CategoryCultural Term / Theological Term
Modern Equivalentthe first child born; the eldest son; a title of supremacy and honor.
KJV Word TypeNoun / Adjective
DefinitionThe first child born to a couple, especially the eldest son, who in Hebrew culture held a position of special privilege including a double portion of inheritance and the right of leadership. Theologically, Christ is called the "firstborn" — indicating His supreme status and preeminence, not His origin.
Key Verses"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18)