Deuteronomy 21:16
Deuteronomy 21:16 in Multiple Translations
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.
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:
then it shall be, in the day that he causeth his sons to inherit that which he hath, that he may not make the son of the beloved the first-born before the son of the hated, who is the first-born:
Then when he gives his property to his sons for their heritage, he is not to put the son of his loved one in the place of the first son, the son of the hated wife:
when the time comes for the man to decide what each son will inherit from him, he must not prefer the son of the wife he loves and treat him as the firstborn instead of the son of the wife he doesn't love.
Then when the time commeth, that hee appointeth his sonnes to be heires of that which he hath, he may not make the sonne of the beloued first borne before the sonne of the hated, which is the first borne:
then it hath been, in the day of his causing his sons to inherit that which he hath, he is not able to declare first-born the son of the loved one, in the face of the son of the hated one — the first-born.
then it shall be, in the day that he causes his sons to inherit that which he has, that he may not give the son of the beloved the rights of the firstborn before the son of the hated, who is the firstborn;
Then it shall be, when he maketh his sons to inherit that which he hath, that he may not prefer the son of the beloved first-born, before the son of the hated, which is indeed the first-born:
And he meaneth to divide his substance among his sons: he may not make the son of the beloved the firstborn, and prefer him before the son of the hated.
On the day when that man decides how he will divide his possessions for his sons to possess after he dies, he must not favor the son of the wife that he loves by giving him a bigger share, the share that the older son should receive.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 21:16
BAB
Word Study
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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 21:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֗ה
בְּ/יוֹם֙
הַנְחִיל֣/וֹ
אֶת
בָּנָ֔י/ו
אֵ֥ת
אֲשֶׁר
יִהְיֶ֖ה
ל֑/וֹ
לֹ֣א
יוּכַ֗ל
לְ/בַכֵּר֙
אֶת
בֶּן
הָ֣/אֲהוּבָ֔ה
עַל
פְּנֵ֥י
בֶן
הַ/שְּׂנוּאָ֖ה
הַ/בְּכֹֽר
וְ/הָיָ֗ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בְּ/יוֹם֙
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַנְחִיל֣/וֹ
nâchal
H5157
to inherit
V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בָּנָ֔י/ו
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
אֵ֥ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִהְיֶ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יוּכַ֗ל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/בַכֵּר֙
bâkar
H1069
to be/bear firstborn
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
הָ֣/אֲהוּבָ֔ה
ʼâhab
H157
to love
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
בֶן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
הַ/שְּׂנוּאָ֖ה
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
הַ/בְּכֹֽר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 21:16
וְ/הָיָ֗ה
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.
בְּ/יוֹם֙
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַנְחִיל֣/וֹ
nâchal
H5157
"to inherit"
V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew verb means to inherit or to take possession of something, as seen in the story of the Israelites inheriting the Promised Land in Joshua 1:6. It can also mean to distribute or divide something among people, like the division of the land in Joshua 13-19. The word is used in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to get as a possession, acquire, inherit, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession, inherit 1a2) to have or get as a possession or property (fig.) 1a3) to divide the land for a possession 1a4) to acquire (testimonies) (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to divide for a possession 1c) (Hithpael) to possess oneself of 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to give as a possession 1d2) to cause to inherit, give as an inheritance 1e) (Hophal) to be allotted, be made to possess
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: divide, have (inheritance), take as a heritage, (cause to, give to, make to) inherit, (distribute for, divide (for, for an, by), give for, have, leave for, take (for)) inheritance, (have in, cause to, be made to) possess(-ion). See also: Exodus 23:30; Joshua 17:6; Psalms 69:37.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בָּנָ֔י/ו
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
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.
אֵ֥ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִהְיֶ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יוּכַ֗ל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
לְ/בַכֵּר֙
bâkar
H1069
"to be/bear firstborn"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This verb means to give the birthright or to be the firstborn, often referring to the special status of the first child. In Genesis, it describes the rights of the firstborn son. The KJV translates it as make firstborn.
Definition: 1) to be born first 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to bear early, new fruit 1a2) to give the right of the firstborn 1a2a) to make as firstborn 1a2b) to constitute as firstborn 1b) (Pual) 1b1) to be born a firstling 1b2) to be made a firstling 1c) (Hiphil) one bearing her first child
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: make firstborn, be firstling, bring forth first child (new fruit). See also: Leviticus 27:26; Jeremiah 4:31; Ezekiel 47:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
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.
הָ֣/אֲהוּבָ֔ה
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
בֶן
bên
H1121
"son"
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/שְּׂנוּאָ֖ה
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
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.
