Deuteronomy 21:15
Deuteronomy 21:15 in Multiple Translations
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,
¶ 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:
If a man have two wives, the one beloved, and the other hated, and they have borne him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the first-born son be hers that was hated;
If a man has two wives, one greatly loved and the other hated, and the two of them have had children by him; and if the first son is the child of the hated wife:
If a man has two wives, one he loves and one he doesn't, and both have sons by him, but the firstborn son is from the wife he doesn't love,
If a man haue two wiues, one loued and another hated, and they haue borne him children, both the loued and also the hated: if the first borne be the sonne of the hated,
'When a man hath two wives, the one loved and the other hated, and they have borne to him sons (the loved one and the hated one), and the first-born son hath been to the hated one;
If a man has two wives, the one beloved and the other hated, and they have borne him children, both the beloved and the hated, and if the firstborn son is hers who was hated,
If a man shall have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have borne him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the first-born son be hers that was hated:
If a man have two wives, one beloved, and the other hated, and they have had children by him, and the son of the hated be the firstborn,
“Suppose that a man has two wives, but he likes one of them and dislikes the other one. And suppose that they both give birth to sons, and the oldest son is the child of the woman that he does not like.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 21:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 21:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
תִהְיֶ֨יןָ
לְ/אִ֜ישׁ
שְׁתֵּ֣י
נָשִׁ֗ים
הָ/אַחַ֤ת
אֲהוּבָה֙
וְ/הָ/אַחַ֣ת
שְׂנוּאָ֔ה
וְ/יָֽלְדוּ
ל֣/וֹ
בָנִ֔ים
הָ/אֲהוּבָ֖ה
וְ/הַ/שְּׂנוּאָ֑ה
וְ/הָיָ֛ה
הַ/בֵּ֥ן
הַ/בְּכ֖וֹר
לַ/שְּׂנִיאָֽה
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תִהְיֶ֨יןָ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
לְ/אִ֜ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
שְׁתֵּ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
נָשִׁ֗ים
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fp
הָ/אַחַ֤ת
ʼechâd
H259
one
Art | Adj
אֲהוּבָה֙
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal-Inf-c
וְ/הָ/אַחַ֣ת
ʼechâd
H259
one
Conj | Art | Adj
שְׂנוּאָ֔ה
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal-Inf-c
וְ/יָֽלְדוּ
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
ל֣/וֹ
Prep | Suff
בָנִ֔ים
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
הָ/אֲהוּבָ֖ה
ʼâhab
H157
to love
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
וְ/הַ/שְּׂנוּאָ֑ה
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
Conj | Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
וְ/הָיָ֛ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
הַ/בֵּ֥ן
bên
H1121
son
Art | N-ms
הַ/בְּכ֖וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
Art | N-ms
לַ/שְּׂנִיאָֽה
sânîyʼ
H8146
hated
Prep | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 21:15
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תִהְיֶ֨יןָ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/אִ֜ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
שְׁתֵּ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
נָשִׁ֗ים
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
הָ/אַחַ֤ת
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
אֲהוּבָה֙
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
וְ/הָ/אַחַ֣ת
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Conj | Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
שְׂנוּאָ֔ה
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
וְ/יָֽלְדוּ
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
ל֣/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
בָנִ֔ים
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הָ/אֲהוּבָ֖ה
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
וְ/הַ/שְּׂנוּאָ֑ה
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
Conj | Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
וְ/הָיָ֛ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הַ/בֵּ֥ן
bên
H1121
"son"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הַ/בְּכ֖וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
לַ/שְּׂנִיאָֽה
sânîyʼ
H8146
"hated"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means to be hated or despised, like when Jacob's sons hated Joseph in Genesis 37:4-5. It describes a strong feeling of dislike or hostility towards someone.
Definition: hated, held in aversion
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: hated. See also: Deuteronomy 21:15.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 21:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 21:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:15
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:15
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 21:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:15
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:15
Context — Inheritance Rights of the Firstborn
13and put aside the clothing of her captivity. After she has lived in your house a full month and mourned her father and mother, you may have relations with her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife.
14And if you are not pleased with her, you are to let her go wherever she wishes. But you must not sell her for money or treat her as a slave, since you have dishonored her.
