Deuteronomy 21:17
New International Version
He must acknowledge the son of his unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double share of all he has. That son is the first sign of his father’s strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him.

New Living Translation
He must recognize the rights of his oldest son, the son of the wife he does not love, by giving him a double portion. He is the first son of his father’s virility, and the rights of the firstborn belong to him.

English Standard Version
but he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the unloved, by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the firstfruits of his strength. The right of the firstborn is his.

Berean Standard Bible
Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But he shall acknowledge the son of the unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.

New American Standard Bible
On the contrary, he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of everything that he owns, for he was the beginning of his strength; to him belongs the right of the firstborn.

NASB 1995
“But he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the unloved, by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of his strength; to him belongs the right of the firstborn.

NASB 1977
“But he shall acknowledge the first-born, the son of the unloved, by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of his strength; to him belongs the right of the first-born.

Legacy Standard Bible
But he shall recognize the firstborn, the son of the unloved, by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the first of his vigor; the legal judgment for the firstborn belongs to him.

Amplified Bible
Instead he shall acknowledge the son of the unloved as the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he was the beginning of his strength (generative power); to him belongs the right of the firstborn.

Christian Standard Bible
He must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the neglected wife, by giving him two shares of his estate, for he is the firstfruits of his virility; he has the rights of the firstborn.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the unloved wife, by giving him two shares of his estate, for he is the firstfruits of his virility; he has the rights of the firstborn.”

American Standard Version
but he shall acknowledge the first-born, the son of the hated, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath; for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the first-born is his.

English Revised Version
but he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the hated, 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Instead, he must recognize the son of the wife he doesn't love as the firstborn. He must give that son a double portion of whatever he owns. That son is the very first son he had. The rights of the firstborn son are his.

Good News Translation
He is to give a double share of his possessions to his first son, even though he is not the son of his favorite wife. A man must acknowledge his first son and give him the share he is legally entitled to.

International Standard Version
Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn of the unloved wife by giving him double of everything he owns, because he is really the first fruit of his father's strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him."

Majority Standard Bible
Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father?s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him.

NET Bible
Rather, he must acknowledge the son of the less loved wife as firstborn and give him the double portion of all he has, for that son is the beginning of his father's procreative power--to him should go the right of the firstborn.

New Heart English Bible
but he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the unloved, by giving him a double portion of all that he has; for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.

Webster's Bible Translation
But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the first-born, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the first-born is his.

World English Bible
but he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the hated, by giving him a double portion of all that he has; for he is the beginning of his strength. The right of the firstborn is his.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
But the firstborn, son of the hated one, he acknowledges, to give to him a double portion of all that is found with him, for he [is] the beginning of his strength; to him [is] the right of the firstborn.

Young's Literal Translation
But the first-born, son of the hated one, he doth acknowledge, to give to him a double portion of all that is found with him, for he is the beginning of his strength; to him is the right of the first-born.

Smith's Literal Translation
But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated, the first-born, to give to him the portion of two in all that shall be found to him; for he is the beginning of his strength; to him is the judgment of the first-born.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, and shall give him a double portion of all he hath: for this is the first of his children, and to him are due the first birthrights.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Instead, he shall acknowledge the son of the hated wife as the firstborn, and he shall give to him a double portion of all that he has. For he is the first among his children, and the rights of the firstborn are owed to him.

New American Bible
On the contrary, he shall recognize as his firstborn the son of the unloved wife, giving him a double share of whatever he happens to own, since he is the first fruits of his manhood, and to him belong the rights of the firstborn.

New Revised Standard Version
He must acknowledge as firstborn the son of the one who is disliked, giving him a double portion of all that he has; since he is the first issue of his virility, the right of the firstborn is his.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But the first-born, the son of the hated, he must receive double portion of all that he has; for he is the first of his children; and the right of the first-born is his.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
But the first born son of the hated woman must take two portions in all things that are found for him because he is the beginning of his birth and his is the right of first born status.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
but he shall acknowledge the first-born, the son of the hated, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath; for he is the first-fruits of his strength, the right of the first-born is his.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But he shall acknowledge the first-born of the hated one to give to him double of all things which shall be found by him, because he is the first of his children, and to him belongs the birthright.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Inheritance Rights of the Firstborn
16when that man assigns his inheritance to his sons he must not appoint the son of the beloved wife as the firstborn over the son of the unloved wife. 17Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him.

Cross References
Genesis 25:31-34
“First sell me your birthright,” Jacob replied. / “Look,” said Esau, “I am about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?” / “Swear to me first,” Jacob said. So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright. ...

Genesis 27:36
So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?”

Genesis 48:14-20
But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger; and crossing his hands, he put his left on Manasseh’s head, although Manasseh was the firstborn. / Then he blessed Joseph and said: “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, / the angel who has redeemed me from all harm—may He bless these boys. And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude upon the earth.” ...

1 Chronicles 5:1-2
These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright. / And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph.

Exodus 13:2
“Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.”

Numbers 3:12-13
“Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel in place of every firstborn Israelite from the womb. The Levites belong to Me, / for all the firstborn are Mine. On the day I struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They are Mine; I am the LORD.”

Numbers 18:15
The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals.

1 Samuel 1:1-2
Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. / He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.

