Deuteronomy 21:17

Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the hated wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he possesses; for that son is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him.

Unlocked Literal Bible

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

16then on the day that the man causes his sons to inherit what he possesses, he may not make the son of the beloved wife the firstborn before the son of the hated wife, the son who is actually the firstborn.

18If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and who, even though they correct him, will not listen to them;

Read all of Deuteronomy 21

Cross References

Genesis 25:5Abraham gave all that he owned to Isaac.

Genesis 49:3Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, 1 and the beginning of my strength, 1 outstanding in dignity, and outstanding in power. 1

1 Chronicles 5:2Judah was the strongest of his brothers, and the leader would come from him. But the birthright was Joseph's—

Psalms 105:36He killed every firstborn in their land, 1 the firstfruits of all their strength. 1

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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