15If a man has two wives, one beloved and the other unloved, and both bear him sons, but the unloved wife has the firstborn son,
16when 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. 17Instead, 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 29:33 | Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has given me this son as well.” So she named him Simeon. |
| 2 | Genesis 29:20 | So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her. |
| 3 | Genesis 29:18 | Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” |
| 4 | Genesis 29:30–31 | Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. So he worked for Laban another seven years. When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 1:4–5 | And whenever the day came for Elkanah to present his sacrifice, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb. |
Deuteronomy 21:15 Summary
This verse is talking about a situation where a man has two wives, one who he loves more than the other, and both wives have sons. Even though the man may love one wife more, the son of the other wife is still the firstborn and deserves to be treated fairly, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:17. This teaches us about the importance of fairness and justice, even in difficult family situations (see also Genesis 29:30-31). It also reminds us that our worth and identity come from God, not from how much we are loved or valued by others (see Romans 8:14-17).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a wife to be 'unloved' in Deuteronomy 21:15?
The term 'unloved' in Deuteronomy 21:15 does not necessarily mean the wife is hated, but rather that she is not as highly regarded or loved as the other wife, as seen in the contrast with the 'beloved' wife in the same verse, similar to the situation in Genesis 29:30-31 where Rachel is loved more than Leah.
Is this verse promoting polygamy?
While Deuteronomy 21:15 does describe a situation with two wives, it is not promoting polygamy, but rather providing guidance for a situation that already exists, and it is worth noting that in the beginning, God's plan was for one man and one woman to be married, as seen in Genesis 2:24.
Why does the firstborn son of the unloved wife get a double portion of the inheritance?
The firstborn son of the unloved wife gets a double portion of the inheritance because he is still the firstborn, regardless of his mother's status, and this right is affirmed in Deuteronomy 21:17, which reflects the importance of the firstborn in biblical times, as seen in Genesis 25:31 and Genesis 48:18.
How does this verse relate to New Testament teachings on marriage and family?
While the specific situation in Deuteronomy 21:15 may not be directly addressed in the New Testament, the principles of fairness, justice, and compassion that underlie this verse are consistent with New Testament teachings on marriage and family, such as in Ephesians 5:25-33 and Colossians 3:19.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principles of fairness and justice in my own family, even in difficult situations?
- What can I learn from the contrast between the 'beloved' and 'unloved' wives in this verse, and how can I show love and respect to all members of my family?
- How does the concept of the 'firstborn' relate to my own spiritual identity and inheritance as a child of God, as seen in Romans 8:14-17?
- In what ways can I demonstrate compassion and understanding to those who may feel 'unloved' or marginalized, as the unloved wife may have felt in this situation?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:15
If a man have two wives,.... Which is supposed, but not approved of, though permitted because of the hardness of men's hearts; for it was not so from the beginning, when only one man and one woman
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:15
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: If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:15
Two wives; either, 1. Both together; which practice, though tolerated, is not hereby made lawful, but only provision is made for the children in that case. Or, 2. One after another. Hated, comparatively, i.e. less loved, as .
