make firstborn, be firstling, bring forth first child (new fruit)
Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
Children an honor, childlessness a misfortune (Gen. 16:2; Deut. 7:14; 1 Sam. 1:6; 2 Sam. 6:23; 2 Kings 4:14; Psa. 127:3; Isa. 47:9, Jer. 20:15). Males circumcised on eighth day (Lev. 12:3). Weaning an occasion of rejoicing (Gen. 21:8).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
David proclaimed, “Lo, children are an heritage of Jehovah: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psa. 127:3). Women in the East had a great desire for children, as may be seen by Sarah, Rachel, and Leah giving their handmaids to their husbands that they might have children by them, and this ever characterized the women of Israel afterward.
The law commanded children to honor their parents, and if a son smote or cursed his parents he was put to death (Ex. 21:15,17). Parents were to teach the law to their children, and to chastise them when needed, and if a son was disobedient and contumacious the men of the city were to stone such a one (Deut. 21:18-21). The first born was claimed by God, and had to be redeemed (Ex. 13:13); and the eldest son inherited a double portion of his father’s possessions (Deut. 21:17).
Metaphorically we meet with “children of Zion,” “children of Belial,” “children of the devil,” often referring to their moral character.
In the New Testament various Greek words are translated children in the AV. Thus in 1 John 2:1, 12-13,18,28 “little children” occurs; and though correct, yet there is a difference in the words. 1 John 2:1,12,28 refer to all Christians as God’s children; but 1 John 2:13,18 refer to young children or babes as a class, in contrast to young men and fathers. Again, in many places where the word is νιός, and should be translated “sons,” the AV has “child” or “children” ( Rom. 9:26-27; 2 Cor. 3:7,13; Gal. 3:7,26; Eph. 2:2; Eph. 5:6; Col. 3:6; 1 Thess. 5:5; Heb. 11:22; Heb. 12:5; Rev. 2:14; Rev. 7:4; Rev. 12:5; Rev. 21:12); besides often in the Gospels and Acts. See SON. Again, in Acts 4:27,30 the word is παῖς, which is as often translated “servant” as “child,” the word signifying both. In these verses it would be much better to translate “thy holy servant Jesus”; David is also called “servant” in Acts 4:25.
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Meaning:
a primitive root; properly, to burst the womb, i.e. (causatively) bear or make early fruit (of woman or tree); also (as denominative from 1061) to give the birthright
KJV Usage:
make firstborn, be firstling, bring forth first child (new fruit)