הַ/בְּכֹֽר
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.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 21:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 21:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:16
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:16
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:16
Context — Inheritance Rights of the Firstborn
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. 18If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and does not listen to them when disciplined,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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), |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 5:2 | And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | 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. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 11:19–22 | She bore sons to him: Jeush, Shemariah, and Zaham. After her, he married Maacah daughter of Absalom, and she bore to him Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith. Rehoboam loved Maacah daughter of Absalom more than all his wives and concubines. In all, he had eighteen wives and sixty concubines, and he was the father of twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters. Rehoboam appointed Abijah son of Maacah as chief prince among his brothers, intending to make him king. |
Deuteronomy 21:16 Summary
This verse, Deuteronomy 21:16, teaches us that when a man with two wives divides his property among his sons, he should not give the largest share to the son of the wife he loves the most, just because he loves her more. Instead, he should give the largest share to his firstborn son, as promised in Deuteronomy 21:17, regardless of which wife is his mother. This principle reminds us to be fair and just in our relationships, as taught in Proverbs 24:23 and Colossians 4:1. By following this principle, we can show love and respect for all members of our family, just as God loves and cares for us, as seen in 1 John 3:1 and Ephesians 5:25.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Deuteronomy 21:16 and why is it important?
This verse is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy 21:14-18 that discusses the rights of the firstborn son in a family with multiple wives, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:15, and is important for understanding the biblical concept of inheritance and family rights, as referenced in Genesis 25:31 and Genesis 48:18.
How does this verse relate to the concept of loving one wife more than the other?
Deuteronomy 21:16 addresses the situation where a man has two wives, one beloved and the other unloved, and reminds him that his affections should not influence the rights of his firstborn son, as seen in the story of Jacob and his wives in Genesis 29:30-31 and Genesis 30:1.
What is the significance of the firstborn son in biblical times?
In biblical times, the firstborn son typically received a double portion of the inheritance, as stated in Deuteronomy 21:17, and had special responsibilities and privileges, as seen in Genesis 49:3 and Exodus 13:2.
How does this verse apply to modern families and inheritance laws?
While the specific laws and customs of Deuteronomy 21:16 may not directly apply to modern families, the principle of fairness and justice in inheritance and family matters is still relevant today, as taught in Proverbs 28:10 and Ephesians 6:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from this verse about the importance of fairness and justice in my own family and relationships?
- How can I apply the principle of not showing favoritism to my own children or loved ones, as taught in James 2:1 and Romans 2:11?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate love and care for all members of my family, regardless of their birth order or position, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40?
- How can I trust God to guide me in making decisions about family and inheritance, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-7?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:16
Then it shall be, when he maketh his sons to inherit that which he hath,.... By a will in writing, or byword of mouth, or by a deed of gift, actually bestowing his goods upon them, and dividing among
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:16
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 21:16
He may not; it is not lawful, because contrary to the rights and law of nature. Before the son, or, before the face of the son, i.e. in his lifetime, as this phrase is understood, 16:12 25:18. And when this phrase is rendered before another, it signifies only in the presence of another, but never notes the preference of one person to another, which the Hebrews express in another manner. And this may be added to intimate, that if the eldest son were dead, and had left a child, the father was free to give the right of his first-born unto his second son, rather than to the child of the eldest. Or this phrase may be an aggravation of the fact, whereby his father did in a manner spit in his face, and fasten a reproach upon him in his very sight and presence.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:16
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).
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:16
16. in the day that he causeth his sons to inherit] When he makes his will, Genesis 24:36; Genesis 25:5; cp. 2 Samuel 17:23, 2 Kings 20:1. before] in preference to (see on Deuteronomy 5:7), R.V. margin is improbable.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:16
| Sermon | Description | |
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Daniel and His Times by Sir Robert Anderson | Sir Robert Anderson delves into the life of the prophet Daniel, highlighting his unique role as a recipient of divine revelations rather than an inspired prophet. Daniel, living in |
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Chosen to Be Holy by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness and the responsibility that believers have to strive for it. He highlights that this convention is of utmost impor |
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2006 Heart-Cry - Journal Reading and Message by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the goodness of God and His plans for believers. He encourages young men to seek and avail themselves of God's promises through prayer and pe |
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Women That Make a Difference by Elisabeth Elliot | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and responsibilities of being a mother. She shares anecdotes of her own experiences, highlighting the constant demands and inte |
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The Cost of Declaring His Glory by Helen Roseveare | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of facing persecution and suffering for their faith. They describe a brutal attack on their home by cruel men during a rebe |
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Gathering in Jesus Name (Tamil) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual progress and becoming more like Jesus Christ each year. It highlights the need to forget past accomplishments and focus on contin |
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(The Law of the Holy Spirit) Examples of Christ's Humility by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truly following Jesus and understanding the way he walked. He points out that conflicts in homes between spouses who claim |