There are two words used of Jesus Christ which are sometimes confused, or, at the very least, merged, because they are not fully realised as to their meaning. One is *Monogenes* and the other is *Prototokos*.

Also, these words are ferociously disputed which is not surprising as they both shed considerable light on who Jesus Christ is and what is the nature of his coming.

*Tokos* is used twice in scripture and both times it means usury. There is no doubt about this from the context and from the word itself. The two occasions are Matthew 25:27 and Luke 19:23, both a matter of giving money to a 'bank' as we call it (moneychangers in the original) in order to earn 'interest' as we call it (usury as it used to be known).

Yes, the word *Prototokos* can - in certain contexts - mean 'firstborn'. But the word 'born' is not present in the word. And that is significant. The root of _tokos_ being _tikto_ then, of course, the concept of 'bringing forth' is present but not exclusively in regard to childbirth. The concept is broader and that is why _tokos_ is used (by no less then the Holy Spirit) to describe a financial situation.

If one really believes that scripture is holy, that scripture is inspired and that scripture, ultimately, is expressed by God Almighty himself (in the Person of the Holy Spirit operating through chosen vessels) then every word, every syllable and even every letter is significant : and treasured.

As the Psalmist lists every section of Psalm 119 under a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet, so the reverent reader of scripture will notice, and give weight, to every letter of every word.

*Prototokos* means, literally, First Payment, or First Return or 'Firstfruit' (see the comments below).

It is the first indication that an investment will be successful. It is the first fruit of an investment that will, eventually, result in the multiplication of what was invested.

To lose sight of this (and the Holy Spirit has deliberately given us two witnesses so that we will not lose sight of it) is to lose something of the value of the word.

Yes, again, I agree, in certain contexts 'firstborn' is suitable . . . . **but** - one should still bear in mind the actual, literal meaning of the word which *invests* the word with a concept that we should not forget.

*Monogenes*, the first begotten - a matter of sonship - is associated with Redemption, for sonship in scripture *is*, often, closely associated with Redemption.

*Prototokos*, on the other hand, is more associated with Restoration (some translate it 'reconciliation') - the restoration, in Christ, of the order of creation. (Know ye not that we shall judge angels ?). The raising, above the head of the serpent, of humanity - in Christ.

So it is not surprising to see, when many confuse (or at least slightly merge) Redemption and Restoration, to see them also confuse (or at least slightly merge) *Monogenes* and *Prototokos*.

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Jesus Christ is the *Prototokos* seen first in Matthew 1:25. But of course that text is disputed (well, of course it is).

But the Received Text has :

>... and she brought forth the Son of her, the *Prototokos* [Matthew 1:25, Stephens 1550]

Here, in the TR, we see the Son of her (that is to say The Son - of her) and he is also the *Prototokos*. But to say 'her firstborn son' just mangles the concepts and loses all the value with which the text is loaded.

But I am going against centuries of tradition here. I am well aware of that. 
Nevertheless, I seek the true value of what is written . . . .

So I proceed . . . 

Jesus Christ is the first token of the value invested by God in creation. All that effort, all that patience with Israel, all the longsuffering in the wilderness ... and thereafter. All the burden of Israel and the burden of Judah. All the tedious damage of king after king after king. All the weariness of Assyrian captivity and Babylonian captivity.

On and on and on.

But finally, after it all, there is fruit.

Out of it all comes the First Indication that the purpose of Creation (from before the foundation of the world) will be a sound investment, a fruitful project.

Cometh Jesus, in the arms of Mary : The Son of her, the *Protokos* [TR].

And here, in Colossians, he is seen again, risen from the dead in a New Creation, raised by the glory of the Father, through a New Testament. 

Thence, he is ascended, received into heaven and received into the very throne of the Majesty in the Heavens, exalted over all.

This is a rearrangement. This is a Restoration. Through Redemption, but another thing than Redemption. 'Sit thou until I make thine enemies thy footstool' is said to the Son, the *Prototokos*, risen from the dead.

I have not fully covered the subject, nor given enough proofs in this brief space to carry the argument fully. It needs a whole book to do it.

But I give here, just a little of what is needed to indicate that more is here than is commonly realised.