The Greek word aparche

Found less than ten times in the New Testament (Rom. 8:23; 11:16; 16:5; 1 Cor. 15:20, 23; 16:15; 2 Thess. 2:13—not in all manuscripts; Jas. 1:18; Rev. 14:4), the Greek noun “aparche” meant “firstfruit.”  The majority of verses in the New Testament that use this noun “point to some beginning, a newness or even a birth” (Spicq, 1:150) and “apply only to humans” (Spicq, 1:152).

 “The concept of firstfruits derives from God’s creation work.  Because God created everything that exists, all of creation belongs to him (Ps. 24:1).  Consequently, that which is first and best belongs to him and is to be given to him” (Baker Theological Dictionary of the Bible, p. 258).