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Masechet so far · Bekhorot 21 · בכורות כ״א
The masechet so far, chapter by chapter
Masechet Bekhorot addresses the sanctification and redemption of firstborn animals, spanning non-kosher donkeys and sacrificial kosher livestock. The tractate currently focuses on determining whether an animal purchased from a gentile has previously given birth, using physical signs of prior discharge to resolve its firstborn status.
Chapter 1 – הלוקח עובר חמורו: Redemption of the Firstborn Donkey
This chapter details the obligation to redeem a firstborn male donkey with a sheep or goat. Gentile partnership or priestly lineage frees the donkey from this requirement. If the owner declines to redeem the firstborn donkey, its neck is broken from behind.
- Gentile ownership or partnership exempts a donkey fetus from firstborn sanctity.
- A firstborn donkey is redeemed with a male or female lamb, whether unblemished or blemished.
- If an owner refuses to redeem the donkey, he must break its neck and bury it.
Chapter 2 – הלוקח עובר פרתו: Firstborn Kosher Animals and Disputed Births
This chapter governs the innate sanctity of firstborn male kosher livestock and the impact of gentiles or prior blemishes. It analyzes ambiguous deliveries, including male twins emerging together and births through caesarean section. In uncertain cases, the priest receives the leaner share because the burden of proof rests on the claimant.
- An animal consecrated after receiving a permanent blemish holds only monetary sanctity and permits shearing after redemption.
- When male twins emerge simultaneously, Rabbi Akiva gives the priest the leaner lamb.
- Neither a caesarean offspring nor the sibling born after it receives firstborn sanctity.
Chapter 3 – הלוקח בהמה: Purchasing Livestock with Unknown Birthing History
This chapter evaluates animals of unknown birthing history purchased from gentiles or fellow Israelites. Rabbi Yishmael determines firstborn status by the animal's age, whereas Rabbi Akiva relies on signs of earlier pregnancy. Physical evidence such as an afterbirth or murky uterine discharge establishes a prior delivery and exempts future male offspring.
- A murky uterine discharge indicates a prior pregnancy, exempting future offspring from firstborn sanctity.
- A knowledgeable shepherd must evaluate the discharge to confirm it represents an expelled fetus.
- Offspring of an animal bought from an Israelite are presumed non-sacred unless the seller warns the buyer.