the eldest son” or “the number one son.”
* When used figuratively to refer to Jesus, this could be translated with a word or phrase that means “the son who has authority over everything” or “the Son who is first in honor.”
* Caution: Make sure the translation of this term in reference to Jesus does not imply that he was created.

(See also: [inherit](../kt/inherit.md), [sacrifice](../other/sacrifice.md), [son](../kt/son.md))

## Bible References:

* [Colossians 1:15](rc://en/tn/help/col/01/15)
* [Genesis 4:3-5](rc://en/tn/help/gen/04/03)
* [Genesis 29:26-27](rc://en/tn/help/gen/29/26)
* [Genesis 43:33](rc://en/tn/help/gen/43/33)
* [Luke 2:6-7](rc://en/tn/help/luk/02/06)
* [Revelation 1:5](rc://en/tn/help/rev/01/05)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H1060, H1062, H1067, H1069, G44160, G52070
