4415. prótotokia

Lexicon

prótotokia: Birthright

Original Word: πρωτοτόκια
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: prótotokia
Pronunciation: pro-to-to-kee'-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (pro-tot-ok'-ee-ah)
Definition: Birthright
Meaning: the birthright, the rights of the first-born.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

birthright.

From prototokos; primogeniture (as a privilege) -- birthright.

see GREEK prototokos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from prótotokos
Definition
the rights of the first-born
NASB Translation
birthright (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4415: πρωτοτόκια

πρωτοτόκια, πρωτοτοκιων, τά (πρωτότοκος), in the Sept. also πρωτοτοκεια (others, πρωτοτοκεια (cf. Chandler § 99), πρωτοτόκια, manuscript Venet., Aq.), for בְּכורָה, primogeniture, the right of the firstborn (in classical Greek ἡ πρεσβεία, and τό πρεσβεῖον): Hebrews 12:16. (Philo repeats the word after the Sept. in his alleg. legg. 3, 69; sacrif. Abel. § 5. Occasionally also in Byzantine writings.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from πρωτότοκος (prōtotokos), meaning "firstborn."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H1062: בְּכוֹרָה (bekorah) • birthright, the right of the firstborn.
• H1060: בְּכוֹר (bekor) • firstborn, the first male offspring.

These Hebrew terms reflect the Old Testament background of the concept of the birthright, which is foundational for understanding the New Testament usage of πρωτοτόκια. The birthright was a significant aspect of Israelite culture and law, with implications for family structure, inheritance, and covenantal blessings.

Usage: The term πρωτοτόκια is used in the New Testament to refer to the birthright or the special privileges and responsibilities that come with being the firstborn. It is a concept deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and law, where the firstborn son typically received a double portion of the inheritance and held a position of authority within the family.

Context: The concept of πρωτοτόκια, or birthright, is significant in biblical theology and cultural practices. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the firstborn son held a place of prominence and responsibility. This status was not merely a matter of familial hierarchy but was also imbued with spiritual and covenantal significance.

In the New Testament, πρωτοτόκια is explicitly mentioned in Hebrews 12:16, where Esau is described as having sold his birthright for a single meal. This reference underscores the gravity and value of the birthright, as well as the folly of despising such a significant inheritance for temporary satisfaction. The passage serves as a warning against undervaluing spiritual blessings and responsibilities.

The birthright included leadership of the family and a double portion of the inheritance, as seen in the patriarchal narratives of the Old Testament. The firstborn's role was to carry on the family name and legacy, often serving as a priestly figure within the household. This concept is further enriched by the typological use of "firstborn" in reference to Christ, who is described as the "firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15) and the "firstborn from the dead" (Revelation 1:5), emphasizing His preeminence and authority.

Theologically, πρωτοτόκια also points to the idea of spiritual inheritance and the privileges of being part of God's family. Believers are described as co-heirs with Christ, sharing in His inheritance and the blessings of the new covenant.

Forms and Transliterations

πρωτοτοκεία πρωτοτοκια πρωτοτόκια πρωτοτόκιά πρωτοτόκία prototokia prototókia prōtotokia prōtotókia

Englishman's Concordance

Hebrews 12:16 N-ANP
GRK: ἀπέδετο τὰ πρωτοτόκια ἑαυτοῦ
NAS: his own birthright for a [single] meal.
KJV: sold his birthright.
INT: sold the birthright of himself

Strong's Greek 4415
1 Occurrence

πρωτοτόκια — 1 Occ.