The masechet so far, chapter by chapter

Masechet Bekhorot details the laws governing firstborn animals, including donkey redemption, sacrificial consecration of kosher livestock, and blemish examination. Up through daf 29, the tractate has addressed non-kosher and kosher firstlings, signs of prior birth, shearing bans, and the qualifications of court experts.

Chapter 1 – הלוקח עובר חמורו: Redemption of the Firstborn Donkey

This chapter covers the obligation to redeem a firstborn male donkey with a sheep or goat. Joint ownership with a gentile or status as a priest or Levite exempts the donkey. If an owner refuses redemption, he must break the donkey's neck.

Gentile partnership in a donkey fetus exempts the offspring from firstborn sanctity.
Priests and Levites are exempt from redeeming their firstborn donkeys.
A firstborn donkey must be redeemed with a lamb; otherwise, its neck is broken.
When the birth order of male and female twin offspring is uncertain, the owner retains the lamb.

Chapter 2 – הלוקח עובר פרתו: Sanctity of Kosher Firstborn Animals

This chapter examines the consecration of firstborn kosher livestock and the exemptions created by gentile ownership or prior blemishes. It resolves doubts regarding twin births, mixed litters, and caesarean deliveries. The Sages determine the priest's entitlement when birth order cannot be proven.

Gentile ownership or guaranteed investment liens exempt kosher offspring from firstborn sanctity.
Animals permanently blemished before consecration carry only monetary sanctity and can be redeemed for dog food.
When twin male lambs emerge, Rabbi Akiva rules the priest receives only the leaner twin.
An animal delivered by caesarean section and any sibling born after it lack firstborn sanctity.

Chapter 3 – הלוקח בהמה: Physical Indicators and Shearing Restrictions

This chapter determines whether an animal previously gave birth using biological signs such as afterbirth, uterine discharge, or nursing. It outlines the prohibition against shearing or working a firstborn animal. The text debates the status of wool plucked for blemish inspections or shed prior to slaughter.

Murky uterine discharge or expelled afterbirth proves prior pregnancy, exempting future offspring from firstborn sanctity.
A nursing animal purchased from a gentile is presumed to have already given birth.
Plucking hair by hand to inspect a blemish or clear the slaughter area is permitted.
Wool shed from a blemished firstborn before slaughter remains forbidden unless naturally held in the fleece.

Chapter 4 – עד כמה: Holding Periods, Blemishes, and Expert Inspection

This chapter defines the required rearing periods an owner must tend a firstborn before giving it to a priest. It establishes regulations for expert examiners who inspect blemishes and limits compensation for judges and witnesses. It also governs commercial dealings with vendors suspected of mishandling sacred meat or produce.

An owner raises a small firstborn thirty days and large cattle fifty days before priestly delivery.
An authorized expert judge who makes an honest mistake is completely exempt from paying restitution.
Inspectors may take a fixed examination fee, but judges may only accept compensation for lost labor.
Purchasing fully processed goods like spun thread is permitted from vendors suspected of mishandling firstborns.

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