First
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of First in the Bible?
The concept of 'first' denotes primacy, origin, or supreme rank, functioning as a theological descriptor for entities such as the firstborn and firstfruits to signify authority and precedence.
SIGNIFICANCE
Grasping the nuance of 'first' clarifies biblical passages that emphasize Christ's preeminence and the priority of divine order, allowing readers to accurately discern the hierarchy and significance of key spiritual truths and events.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to First. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention First in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does First clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"First." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/first/