Lexical Summary bikkurah: Firstfruits Original Word: בִּכּוּרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance firstripe fruit Feminine of bikkuwr; the early fig -- firstripe (fruit). see HEBREW bikkuwr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom bakar Definition the first ripe fig, early fig NASB Translation earliest fruit (1), first-ripe (1), first-ripe fig (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs בִּכּוּרָה noun feminine first ripe fig, early fig (regarded as a delicacy) (Löw391; compare Arabic  , Spanish albacora, Moorish bokkôre) Micah 7:1; Hosea 9:10; suffix בִּכּוּרָהּ = בִּכּוּרָתָהּ (read בִּכּוּרָה Di), Isaiah 28:4; plural בַּכֻּרוֺת Jeremiah 24:2 **probably a different word, plural abstract = early ripeness, compare Du. Topical Lexicon Definition and Imagery בִּכּוּרָה denotes the first, tender figs that appear before the main summer crop. These figs develop on the previous year’s wood, ripening earlier (late spring to early summer) and possessing exceptional sweetness. In biblical thought they picture the first evidence of life, promise, and covenant faithfulness. Occurrences • Hosea 9:10: “I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the early fruit on the fig tree.” Both prophets employ the term to measure spiritual vitality: Hosea recalls Israel’s youthful devotion; Micah laments its absence in his generation. Agricultural and Cultural Background In ancient Israel the early fig was prized by travelers and farmers alike. Because it appeared when other fresh produce was scarce, it was eagerly sought and quickly consumed. Its arrival signaled that the full harvest was imminent, creating anticipation and joy among the people. Theological Significance 1. Divine Expectation: Just as a farmer waits for these first figs, the Lord anticipates the firstfruits of obedience from His people (Hosea 9:10; compare Deuteronomy 26:1-11 concerning firstfruits in general). Prophetic Applications The early fig is used prophetically to: New Testament Resonance Although בִּכּוּרָה itself does not appear in the New Testament, its concept permeates the teaching of Jesus: Practical Ministry Insights • Pastoral Evaluation: Leaders may assess congregational health by looking for “early figs” of conversion—repentance, love, and service that naturally precede larger works. Forms and Transliterations בִּכּוּרָ֖ה בכורה כְּבִכּוּרָ֤ה כבכורה bik·kū·rāh bikkuRah bikkūrāh kə·ḇik·kū·rāh kəḇikkūrāh kevikkuRahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Hosea 9:10 HEB: מָצָ֙אתִי֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כְּבִכּוּרָ֤ה בִתְאֵנָה֙ בְּרֵ֣אשִׁיתָ֔הּ NAS: your forefathers as the earliest fruit on the fig tree KJV: your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree INT: found Israel as the earliest the fig first Micah 7:1 2 Occurrences |
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