Bible Dictionary
FIRST-BEGOTTEN
First-begotten or firstborn denotes the first child literally, but also priority, privilege, authority, and supremacy. Applied to Christ, it signifies His preeminence over creation and His victory as firstborn from the dead.
Biblical Usage
Christ is called firstborn in relation to Mary, creation, the dead, and many brethren. As firstborn of creation, the term denotes His supremacy and authority, not that He is part of the created universe. As firstborn from the dead, He is the origin and prince of life; believers may also be called the church of the firstborn.