Smith's Bible Dictionary

 

A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H    I    J    K    L    M    N    O    P    Q    R    S    T    U    V    W    X    Y    Z   

First-born
        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. Ex 13:12-15,16; Le 27:6 The eldest son received a double portion of the father's inheritance, De 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. 1Ki 1:30; 2:22 The male first-born of animals was also devoted to God. Ex 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. Le 27:13,27,28


Bibliography Information
Smith, William, Dr "Meaning and Definition for 'first-born' in Smiths Bible Dictionary".
bible-history.com - Smith's; 1901.

Copyright Information
© Smith's Bible Dictionary

Smith's Bible Dictionary Home
Bible History Online Home

 

Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
Online Bible (KJV)
Naves Topical Bible
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Schaff's Bible Dictionary
Fausset's Bible Dictionary
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Hitchcock's Bible Dictionary