Deuteronomy 21:16

Authorized 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:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֗ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בְּיוֹם֙
H3117
Then it shall be when
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#3
הַנְחִיל֣וֹ
H5157
to inherit
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
#4
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
בֶן
H1121
he maketh his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
אֵ֥ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
ל֑וֹ
H0
#10
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
יוּכַ֗ל
H3201
that which he hath that he may
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#12
הַבְּכֹֽר׃
H1060
which is indeed the firstborn
first-born; hence, chief
#13
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
בֶן
H1121
he maketh his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#15
הָ֣אֲהוּבָ֔ה
H157
of the beloved
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#16
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
פְּנֵ֥י
H6440
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#18
בֶן
H1121
he maketh his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#19
הַשְּׂנוּאָ֖ה
H8130
of the hated
to hate (personally)
#20
הַבְּכֹֽר׃
H1060
which is indeed the firstborn
first-born; hence, chief

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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