The English word firstborn is not an exact rendering of the Greek πρωτότοκος, and in its theological use it may lead to confusion.  “Bear” and its correlatives in English are only used of the mother.  τίκτω (¶TEK. cf. Ger. Zeug.) is used indifferently of both father and mother.  πρωτότοκος is exactly rendered firstborn in Luke ii. 7; but first begotten, as in A.V. Heb. i. 6, and Rev. i. 5, more precisely renders the word in the text, and in such passages as Ex. xiii. 2, and Psalm lxxxix. 28, which are Messianically applied to the divine Word.  So early as Clemens Alexandrinus the only begotten and first begotten had been contrasted with the first created, and highest order of created being.  With him may be compared Tertullian, Adv. Prax. 7, Adv. Marc. v. 19, Hippolytus, Hær. x. 33, Origen, C. Cels. vi. 47, 63, 64, In Ioann. 1, § 22 (iv. p. 21), xix. § 5 (p. 305), xxviii. § 14 (p. 392), Cyprian, Test. ii. 1, Novatian, De Trin. 16.  On the history and uses of the word, see the exhaustive note of Bp. Lightfoot on Col. i. 15.