The Firstborn

Lore & Background

In the patriarchal narratives, the firstborn holds a privileged position, often receiving the birthright and blessing. Jacob's firstborn Reuben is explicitly named (Genesis 35:23, Genesis 46:8, Genesis 49:3), and the custom of giving precedence to the firstborn is noted by Laban (Genesis 29:26). However, the blessing could be transferred, as when Jacob crossed his hands to bless Ephraim over Manasseh, the firstborn (Genesis 48:14, Genesis 48:18). The firstborn also appears in the story of Lot's daughters, where the older sister is called the firstborn (Genesis 19:31, Genesis 19:33, Genesis 19:34). God claims the firstborn of Israel as his own (Exodus 13:2), and the term is applied to the nation itself: Israel is called God's firstborn son (Exodus 4:22). This divine claim is dramatically enacted in the plague on Egypt, where all the firstborn of Egypt, both man and beast, are struck down (Exodus 11:5, Exodus 12:12, Exodus 12:29). The firstborn of Judah's son Er is noted as wicked and slain by the Lord (Genesis 38:6, Genesis 38:7). In the New Testament, the title 'firstborn' is applied to Christ in two distinct ways. He is the firstborn of every creature, indicating his preeminence over all creation (Colossians 1:15). He is also the first begotten of the dead, referring to his resurrection and primacy among those who rise (Revelation 1:5). These uses connect the concept of firstborn to both creation and new life.

Reader's Guide

The passages portray the firstborn primarily as a figure of status and divine claim. In the Old Testament, the firstborn son inherits a special position, as seen in the genealogies (Genesis 25:13, Genesis 35:23, Genesis 46:8) and the story of Esau identifying himself as Isaac's firstborn (Genesis 27:32). Yet this status is not absolute; it can be superseded by divine or human choice, as when Jacob blesses Ephraim over Manasseh (Genesis 48:14, Genesis 48:18). The firstborn is also subject to God's judgment, as in the death of Er (Genesis 38:7) and the plague on Egypt's firstborn (Exodus 11:5, Exodus 12:12, Exodus 12:29). God's claim on the firstborn of Israel (Exodus 13:2) and the designation of Israel as his firstborn (Exodus 4:22) establish a pattern of consecration and redemption. In the New Testament, Christ is identified as firstborn in two contexts: over creation (Colossians 1:15) and from the dead (Revelation 1:5), expanding the concept beyond biological birth to cosmic and resurrection primacy. The passages do not explain how these titles relate to each other or to the Old Testament usage, leaving room for theological interpretation.

Did You Know?

• Israel is called God's firstborn son in Exodus 4:22, a unique national designation.
• The firstborn of Egypt, from Pharaoh to the captive, were struck down in the plague (Exodus 12:29).
• Jacob's firstborn Reuben is listed multiple times, but his birthright was not emphasized in these passages (Genesis 35:23, Genesis 49:3).
• Christ is called both the firstborn of every creature (Colossians 1:15) and the first begotten of the dead (Revelation 1:5).