("first-born"); Gesenius, young camel: BECHORATH.

1. Benjamin's second son (Genesis 46:21; 1 Chronicles 7:6). In 1 Chronicles 8:1 the reading possibly ought to be" Bela, Becher, and (instead of 'his firstborn,' only one Hebrew letter is thus omitted) Ashbel." Then "the second," "the third," etc., were probably added, after the change in the original. Or vice versa, Becher in Genesis 46:21 and 1 Chronicles 7:6 may be a corruption for Βela "his firstborn." In Numbers 26:38 Becher is not mentioned in enumerating the Benjamite families, but Bela's and Ashbel's sons. However, among the Ephraimites occur "the Bachrites of Becher" (Numbers 26:35). In a border raid on cattle (1 Chronicles 7:21) the Ephraimites had been slain by the men of Gath who invaded Goshen; thus Ephraimite heiresses, for lack of Ephraimite husbands, would marry into other tribes.

Becher, or his heir, would marry one, and so be reckoned among the Ephraimites instead of in Benjamin. Abiah (Aphiah, 1 Samuel 9:1), Becher's younger son, would remain in Benjamin. From him descended Bechorath, then Zeror, Abiel (Jehiel, 1 Chronicles 9:35), Ner, Kish, Saul. Abiel settled in Gibeon or Gibeah, afterward described as "of Saul" (1 Samuel 11:4; Isaiah 10:29). From Becher came also Sheba, son of Bichri, the rebel against David (2 Samuel 20); also Shimei, son of Gera of Bahurim (2 Samuel 17:5), "of the house of Saul." The nonappearance of Becher in 1 Chronicles 8:1 and Numbers 26:38 may be due to the difference of the principle of the genealogy and the failure of the lines of the older heads of houses, as compared with Genesis 46:21; 1 Chronicles 7:6. Thus no change of reading may be needed.

2. Son of Ephraim (Numbers 26:35). Bered, in 1 Chronicles 7:20, same as BECHER above.

First-born; a youth, the second son of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21 ), who came down to Egypt with Jacob. It is probable that he married an Ephraimitish heiress, and that his descendants were consequently reckoned among the tribe of Ephraim (Numbers 26:35 ; 1 Chronicles 7:20,21 ). They are not reckoned among the descendants of Benjamin (Numbers 26:38 ).

(bee' chuhr) or BEKER (NIV) 1. Personal name meaning, “firstborn” or “young male camel.” Son of Benjamin and grandson of Jacob (Genesis 46:21 ). He had nine sons (1 Chronicles 7:8 ). 2 . Original ancestor of clan in tribe of Ephraim (Numbers 26:35 ). 1 Chronicles 7:20 spells the name Bered.

BECHER . 1 . Son of Ephraim, Numbers 26:35 = 1 Chronicles 7:20 where the name appears as Bered . Patronymic in Numbers 26:35 Becherites (AV [Note: Authorized Version.] Bachrites). 2 . Son of Benjamin, Genesis 46:21 , 1 Chronicles 7:6 ; 1 Chronicles 7:8 and implicitly in 1 Chronicles 8:1 where for his first-born, Ashbel we should probably read Becher and Ashbel .

First begotten; first fruits

1. Son of Benjamin, perhaps his second son, but the first-born of one of his wives. The name signifies 'first-born.' Genesis 46:21 ; 1 Chronicles 7:6,8 .

2. Son of Ephraim, and the head of the BACHRITES, Num.26:35.