Protos

What does "Firstborn" mean in the Bible?

Under the law, in memory of the exodus (when the first-born of the Egyptians were slain), the eldest son was regarded as devoted to God, and was in very case to be redeemed by an offering not exceeding five shekels, within one month from birth. Firstborn appears in 7 verses across 3 books of the Bible.

What does the Bible say about Firstborn?

Under the law, in memory of the exodus (when the first-born of the Egyptians were slain), the eldest son was regarded as devoted to God, and was in very case to be redeemed by an offering not exceeding five shekels, within one month from birth. If he died before the expiration of thirty days, the Jewish doctors held the father excused, but liable to the payment if he outlived that time. (Exodus 13:12-15,16; Leviticus 27:6) The eldest son received a double portion of the father’s inheritance, (21:17) but not of the mother’s. Under the monarchy the eldest son usually, but no always, as appears in the case of Solomon, succeeded his father in the kingdom. (1 Kings 1:30; 2:22) The male first-born of animals was also devoted to God. (Exodus 13:2,12,13; 22:29; 34:19,20) Unclean animals were to be redeemed with the addition of one-fifth of the value, or else put to death; or, if not redeemed, to be sold, and the price given to the priests. (Leviticus 27:13,27,28)

Definition text: Smith's Bible Dictionary · 1863. Public domain.

Compiled by Protos: the verse list on this page. Where one name belongs to more than one person or place, each of them gets a separate entry.

What is the Hebrew word for Firstborn?

Hebrew · H6363

פֶּ֫טֶר

pe.ter

firstborn

TBESH, STEPBible, licensed CC BY 4.0.

Where does Firstborn appear in the Bible?

Firstborn is referenced in 7 verses across 3 books. Every passage below is about this one, not just every verse the word turns up in.

What else appears in these passages?

These turn up in the same passages as Firstborn.

Common questions

How many times does the Bible mention Firstborn?

Firstborn appears in 7 verses across 3 books, most often in Exodus, which accounts for 4 of them.

Which books of the Bible mention Firstborn?

Exodus, Numbers, Ezekiel.

Where can I read every verse about Firstborn?

This page lists 7 of them. Protos carries all 7, and opens this entry on the verse you are reading rather than in a separate tab.

Read it in context

Read Exodus with "Firstborn" explained on the verse.

Tap any name, place, or word you do not recognize and the background opens on the verse you are reading. No second tab, no search, no losing your place.

The Protos reader open on Genesis 1 with the How to Read Genesis background sheet raised over it

Testimonies from pastors and Bible teachers

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Darren Raynald

Pastor, MountainHouse Church · Teaches at Portland Bible College

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“Been using Protos for months now. Protos is an amazing Bible study app for anyone who wants to grow deeper in God's Word. I love how it helps me understand Scripture beyond simply reading the verses, providing helpful historical context, commentary, and insights into the original Hebrew and Greek. The resources make it easier to engage with the Bible and grow in understanding.”

Jason Layantara

Teaching Pastor, MountainHouse Church · M.A. in Christian Leadership · Bible class teacher, Lake Tahoe

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Protos helps you close that gap so you can stop skimming and start getting immersed in the world of the Bible.

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