Deuteronomy 21:16 Meaning and Explanation
“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:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →When dividing his inheritance, he cannot treat the beloved wife's son as the firstborn.
The Context of Deuteronomy 21:16
The father cannot assign the firstborn's double portion to a differently-born son.
What Does Deuteronomy 21:16 Mean?
At the moment of dividing his estate, the father's preference might tempt him to give the largest share (the double portion reserved for the firstborn) to the beloved wife's son instead. The law forbids this—he 'may not make the son of the beloved firstborn.' The legal status of firstborn cannot be reassigned based on love.
The law uses strong language: 'which is indeed the firstborn'—emphasizing that objective fact, not feeling, determines inheritance rights. This protects the hated wife's son from being cheated by his father's greater affection for another.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 21:16
What does Deuteronomy 21:16 mean?
When dividing his inheritance, he cannot treat the beloved wife's son as the firstborn.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 21:16?
The father cannot assign the firstborn's double portion to a differently-born son.