Deuteronomy 21:16

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.

Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner, 1752)

In The King James Version

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:

In Context

15If 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,

17But 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.

Read all of Deuteronomy 21

Cross References

1 Chronicles 5:2But of the race of Juda, who was the strongest among his brethren, came the princes: but the first birthright was accounted to Joseph.) Accounted to Joseph... Viz., as to the double portion, which belonged to the firstborn; but the princely dignity was given to Juda, and the priesthood to Levi.

2 Chronicles 11:19And they bore him sons Jehus, and Somorias, and Zoom.

2 Chronicles 21:3And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and pensions, with strong cities in Juda: but the kingdom he gave to Joram, because he was the eldest.

Philippians 4:8For the rest, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever modest, whatsoever just, whatsoever holy, whatsoever lovely, whatsoever of good fame, if there be any virtue, if any praise of discipline: think on these things. For the rest, brethren, whatsoever things are true, etc... Here the apostle enumerates general precepts of morality, which they ought to practise. Whatsoever things are true... in words, in promises, in lawful oaths, etc., he commands rectitude of mind, and sincerity of heart. Whatsoever modest... by these words he prescribes gravity in manners, modesty in dress, and decency in conversation. Whatsoever just... That is, in dealing with others, in buying or selling, in trade or business, to be fair and honest. Whatsoever holy... by these words may be understood, that those who are in a religious state professed, or in holy orders, should lead a life of sanctity and chastity, according to the vows they make; but these words being also applied to those in the world, indicate the virtuous life they are bound by the divine commandments to follow. Whatsoever lovely... that is, to practise those good offices in society, that procure us the esteem and good will of our neighbours. Whatsoever of good fame... That is, that by our conduct and behaviour we should edify our neighbours, and give them good example by our actions. If there be any virtue, if any praise of discipline... that those in error, by seeing the morality and good discipline of the true religion, may be converted. And finally, the apostle commands, not only the Philippians, but all Christians, to think on these things... that is, to make it their study and concern that the peace of God might be with them.

Matthew Henry on Deuteronomy 21:16-18

The Right of the Firstborn. ( b. c. 1451.) 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… Read the whole commentary →

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