Birthright

CONTROLLED MEANING: The rights/claims to which one is entitled by birth. A natural claim upon all rights that accrue to someone's birth status.

ACTUAL MEANING: "Birthright" is a term inherited, not from the Bible, but from English tradition. It was an offspring's claim of ownership upon his share of the family estate. In modern society the custom is nearly derelict since inheritances have become rare among the impoverished common folk.

The word "birthright" is not a Bible term or concept. The English "birthright" which appears in the KJV Bible comes from the Hebrew [bek-ora], and Greek [prototokia]. Both mean literally "Firstbornship." No "right" (entitlement; claim) is implied. In both cases the English translators took license with the original meaning, and insinuated English custom into it. "FIRSTBORNSHIP" is the correct translation. What is intended by both the Hebrew and the Greek is an inherited position, or rank. It indicates the firstborn's authority and status in the family, not a so-called entitlement or claim due him because he was born.

In Israel, the tradition of Firstbornship meant that the firstborn male offspring was scheduled to inherit his father's position of authority and responsibility to oversee the family estate. This was more a responsibility and honor than a financial windfall since the wealth belonged to the family, and he did not literally "own" the land. All the land belonged to God Himself and could not be bought, sold, traded away for profit, or lost from the family (Lev. 25:23).