In the Bible, the firstborn child holds a special status and importance. This theme begins in Genesis and continues throughout Scripture. Here are some key reasons why the firstborn is emphasized in the Bible:
1. The firstborn received a double portion of inheritance
Under Old Testament law, the firstborn son received a double portion of the father’s inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17). This gave the firstborn a greater share of property and assets. For example, if there were five sons, the inheritance would be divided into six equal shares – with the firstborn receiving two shares.
This privileged position recognized the firstborn as the principal heir and the head of the family after the father died. The double portion allowed the firstborn to maintain control of the family’s wealth and provide leadership for the extended household.
2. The firstborn had leadership over other siblings
Linked to the double inheritance, the firstborn took on a leadership role over his younger brothers and sisters. This leadership began in the home but could extend more widely. For instance, David was the youngest son of Jesse yet was anointed king over Israel (1 Samuel 16:10-13).
This pattern reflects the firstborn’s primary position and future family responsibilities. As the privileged heir, the firstborn would one day take charge of the entire household.
3. The firstborn received a special blessing from the father
In biblical times, fathers pronounced a special blessing over their firstborn son. Isaac blessed Jacob instead of Esau, showing how significant this blessing was (Genesis 27). Even when the firstborn sinned and lost his rights, the blessing was still highly valued.
The father’s blessing confirmed the leadership role of the firstborn. It also provided reassurance that the firstborn would inherit greater wealth and responsibility in the future as head of the household.
4. The firstborn was consecrated to God
God claimed the firstborn males of Israel because he spared them in the tenth plague of Egypt (Exodus 13:1-2). All firstborn sons, animals and crops were dedicated to the Lord. Firstborn sons were later redeemed via an offering (Exodus 13:12-13).
This consecration of the firstborn to God shows how Israel’s deliverance was tied to the sanctity of the firstborn.God claimed them as his own special possession. This consecration highlights the sacred importance of the firstborn.
5. The firstborn received the father’s name and blessing
The firstborn son often received his father’s name or a similar name (e.g. John and John Jr.). This recognized him as the heir who would carry on the family name. The blessing also ensured the father’s inheritance and identity passed to the firstborn.
Carrying the father’s name and blessing gave the firstborn a privileged place. It showed he would continue the family legacy as the primary heir in the generational line. The whole family was shaped by the unique role of the firstborn.
6. Jesus was the firstborn over all creation
The New Testament calls Jesus the firstborn over all creation (Colossians 1:15). As the Father’s only begotten Son, Christ occupies the privileged position of the firstborn. This shows his sovereignty over everything the Father has made.
Jesus is also called the firstborn from the dead (Colossians 1:18), indicating he leads the resurrection as the exalted Son. His status as firstborn testifies to his divinity and supremacy over all things.
7. Church leaders are to care for their people like firstborn children
Paul says church leaders should treat believers like a nursing mother cares for her children (1 Thessalonians 2:7). He urges Timothy not to rebuke older men but exhort them as fathers, and treat younger men as brothers (1 Timothy 5:1).
This parental language implies caring for fellow believers with the same devotion given to firstborn children. Church leaders are to nurture and lead like loving mothers and fathers.
8. Jesus was Mary’s firstborn son
Luke emphasizes Jesus was Mary’s firstborn son (Luke 2:7). Mary and Joseph followed the law by presenting him at the temple and redeeming him (Luke 2:22-24). This reminds us that Jesus lived under the old covenant as the consecrated firstborn.
Jesus is both fully God and fully human. As Mary’s firstborn, he entered the world in a humble way and identified with humanity’s low position. Yet he is also the exalted Firstborn over all creation.
9. Firstborn status can be lost or transferred
Despite the privileges, the Bible contains many examples of the firstborn losing status or the privileges being transferred:
- Esau sold his birthright and lost his firstborn blessing (Genesis 25:29-34)
- Ishmael was Abraham’s firstborn son but the covenant passed to Isaac (Genesis 17:18-21)
- Manasseh was Joseph’s firstborn but Ephraim received the greater blessing (Genesis 48:17-20)
- Aaron and Moses were not firstborn yet led Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 6:26-27)
- David was youngest yet received the everlasting kingship (1 Samuel 16:1-13)
These examples show that while the firstborn was highly honored, his status was not automatically secure. The Bible recognizes the weaknesses and failures of firstborns, and God’s sovereign right to choose the less privileged for leadership.
10. Believers receive a firstborn inheritance from Christ
The New Testament says all Christians are chosen in Christ and adopted as God’s children (Ephesians 1:4-5). This confers a privileged firstborn status on believers. As joint-heirs with Christ, they receive a firstborn inheritance just as he did (Romans 8:16-17).
While only Jesus is uniquely God’s firstborn Son, all believers are granted a firstborn inheritance through their spiritual rebirth and adoption into God’s family.
In conclusion, the firstborn occupies an important place throughout Scripture. The Bible grants firstborns a privileged status and leadership responsibilities. Yet this position is not irrevocable, as the examples of Esau and Ishmael show. God sometimes chooses the younger son – as Christ did when he made believers joint-heirs and co-heirs of his glory as the Firstborn. Ultimately, Jesus alone holds supremacy as the exalted Firstborn over all creation.