Keraia
Deuteronomy 21

Deuteronomy 21:17

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

Translations

Modern
Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him.
Traditional
But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.
Literal
But the firstborn son of the hated wife he shall acknowledge by giving him a double portion of all that is found to him, for he is the beginning of his strength; to him is the right of the firstborn.
Latin
…sed filium odiosæ agnoscet primogenitum, dabitque ei de his quæ habuerit cuncta duplicia: iste est enim principium liberorum ejus, et huic debentur primogenita.

Original

Hebrew
English
Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him.

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

Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Birthright Concubinage, Concubines Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Elijah Elisha Family Life and Relations Firstborn Heir Inheritance Isaac Primogeniture

Topics

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 a Double Portion of Inheritance The First Born: The Beginning of Strength and Excellency of Power