Birthright

Birthright (Heb. bekhorah; Gk. prototokia). The special status and right attributed to the firstborn son. The Old Testament contains eight verses discussing the concept of birthright (Gen 25:31–34; 27:36; 43:33; 1 Chr 5:1–2), while the New Testament includes only one (Heb 12:16).

In the biblical context, this expression relates to the special status and right of the firstborn to receive a double portion of his father’s inheritance (Deut 21:15–17). The privilege could include receiving a special blessing, as seen in the story of Isaac, who intended to bestow his blessing upon Esau but was deceived into giving it to Jacob instead (Gen 27:1–41). That Jacob gave land to Joseph was significant not only because Joseph rose to prominence among his brothers due to his position in Egypt and his care for their family, but also because Jacob regarded Joseph as his firstborn son (Gen 48:22; cf. 1 Chr 5:1).

In certain situations, the birthright can be lost or transferred for various reasons. For example, Esau, as the firstborn, had the birthright over Jacob but ultimately lost it because he undervalued its significance, trading it for a bowl of red stew (Gen 25:29–34). Moreover, Reuben lost his birthright because he sinned against his father Jacob by defiling “his father’s bed” (1 Chr 5:1; cf. Gen 35:22; 49:3–4). Esau’s loss of the birthright is echoed in the New Testament as a warning to believers to recognize and appreciate God’s grace (Heb 12:15–17).