# 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 "firstborn" 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](en/ta-vol1/translate/man/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 01:15-17](en/tn/col/help/01/15)
* [Genesis 04:3-5](en/tn/gen/help/04/03)
* [Genesis 29:26-27](en/tn/gen/help/29/26)
* [Genesis 43:32-34](en/tn/gen/help/43/32)
* [Luke 02:6-7](en/tn/luk/help/02/06)
* [Revelation 01:4-6](en/tn/rev/help/01/04)