Deuteronomy 21:17
Deuteronomy 21:17 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
but he shall acknowledge the first-born, the son of the hated, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath; for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the first-born is his.
But he is to give his first son his birthright, and twice as great a part of his property: for he is the first-fruits of his strength and the right of the first son is his.
No. He is to recognize the firstborn, the son of the wife he doesn't love through the usual custom of giving him a double portion of all that he owns. The firstborn son is the firstfruits of his father's strength, and so the rights of the firstborn are his.
But he shall acknowledge the sonne of the hated for the first borne, and giue him double portion of all that he hath: for hee is the first of his strength, and to him belongeth the right of the first borne.
But the first-born, son of the hated one, he doth acknowledge, to give to him a double portion of all that is found with him, for he [is] the beginning of his strength; to him [is] the right of the first-born.
but he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the hated, by giving him a double portion of all that he has; for he is the beginning of his strength. The right of the firstborn is his.
But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the first-born, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the first-born is his.
But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, and shall give him a double portion of all he hath: for this is the first of his children, and to him are due the first birthrights.
He must give to the older son, the son of the wife whom he does not like, twice as much of his possessions. That son is his firstborn son, and he must be given the share that he should receive because of his being that man’s firstborn son.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 21:17
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 21:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי֩
אֶת
הַ/בְּכֹ֨ר
בֶּן
הַ/שְּׂנוּאָ֜ה
יַכִּ֗יר
לָ֤/תֶת
ל/וֹ֙
פִּ֣י
שְׁנַ֔יִם
בְּ/כֹ֥ל
אֲשֶׁר
יִמָּצֵ֖א
ל֑/וֹ
כִּי
הוּא֙
רֵאשִׁ֣ית
אֹנ֔/וֹ
ל֖/וֹ
מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
הַ/בְּכֹרָֽה
כִּי֩
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/בְּכֹ֨ר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
Art | N-ms
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
הַ/שְּׂנוּאָ֜ה
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
יַכִּ֗יר
nâkar
H5234
to recognize
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
לָ֤/תֶת
nâthan
H5414
to give
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
ל/וֹ֙
Prep | Suff
פִּ֣י
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms
שְׁנַ֔יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
בְּ/כֹ֥ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִמָּצֵ֖א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הוּא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
רֵאשִׁ֣ית
rêʼshîyth
H7225
first
N-fs
אֹנ֔/וֹ
ʼôwn
H202
strength
N-ms | Suff
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
הַ/בְּכֹרָֽה
bᵉkôwrâh
H1062
birthright
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 21:17
כִּי֩
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.
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.
הַ/בְּכֹ֨ר
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.
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.
הַ/שְּׂנוּאָ֜ה
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.
יַכִּ֗יר
nâkar
H5234
"to recognize"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.
Definition: 1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard 1a) (Niphal) to be recognised 1b) (Piel) to regard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice 1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive 1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour 1c4) to be acquainted with 1c5) to distinguish, understand 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly). See also: Genesis 27:23; 1 Kings 20:41; Psalms 103:16.
לָ֤/תֶת
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
ל/וֹ֙
""
Prep | Suff
פִּ֣י
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
שְׁנַ֔יִם
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.
בְּ/כֹ֥ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
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.
יִמָּצֵ֖א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
כִּי
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.
הוּא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
רֵאשִׁ֣ית
rêʼshîyth
H7225
"first"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the beginning or first part of something, like the firstfruits of a harvest. It is used in Exodus 23:19 to describe the best of the harvest. The idea is to give God the best.
Definition: : beginning 1) first, beginning, best, chief 1a) beginning 1b) first 1c) chief 1d) choice part Also means: re.shit (רֵאשִׁית ": best" H7225H)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: beginning, chief(-est), first(-fruits, part, time), principal thing. See also: Genesis 1:1; Job 42:12; Psalms 78:51.
אֹנ֔/וֹ
ʼôwn
H202
"strength"
N-ms | Suff
In the book of Job, this word refers to physical strength, wealth, or ability, highlighting God's power and might.
