King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 21:16 Mean?

Deuteronomy 21:16 in the King James Version says “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 fir...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Deuteronomy 21:16 · KJV

Context

14

And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not make merchandise of her, because thou hast humbled her.

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:

16

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:

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. that: Heb. that is found with him

18

If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:

Read Deuteronomy 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (וְהָיָה בְּיוֹם הַנְחִילוֹ אֶת־בָּנָיו... לֹא יוּכַל לְבַכֵּר)—The verb nachol (to cause to inherit) describes the father's distribution of estate. The prohibition lo yukhal levaker (he cannot make firstborn) blocks manipulating the bekhor rights. The double portion belonging to the firstborn (v. 17) was legal right, not paternal preference.

Before the son of the hated, which is indeed the firstborn (עַל־פְּנֵי בֶן־הַשְּׂנוּאָה הַבְּכֹר)—The phrase al penei (before/in the face of) means "in place of" or "at the expense of." The law protects objective birth order over subjective affection. Though the father loved one wife more, legal rights cannot be redistributed based on emotion. Justice trumps favoritism.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This law would have prevented Abraham from disinheriting Ishmael for Isaac (though God commanded that specific case), or Isaac from favoring Esau over Jacob. Later, David's failure to discipline Adonijah (who acted as firstborn despite not being so, 1 Kings 1:5-6) nearly cost Solomon the throne, showing the chaos when birth order rights are ignored.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this law's insistence on objective rights over emotional preference challenge modern culture's elevation of personal feelings as ultimate authority?
  2. In what areas of life are you tempted to let personal favoritism override established obligations and commitments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְהָיָ֗ה1 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּיוֹם֙2 of 20

“Then it shall be when”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַנְחִיל֣וֹ3 of 20

“to inherit”

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

אֶת4 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בֶן5 of 20

“he maketh his sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֵ֥ת6 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲשֶׁר7 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה8 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ל֑וֹ9 of 20
H0
לֹ֣א10 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יוּכַ֗ל11 of 20

“that which he hath that he may”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

הַבְּכֹֽר׃12 of 20

“which is indeed the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

אֶת13 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בֶן14 of 20

“he maketh his sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הָ֣אֲהוּבָ֔ה15 of 20

“of the beloved”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

עַל16 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵ֥י17 of 20

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בֶן18 of 20

“he maketh his sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַשְּׂנוּאָ֖ה19 of 20

“of the hated”

H8130

to hate (personally)

הַבְּכֹֽר׃20 of 20

“which is indeed the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 21:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 21:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 5:21 Chronicles 26:10Philippians 4:82 Chronicles 21:3Hebrews 12:16-17Romans 8:29

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