The position of the firstborn holds deep spiritual significance throughout Scripture. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God often uses the firstborn to symbolize leadership, blessing, and sacrifice. In this article, we’ll explore 50 Bible verses about first born to understand how God views the firstborn and what lessons believers can learn from their role.
Whether you’re the firstborn in your family or simply studying biblical patterns, these verses reveal powerful truths about inheritance, responsibility, and divine favor.
What Does the Bible Say About Firstborn?
The Bible teaches that the firstborn holds a place of honor and blessing within the family. In the Old Testament, God commanded that the first male child and the first of every livestock be dedicated to Him. This act of consecration symbolized gratitude and acknowledgment that all blessings come from God.
Exodus 13:2 (KJV) says:
- “Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.”
The firstborn was not just a child of the parents, it was a representation of the family’s relationship with God. The idea of the firstborn also extends to Jesus Christ, who is called the “firstborn of all creation” (Colossians 1:15). This title points to His supremacy, not as a created being, but as the One who holds preeminence in all things.
When we study Bible verses about first born, we find a recurring theme of dedication, leadership, and redemption. God required the firstborn to be redeemed, a practice that foreshadowed the redemptive work of Christ.
Why Is the First Born Son So Important in the Bible?
The firstborn son held a sacred and legal position in biblical times. This role was not merely cultural, it had divine recognition. God’s covenant with Abraham and the nation of Israel often included blessings passed through the firstborn.
Here are a few reasons why the firstborn son was so important in Scripture:
- Heir of the Family Blessing: The firstborn received a double portion of inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17). This made him responsible for maintaining the family’s legacy.
- Symbol of Strength and Leadership: The firstborn represented the beginning of a family’s strength (Genesis 49:3).
- Dedicated to God: God declared that all firstborn males belonged to Him (Exodus 13:12–15). This signified consecration and divine ownership.
- Spiritual Symbolism: The firstborn often symbolized redemption and deliverance. For example, the Israelites’ firstborns were spared during the Passover (Exodus 12:29–30).
- Christ as the Firstborn: Jesus’ title as the “firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29) shows the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan of redemption.
The significance of the firstborn reminds us of the importance of obedience, consecration, and divine order.
Why Do First Born Suffer in the Bible?
One of the most mysterious aspects of Scripture is how the firstborn often faces hardship or testing. From Cain, the firstborn of Adam, to Esau and even Israel’s firstborn sons in Egypt, we see patterns of struggle associated with this position.
The reason is spiritual. The firstborn often represents the beginning of a line, and with that comes trials meant to purify and prepare. The firstborn’s suffering is not always punishment, it can be part of a refining process or a spiritual battle over destiny.
For instance, in Exodus 12, the firstborn of Egypt were struck down because Pharaoh resisted God’s command. This act was both a judgment and a revelation that the first belongs to God alone.
However, God also protects and redeems His people’s firstborn. Numbers 3:13 says:
- “Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the Lord.”
So when studying Bible verses about first born, we learn that while the position can come with trials, it is also marked by divine favor and redemption.
50 Bible Verses About First Born
Here are 50 powerful Bible verses about first born that reveal their importance, blessings, and lessons throughout Scripture.
Old Testament Verses
- Exodus 13:2 – “Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.”
- Exodus 13:12 – “That thou shalt set apart unto the Lord all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the Lord’s.”
- Exodus 22:29 – “Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.”
- Numbers 3:13 – “Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel.”
- Numbers 8:17 – “For all the firstborn of the children of Israel are mine, both man and beast.”
- Deuteronomy 21:17 – “But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion.”
- Genesis 27:19 – “And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy firstborn.”
- Genesis 48:18 – “And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.”
- 1 Chronicles 5:1 – “Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph).”
- Genesis 4:1 – “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord.”
- Exodus 11:5 – “And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die.”
- Exodus 12:29 – “At midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt.”
- Leviticus 27:26 – “Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the Lord’s firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether it be ox or sheep: it is the Lord’s.”
- Numbers 18:15 – “Everything that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the Lord, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem.”
- Psalm 89:27 – “Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.”
- Micah 6:7 – “Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
- Genesis 49:3 – “Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength.”
- 2 Chronicles 21:3 – “And their father gave them great gifts, but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he was the firstborn.”
- Isaiah 14:30 – “And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety.”
- Hosea 13:13 – “The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he is an unwise son.”
- Exodus 4:22 – “Israel is my son, even my firstborn.”
- Genesis 25:31 – “And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.”
- Genesis 25:34 – “Thus Esau despised his birthright.”
- Genesis 35:23 – “The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn.”
- Job 18:13 – “It shall devour the strength of his skin: even the firstborn of death shall devour his strength.”
New Testament Verses
- Matthew 1:25 – “And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”
- Luke 2:7 – “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes.”
- Romans 8:29 – “That he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
- Colossians 1:15 – “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.”
- Colossians 1:18 – “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.”
- Hebrews 1:6 – “And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.”
- Hebrews 11:28 – “Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.”
- Hebrews 12:23 – “To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven.”
- Revelation 1:5 – “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead.”
- Luke 2:23 – “(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord).”
- Matthew 2:13 – “Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt.”
- John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.”
- Romans 8:17 – “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.”
- Ephesians 1:5 – “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself.”
- Colossians 2:9 – “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
- John 1:14 – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.”
- Hebrews 2:10 – “For it became him, for whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory.”
- Revelation 2:26-27 – “And he that overcometh… to him will I give power over the nations.”
- Revelation 3:21 – “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne.”
- Acts 13:33 – “Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.”
- John 1:18 – “The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”
- Romans 5:19 – “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”
- Hebrews 9:12 – “By his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”
- Revelation 21:7 – “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”
- Romans 8:23 – “Even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”
Spiritual Lessons from Bible Verses About First Born
The bible verses about first born reveal more than just genealogy, they reveal God’s pattern of redemption. The firstborn’s role foreshadows Christ’s divine position and the believer’s inheritance in Him.
Here are some key takeaways:
- The firstborn represents dedication to God and His covenant.
- Obedience is essential to preserve the blessing of the firstborn.
- Spiritual inheritance can be lost through disobedience, as seen in Esau’s story.
- Through Jesus, every believer becomes part of God’s “church of the firstborn.”
The message of the firstborn continues to remind us that God calls His children to holiness, obedience, and divine purpose.
Conclusion
These 50 bible verses about first born help us understand that being firstborn goes beyond position, it represents calling, consecration, and covenant. Whether it’s the dedication of the firstborn in Exodus or Christ’s preeminence in the New Testament, God reveals His heart for order and redemption.
If you are a firstborn, remember: your life carries significance and purpose. Walk in obedience, faith, and dedication to God, knowing that the same grace that redeemed the firstborn in Egypt still redeems today.
Read also: 50 Deliverance Warfare Prayers from Spirit Husband