Keraia
Deuteronomy 21

Deuteronomy 21:15

Inheritance Rights of the Firstborn · Deuteronomy 21:15–17
Read Deuteronomy 21

Translations

Modern
If a man has two wives, one beloved and the other unloved, and both bear him sons, but the unloved wife has the firstborn son,
Traditional
If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated:
Literal
If a man has two wives, one loved and one hated, and they have borne to him sons, the loved and the hated, and the firstborn son is to the hated one,
Latin
Si habuerit homo uxores duas, unam dilectam, et alteram odiosam, genuerintque ex eo liberos, et fuerit filius odiosæ primogenitus,

Original

Hebrew
English
If a man has two wives, one beloved and the other unloved, and both bear him sons, but the unloved wife has the firstborn son,

Notes

Deuteronomy 21:15–17

  • God's law required that a firstborn son receive the largest share of his father's inheritance (see 21:15–16; 2 Kings 2:9). The custom of giving the firstborn son a double portion is first recorded here but was implied in earlier practice (see Genesis 25:31–34; 27:1–4; 48:8–22).

  • that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength: The eldest male child had this special status because he showed that the father could have children, especially a son.

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes

Glossary

Adultery Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Birthright Concubinage, Concubines Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Family Life and Relations Heir Inheritance

Topics

Birthright: Belonged to the First Born Birthright: Entitled the Firstborn to a Double Portion of Inheritance Children: Partiality Among, Forbidden Favoritism: Forbidden in Parents Firstborn: Birthright of The: A Double Portion of Inheritance Heir: General Scriptures Concerning Inheritance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Polygamy: Mosaic Law Respecting the Firstborn In Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Husband's Favoritism In Role of Parents The First Born: Privileges of not to be Alienated by Parents Through Caprice