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:15
Deuteronomy 21:15 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:Ver. 15. And another hated,] i.e., Less loved, as Genesis 29:31.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:15
Deuteronomy 21:15-17. THE .(15) One beloved, and another hated—i.e., one preferred above the other, according to the idiomatic use of this phrase in Hebrew. (17) A double portion.—Literally, the mouth of two, i.e., two shares. Supposing there were four sons, the estate would be divided into five shares, and the firstborn would take two. So Jacob said to Joseph (Genesis 48:22): “I have given thee one portion above thy brethren.” The birthright of which Reuben was deprived for ill conduct, was given to Joseph’s sons (1 Chronicles 5:1). So Elisha said to Elijah before they were parted. “I pray thee let a double portion (the first-born’s share) of thy spirit be upon me (2 Kings 2:9).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:15
Verse 15. One beloved, and another hated] That is, one loved less than the other. This is the true notion of the word hate in Scripture. So Jacob HATED Leah, that is, he loved her less than he did Rachel; and Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I HATED, that is, I have shown a more particular affection to the posterity of Jacob than I have to the posterity of Esau. See Clarke on Genesis 29:31. From this verse we see that polygamy did exist under the Mosaic laws, and that it was put under certain regulations; but it was not enjoined, Moses merely suffered it, because of the hardness of their hearts, as our Lord justly remarks Matthew 19:8.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:15
15–17. Of the right of the Firstborn If a man have two sons by different wives, one loved and one hated, and his firstborn is the son of the latter, he must not give the firstborn’s double portion to the son of the favourite.—Not in the direct address nor with any of D’s characteristic phrases; possibly therefore a previous law adopted by D, but hardly an ancient one, as it vetoes what was at least the occasional practice in early Israel. Like others it opens by putting a definite case (if there be a man, etc., cp. Deuteronomy 21:18; Deuteronomy 21:22, Deuteronomy 22:2; Deuteronomy 22:6; Deuteronomy 22:13, etc.), it covers this alone, and hence is incomplete. We do not learn, e.g., whether the double portion included the family lands (Stade, Gesch. i. 392, and Buhl, Soc. Verhältn. d. Isr. 55 n. 2, think not) nor anything as to the children of concubines (cp. E, Genesis 21:10 f.). That in early Israel the firstborn had special rights, arising probably from the sacredness attached to all firstbirths (see Exodus 13:12), is proved by the term bekorah, birthright (J, Genesis 25:34) as well as by its metaphorical application to Israel (J, Exodus 4:22, cp. Jeremiah 31:9).
That the firstborn’s portion was a double one is implied the spiritual use of the phrase, in 2 Kings 2:9 (cp. Zechariah 13:8), Yet these rights were subject to the patria potestas and a firstborn might be disinherited by his father in favour of a younger son, either as in Reuben’s case because of misconduct, or as in the succession to David through the influence of a favourite wife (Genesis 49:2 ff., cp. 1 Chronicles 5:1; 1 Kings 1:2; cp. the power of a father’s blessing even when obtained by fraud, Genesis 27, or of a grandfather’s, Genesis 48). The former case is dealt with more rigorously by the next law of D, the latter is absolutely forbidden in this law. Together the two laws illustrate D’s mingled severity and equity. For later legislation on inheritance see P, Numbers 27:1-10; Num. 27:36. On the rights of inheritance in Assyria and Babylonia see Johns, op. cit. ch. 16. He refers to instances of the division of property among brothers with reservations in favour of other members of the family, and certain powers of allotment by the eldest son, and quotes (p. 42) very early laws by which parents might disinherit their sons. This is also sanctioned, but only upon repeated misconduct, by Ḫ ?ammurabi, §§ 168 f., which legalise a father’s gifts to a favourite son over and above his equal share with his brothers in his father’s estate (§ 165), and equal rights to the children of a bondmaid with those of a wife if the father have acknowledged them as his sons (§ 170). See also §§ 28, 38 f. and a late law (Johns, p. 71) assigning one-third of a man’s estate to the children of a second marriage. On the Arab laws of inheritance see W.
R. Smith, Kinship etc., 53 etc.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 21:15
Moses did not originate the rights of primogeniture (compare Genesis 25:31), but recognized them, since he found them pre-existing in the general social system of the East.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:15
15. Hated — The less beloved. Comp. Genesis 29:31; Genesis 29:33, where the same term is applied to Leah.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 31:38-41 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his experiences with his uncle Laban. The preacher highlights how Laban was a hard taskmaster, making Jacob work tire |
|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 29:22-29 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and Laban from the book of Genesis. Jacob serves Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel, but Laban tricks him and |
|
Road to Reality - Which Road Will You Travel On by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jacob and his love for Rachel. Jacob worked for seven years to marry Rachel, but was deceived by her father and ended up marrying |
|
|
Which Road Will You Travel On? by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of suffering and how Christians should respond to it. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude and prayer, using the example of w |
|
The Self-Centered Person's Attitude to God by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen addresses the self-centered person's attitude towards God, emphasizing that legalistic service stems from a desire for reward rather than genuine love. He illustrates th |
|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 37:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph from the Bible. He explains that Joseph, at the age of 17, was a rather gullible and naive boy who had been sheltered by |
|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 29:15-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his love for Rachel. Jacob serves his uncle Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel, as his love for her is so |