Deuteronomy 21:16

Translations

Modern

…when that man assigns his inheritance to his sons he must not appoint the son of the beloved wife as the firstborn over the son of the unloved wife.

Traditional

Then it shall be, when he maketh his sons to inherit that which he hath, that he may not make the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated, which is indeed the firstborn:

Literal

…then it shall come to pass on the day he assigns his inheritance to his sons that are to him, that he must not bestow firstborn status on the son of the loved wife over the face of the son of the hated one, the firstborn.

Latin

…volueritque substantiam inter filios suos dividere, non poterit filium dilectæ facere primogenitum, et præferre filio odiosæ:

Interlinear

Hebrew

English

…when that man assigns his inheritance to his sons he must not appoint the son of the beloved wife as the firstborn over the son of the unloved wife.

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

Related verses

1 Chronicles 26:10
Hosah the Merarite also had sons: Shimri the first (although he was not the firstborn, his father had appointed him as the first),
1 Chronicles 5:2
And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
Hebrews 12:16–17
See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright.
2 Chronicles 21:3
Their father had given them many gifts of silver and gold and precious things, as well as the fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.
Romans 8:29
For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.
2 Chronicles 11:19–22
She bore sons to him: Jeush, Shemariah, and Zaham.

Glossary

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: Male: Inherited the Possessions of Their Father 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

Deuteronomy 21:16

Translations?

Interlinear?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?