New Revised Standard Version
In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

Contemporary English Version
He wanted us to be his own special people, and so he sent the true message to give us new birth.

New American Bible
He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Douay-Rheims Bible
For of his own will hath he begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be some beginning of his creature.

For of his own will hath he begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be some beginning of his creature.

his own.

John 1:13 Who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

John 3:3-5 Jesus answered and said to him: Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. . . .

Romans 4:17 (As it is written: I have made thee a father of many nations), before God, whom he believed: who quickeneth the dead and calleth those things that are not, as those that are.

Romans 8:29-31 For whom he foreknew, he also predestinated to be made conformable to the image of his Son: that he might be the Firstborn amongst many brethren. . . .

Romans 9:15-18 For he saith to Moses: I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy. And I will shew mercy to whom I will shew mercy. . . .

Ephesians 2:4,5 But God (who is rich in mercy) for his exceeding charity wherewith he loved us . . .

Colossians 1:20,21 And through him to reconcile all things unto himself, making peace through the blood of his cross, both as to the things that are on earth and the things that are in heaven. . . .

2 Thessalonians 2:13,14 0 . . .

1 Peter 1:3,23 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy hath regenerated us unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead: . . .

with.

James 1:21 Wherefore, casting away all uncleanness and abundance of naughtiness, with meekness receive the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

1 Corinthians 4:15 For if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, by the gospel, I have begotten you.

Ephesians 1:12 That we may be unto the praise of his glory: we who before hoped in Christ:

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, by the word of God who liveth and remaineth for ever.

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God committeth not sin: for his seed abideth in him. And he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

kind.

Leviticus 23:10 Speak to the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them: When you shall have entered into the land which I will give you, and shall reap your corn, you shall bring sheaves of ears, the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest.

Jeremiah 2:3 Israel is holy to the Lord, the firstfruits of his increase: all they that devour him offend: evils shall come upon them, saith the Lord.

Amos 6:1 Woe to you that are wealthy in Sion, and to you that have confidence in the mountain of Samaria: ye great men, heads of the people, that go in with state into the house of Israel.

*marg:

Hebrews 12:23 And to the church of the firstborn who are written in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,

Revelation 14:4 These are they who were not defiled with women: for they are virgins. These follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.