Colossians 1:18 He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (See RSV)
Genesis 49:3 "Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength; excelling in dignity, and excelling in power. (See RSV)
Song of Songs 5:10 My beloved is white and ruddy, pre-eminent above ten thousand. (JPS)