Deuteronomy 21:17 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The firstborn must receive the double inheritance portion regardless of his mother's standing.
The Context of Deuteronomy 21:17
The eldest son receives the double portion, affirming the immutability of birth order.
What Does Deuteronomy 21:17 Mean?
The firstborn's double portion is non-negotiable. The law calls him 'the beginning of his strength'—the first evidence of the father's power and virility. This birth-order fact stands independent of the mother's status in the household. The firstborn's right is inherent and immutable.
By insisting on the double portion, the law ensures that even the least-favored child still receives protection and provision. Love and preference do not override the objective order of birth, which the law treats as sacred and foundational to family justice.
Deuteronomy 21:17 in the Original Language
bikor (בְּכֹר), 'firstborn'—the first son to be born, whose rights and portions are doubled.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 21:17
What does Deuteronomy 21:17 mean?
The firstborn must receive the double inheritance portion regardless of his mother's standing.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 21:17?
The eldest son receives the double portion, affirming the immutability of birth order.