Deuteronomy 21:16
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:
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֗ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֗ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּיוֹם֙
Then it shall be when
H3117
בְּיוֹם֙
Then it shall be when
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 20
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
הַנְחִיל֣וֹ
to inherit
H5157
הַנְחִיל֣וֹ
to inherit
Strong's:
H5157
Word #:
3 of 20
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶן
he maketh his sons
H1121
בֶן
he maketh his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יוּכַ֗ל
that which he hath that he may
H3201
יוּכַ֗ל
that which he hath that he may
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
11 of 20
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶן
he maketh his sons
H1121
בֶן
he maketh his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
14 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הָ֣אֲהוּבָ֔ה
of the beloved
H157
הָ֣אֲהוּבָ֔ה
of the beloved
Strong's:
H157
Word #:
15 of 20
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּנֵ֥י
before
H6440
פְּנֵ֥י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
17 of 20
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
בֶן
he maketh his sons
H1121
בֶן
he maketh his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
18 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
This law would have prevented Abraham from disinheriting Ishmael for Isaac (though God commanded that specific case), or Isaac from favoring Esau over Jacob. Later, David's failure to discipline Adonijah (who acted as firstborn despite not being so, 1 Kings 1:5-6) nearly cost Solomon the throne, showing the chaos when birth order rights are ignored.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law's insistence on objective rights over emotional preference challenge modern culture's elevation of personal feelings as ultimate authority?
- In what areas of life are you tempted to let personal favoritism override established obligations and commitments?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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 (וְהָיָה בְּיוֹם הַנְחִילוֹ אֶת־בָּנָיו... לֹא יוּכַל לְבַכֵּר)—The verb nachol (to cause to inherit) describes the father's distribution of estate. The prohibition lo yukhal levaker (he cannot make firstborn) blocks manipulating the bekhor rights. The double portion belonging to the firstborn (v. 17) was legal right, not paternal preference.
Before the son of the hated, which is indeed the firstborn (עַל־פְּנֵי בֶן־הַשְּׂנוּאָה הַבְּכֹר)—The phrase al penei (before/in the face of) means "in place of" or "at the expense of." The law protects objective birth order over subjective affection. Though the father loved one wife more, legal rights cannot be redistributed based on emotion. Justice trumps favoritism.