King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 21:17 Mean?

Deuteronomy 21:17 in the King James Version says “But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Deuteronomy 21:17 · KJV

Strength

Context

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:

19

Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;

Read Deuteronomy 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath—The Hebrew bekhor (firstborn) carries legal and theological weight throughout Scripture. The pi shenayim ("double portion," literally "mouth of two") means the firstborn receives twice what other sons receive, not two-thirds of the estate. If there are three sons, the estate is divided into four parts: the firstborn gets two, the others one each.

For he is the beginning of his strength—Reshit ono ("beginning of his strength") refers to the father's first exercise of procreative power, establishing the firstborn's unique status. The right of the firstborn is his (mishpat ha-bekorah)—this is a legal entitlement, not parental preference. The law prohibits favoritism based on affection for one wife over another, addressing the exact situation in Jacob's household where he favored Rachel over Leah yet had to acknowledge Reuben's legal status (Genesis 49:3).

This law protects inheritance rights from paternal caprice and foreshadows Christ as the eternal Firstborn who receives the full inheritance (Colossians 1:15-18; Hebrews 1:2). The double portion also prefigured Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit (2 Kings 2:9).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern patriarchal society (circa 1406 BCE), inheritance customs varied, but the firstborn generally received preferential treatment. This Mosaic law standardizes the practice for Israel, establishing clear legal protections against favoritism. Polygamy created complex household dynamics where a man might love one wife more than another—as with Jacob, Elkanah (1 Samuel 1:5), and others. Without this law, fathers could disinherit legitimate heirs based on maternal preference, creating injustice and family discord. The law reflects God's concern for impartial justice and protection of the vulnerable, even within family structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's prohibition against favoritism in inheritance reflect His impartial justice and challenge our tendency toward preferential treatment?
  2. In what ways does the firstborn's double portion and its protection by law illuminate Christ's role as the Firstborn who shares His inheritance with adopted co-heirs (Romans 8:17)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כִּי֩1 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֶת2 of 21
H853

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

הַבְּכֹ֨ר3 of 21

“for the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

בֶּן4 of 21

“the son”

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

הַשְּׂנוּאָ֜ה5 of 21

“of the hated”

H8130

to hate (personally)

יַכִּ֗יר6 of 21

“But he shall acknowledge”

H5234

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (

לָ֤תֶת7 of 21

“by giving”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לוֹ֙8 of 21
H0
פִּ֣י9 of 21

“portion”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

שְׁנַ֔יִם10 of 21

“him a double”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בְּכֹ֥ל11 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר12 of 21
H834

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

יִמָּצֵ֖א13 of 21

“of all that he hath”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

ל֑וֹ14 of 21
H0
כִּי15 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הוּא֙16 of 21
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

רֵאשִׁ֣ית17 of 21

“for he is the beginning”

H7225

the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)

אֹנ֔וֹ18 of 21

“of his strength”

H202

ability, power, (figuratively) wealth

ל֖וֹ19 of 21
H0
מִשְׁפַּ֥ט20 of 21

“the right”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

הַבְּכֹרָֽה׃21 of 21

“of the firstborn”

H1062

the firstling of man or beast; abstractly primogeniture

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 21:17 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 21:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 49:3Genesis 25:31-341 Chronicles 5:1-2Psalms 105:36Genesis 25:5-6

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