Original Word: פֶטֶר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: peter
Pronunciation: peh'-ter
Phonetic Spelling: (peh'-ter)
Definition: Firstborn, firstling
Meaning: a fissure, firstling

firstling, opening, such as open

Or pitrah {pit-raw'}; from patar; a fissure, i.e. (concretely) firstling (as opening the matrix) -- firstling, openeth, such as open.

see HEBREW patar

מֶּ֫טֶר noun [masculine] that which separates, first opens; — construct, רֶחֶם ׳מּ i. e. firstborn, of man and beast, Ezekiel 20:26; Exodus 13:12,15; Exodus 34:19; Numbers 18:15; appositive בְּכוֺר Exodus 13:2; Numbers 3:12; רֶחֶם omitted Exodus 13:12,13; Exodus 34:19,20.

[מִּטְרָה] noun feminine id., מִּטְרַת כָּלרֶֿחֶם Numbers 8:16.

Word Origin: Derived from the root פָּטַר (patar), meaning "to separate" or "to open."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G1272 (διανοίγω, dianoigō): This Greek term means "to open thoroughly" and is used in the New Testament to describe the opening of the mind or understanding, as well as physical openings.
• G4416 (πρωτότοκος, prōtotokos): This Greek word means "firstborn" and is used in the New Testament to refer to Christ as the firstborn of all creation, emphasizing His preeminence and unique status.

These Greek terms, while not direct translations of פֶטֶר (peter), share thematic connections in the context of opening and firstborn, reflecting similar theological concepts in the New Testament.

Usage: The word פֶטֶר (peter) is used in the context of the firstborn, especially in relation to the laws concerning the consecration of the firstborn to God. It appears in the context of sacrificial and ceremonial laws, emphasizing the dedication of the first offspring of both humans and animals to the Lord.

Context: פֶטֶר (peter) is a term that appears in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the Pentateuch, where it is used to describe the firstborn of both humans and animals. The concept of the firstborn is significant in biblical theology, symbolizing the beginning of strength and the opening of the womb. The firstborn was considered sacred and was to be dedicated to God as a sign of gratitude and acknowledgment of His sovereignty.

In Exodus 13:2, the Lord commands, "Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast." This command underscores the importance of recognizing God's provision and blessing through the act of consecration. The firstborn of clean animals were to be sacrificed, while the firstborn of unclean animals and humans were to be redeemed, as detailed in passages such as Exodus 13:12-15 and Numbers 18:15-17.

The dedication of the firstborn is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, reflecting the broader principle of offering the first and best to God. This practice served as a reminder of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, where the firstborn of the Egyptians were struck down, while the firstborn of Israel were spared.

וּפֶ֤טֶר ופטר פִּטְרַ֨ת פֶּ֖טֶר פֶּ֣טֶר פֶּ֣טֶר ׀ פֶּ֤טֶר פֶּ֥טֶר פֶּֽטֶר־ פטר פטר־ פטרת pe·ṭer pe·ṭer- Peter peṭer peṭer- piṭ·raṯ pitRat piṭraṯ ū·p̄e·ṭer uFeter ūp̄eṭerInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts