בַּכֻּרָה
a first-ripe fig
Definition
The Hebrew noun בַּכֻּרָה (bakkurâh) refers specifically to a 'first-ripe fig,' the earliest and choicest fruit of the fig tree. It is an orthographical variant of the more common word בִּכּוּרָה (bikkûrâh, H1063), which broadly means 'firstfruits' of any kind. In its single biblical occurrence in Jeremiah 24:2, it describes two baskets of figs set before the temple, one basket containing very good figs, identified as the 'first-ripe figs,' and the other containing very bad figs. This specific term highlights the quality and early ripening of this particular agricultural product.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Jeremiah 24:2. In this prophetic vision, the prophet sees two baskets of figs. One basket contains figs described as 'very good figs, like the first-ripe figs' (כִּתְאֵנִים הַטֹּבֹת גְּדֹלוֹת כַּבַּכֻּרֹת). The context is a symbolic portrayal of the exiled people of Judah (the good figs) versus those who remained in the land or fled to Egypt (the bad figs). The usage is entirely metaphorical, employing a high-quality agricultural product as a symbol for a faithful remnant.
Etymology
בַּכֻּרָה (bakkurâh) is an orthographical variation of the more common noun בִּכּוּרָה (bikkûrâh, H1063), meaning 'firstfruits.' Both derive from the root ב־כ־ר (b-k-r), which relates to being first or early. The specific form בַּכֻּרָה, with its doubled 'k' sound (dagesh forte), likely developed as a dialectical or poetic variant to emphasize the specific, prized nature of the 'first-ripe' produce, in this case, figs.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this word carries theological weight in its context. In Jeremiah 24, the 'first-ripe fig' is a symbol of God's chosen and preserved remnant—those in exile whom God regards as 'very good' and whom He promises to restore and give a new heart (Jeremiah 24:5-7). It transforms a mundane agricultural term into a metaphor for divine election, grace, and future hope. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading by connecting the concrete image of the best, earliest fruit to the spiritual reality of a people set apart for God's purpose.
In ancient Israel, the first-ripe fig was a seasonal delicacy and a sign of the harvest's beginning. Figs were a staple food, and the earliest ones were considered particularly sweet and valuable (see also Isaiah 28:4; Hosea 9:10). They ripened in early summer. Presenting the 'first-ripe' produce had cultural and religious significance, often associated with offering the best and first portion to God. Jeremiah's audience would immediately recognize the 'first-ripe figs' as representing the highest quality and most desirable fruit.
בִּכּוּרָה (bikkûrâh, H1063) — The broader term for 'firstfruits' of any harvest, not limited to figs. תְּאֵנָה (te'ênâh, H8384) — The general Hebrew word for 'fig' or 'fig tree.'
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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