Definition: 1) vigour, generative power 2) wealth 3) physical strength (of men and behemoth)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: force, goods, might, strength, substance. See also: Genesis 49:3; Psalms 78:51; Psalms 105:36.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
הַ/בְּכֹרָֽה
bᵉkôwrâh
H1062
"birthright"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for birthright, referring to the rights and privileges of the firstborn child. It's a key concept in biblical stories like Esau and Jacob, where the birthright holds significant value. The KJV translates it as 'birthright' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: birthright, primogeniture, right of the first-born
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: birthright, firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 4:4; Genesis 43:33; 1 Chronicles 5:2.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 21:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 21:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:17
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:17
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:17
Context — Inheritance Rights of the Firstborn
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, 19his father and mother are to lay hold of him and bring him to the elders of his city, to the gate of his hometown,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 49:3 | Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. |
| 2 | Genesis 25:31–34 | “First sell me your birthright,” Jacob replied. “Look,” said Esau, “I am about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?” “Swear to me first,” Jacob said. So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright. Then Jacob gave some bread and lentil stew to Esau, who ate and drank and then got up and went away. Thus Esau despised his birthright. |
| 3 | Psalms 105:36 | Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 5:1–2 | These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright. And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph. |
| 5 | Genesis 25:5–6 | Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. But while he was still alive, Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east. |
Deuteronomy 21:17 Summary
This verse is talking about a situation where a man has two wives and multiple sons, and he needs to make sure the firstborn son receives a fair share of his inheritance. According to Deuteronomy 21:17, the firstborn son should receive a double portion of everything his father has, because he is the firstfruits of his father's strength. This means that the firstborn son is special and deserves to be recognized and provided for, just like how God loves and provides for us as His children (1 John 3:1). By following this principle, we can learn to be fair and loving towards all people, just as God is fair and loving towards us (Matthew 18:10).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to give a double portion of all that he has?
According to Deuteronomy 21:17, giving a double portion means the firstborn son receives twice as much inheritance as the other sons, as seen in the example of Isaac and Ishmael in Genesis 25:31, where Esau sold his birthright, but the firstborn still received a special blessing.
Why does the firstborn son have the right of the firstborn?
The firstborn son has the right of the firstborn because he is the firstfruits of his father's strength, as stated in Deuteronomy 21:17, similar to how the firstfruits of the harvest were given to God as an offering in Exodus 23:19.
Does this verse apply to modern families with multiple marriages or step-children?
While Deuteronomy 21:17 was written in a specific cultural context, the principle of fairness and acknowledging the rights of all children can still be applied today, as seen in the teachings of Jesus on loving and caring for all children in Matthew 18:10 and Mark 9:37.
How does this relate to God's love for us as His children?
Just as the father in Deuteronomy 21:17 is commanded to acknowledge and provide for his firstborn son, God loves and provides for us as His children, as seen in 1 John 3:1, where it says 'See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!'
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of fairness and acknowledging the rights of all individuals in my own life and relationships?
- What does it mean to be the 'firstfruits' of someone's strength, and how can I be a positive influence in the lives of those around me?
- How can I demonstrate love and care for all people, regardless of their background or family situation, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 18:10?
- What are some ways I can show appreciation and gratitude for the blessings and inheritance I have received from God, just as the firstborn son receives a double portion in Deuteronomy 21:17?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:17
But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn,.... Own him and declare him to be so, both by his will and the division of goods by him; or he shall "separate" him, as Onkelos;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:17
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 21:17
Acknowledge, i.e. make it appear that he owns him. Double portion; for the phrase, see ; and for the thing, see . The beginning of his strength, i.e. the first evidence of his manly strength and ability for procreation.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:17
Deuteronomy 21:17 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.Ver. 17. A double portion.] According to this phrase, Elisha doth not desire a greater measure of the spirit than rested upon his master; but only to excel the other children of the prophets by a right of the firstborn.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:17
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 21:17
17. acknowledge] Grätz by adding one consonant reads, make him the first-born. a double portion] Heb. mouth or mouthful, of two, only here and 2 Kings 2:9, Zechariah 13:8; cp. hand or handful, Genesis 43:34. beginning of his strength] Genesis 49:3. and his is the right of the firstborn] So some Heb. MSS, Sam. LXX, etc.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:17
| Sermon | Description | |
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What Does It Mean to Be Firstborn? by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch delves into the privileges and responsibilities of being the firstborn in the Old Testament, highlighting the greater inheritance, blessing, succession rights, and spec |
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A Double Portion of Elijah's Spirit by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the profound relationship between Elijah and Elisha, emphasizing Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit as a testament to his commitment and s |
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Requirements for Service by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches about the requirements for service in the ministry, emphasizing the importance of patience and preparation as we wait for God's timing and direction in our live |
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(Through the Bible) Genesis 47-50 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker references the story of Abraham in Genesis 15, where God reveals to him that his descendants will go down to Egypt for 400 years before being brought ou |
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12 Real Christian Morals by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of sexual immorality and its consequences. He shares a personal experience of dealing with similar situations and emphasizes the imp |
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(Genesis) Genesis 49-50 by Joe Focht | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his sons from the Bible. He highlights the downfall of Ruben, Jacob's firstborn, who was given to lust and committed a |
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(Genesis) Genesis 25:5-18 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the genealogy of Abraham and the significance of the rejected line and the line leading to Christ. The preacher highlights that the rejected |