1 Samuel 8:1-3
When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. / The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second was Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba. / But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.

2 Chronicles 21:3
Their father had given them many gifts of silver and gold and precious things, as well as the fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

Luke 15:11-32
Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. / The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. / After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. ...

Romans 8:29
For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

Colossians 1:15
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

Hebrews 1:6
And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all God’s angels worship Him.”

Hebrews 12:16-17
See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. / For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.


Treasury of Scripture

But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he has: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.

by giving

Genesis 25:5,6,32,34
And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac…

1 Chronicles 5:1,2
Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright…

Genesis 49:3
Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:

Psalm 105:36
He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.

the right

Genesis 25:31-34
And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright…

Jump to Previous
Acknowledge Beginning Belongs Birthright Disliked Double Hated Issue Part Portion Right Share Sign Strength Twice Unloved Vigour Wife
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Acknowledge Beginning Belongs Birthright Disliked Double Hated Issue Part Portion Right Share Sign Strength Twice Unloved Vigour Wife
Deuteronomy 21
1. The Atonement for an Unsolved Murder
10. The usage of a captive taken to wife
15. The firstborn is not to be disinherited upon private affection
18. A rebellious son is to be stoned to death
22. The malefactor must not hang all night on a tree














Instead, he must acknowledge
The Hebrew word for "acknowledge" is "נָכַר" (nakar), which implies recognition and acceptance. In the context of ancient Israel, this acknowledgment was not merely a verbal affirmation but a legal and social recognition of the son's status. This command underscores the importance of justice and fairness, even when personal feelings might lead one to act otherwise. It reflects God's impartial nature and His desire for His people to act justly, regardless of personal biases.

the son of his unloved wife
The phrase "unloved wife" comes from the Hebrew "שְׂנוּאָה" (senuah), meaning hated or less favored. This situation recalls the account of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, where Leah was less loved. The law here seeks to prevent the repetition of such familial discord by ensuring that the rights of the firstborn are upheld, regardless of the father's affections. It highlights God's concern for the marginalized and His insistence on upholding justice and equity within the family structure.

as the firstborn
The term "firstborn" in Hebrew is "בְּכוֹר" (bekhor), which carries significant weight in biblical times. The firstborn son held a place of honor and responsibility, often receiving a double portion of the inheritance. This status was not just about privilege but also about duty, as the firstborn was expected to lead and care for the family. This law ensures that the rightful heir receives his due, emphasizing the importance of maintaining God's ordained order.

by giving him a double portion
The "double portion" is a legal term indicating the inheritance rights of the firstborn. In Hebrew, "פִּי שְׁנַיִם" (pi shenayim) literally means "mouth of two," symbolizing a double share. This practice ensured the firstborn had the resources to support the family and continue the father's legacy. It reflects God's provision and the importance of stewardship, ensuring that the family line and its responsibilities are preserved.

of all he has
This phrase emphasizes the totality of the father's estate. The Hebrew "מִכֹּל אֲשֶׁר יִמָּצֵא לוֹ" (mikkol asher yimtza lo) indicates that nothing is to be withheld from the rightful heir. It underscores the comprehensive nature of the inheritance and the father's obligation to distribute his assets justly. This reflects God's holistic approach to justice, where every aspect of life is to be governed by His principles.

for that son is the firstfruits of his virility
The term "firstfruits" in Hebrew is "רֵאשִׁית" (reshit), often used to describe the first and best of the harvest offered to God. Here, it signifies the first and best of the father's strength and legacy. The "virility" or "strength" (כֹּחַ, koach) of the father is embodied in the firstborn, symbolizing the continuation of the family line. This highlights the sacredness of the firstborn's role and the divine order established by God.

the right of the firstborn belongs to him
The "right" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) indicates a legal entitlement, not just a customary practice. This law ensures that the firstborn's rights are protected, regardless of personal favoritism. It reflects God's unchanging nature and His commitment to justice, ensuring that His people live by His statutes. This principle serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding God's laws and the blessings that come from obedience.

Verse 17. - A double portion; literally, a mouth of two; i.e. a portion (so "mouth" is used in 2 Kings 2:9; Zechariah 13:8) equal to that of two; consequently, the firstborn inherited twice as much as any of the other sons. Amongst all nations and from the earliest times, the right of the eldest son to pre-eminence among his brethren has been recognized; and in legislating for Israel, Moses so far simply sanctioned a usage he found already existing; the assignment, however, of a double share in the inheritance to the eldest son is a new and special provision, mentioned only here. Beginning of his strength (cf. Genesis 49:3).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Instead,
כִּי֩ (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he must acknowledge
יַכִּ֗יר (yak·kîr)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5234: To regard, recognize

the firstborn,
הַבְּכֹ֨ר (hab·bə·ḵōr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1060: Firstborn, chief

the son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of his unloved wife,
הַשְּׂנוּאָ֜ה (haś·śə·nū·’āh)
Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular
Strong's 8130: To hate

by giving
לָ֤תֶת (lā·ṯeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

him
לוֹ֙ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

a double
שְׁנַ֔יִם (šə·na·yim)
Number - md
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

portion
פִּ֣י (pî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

of all
בְּכֹ֥ל (bə·ḵōl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

he has.
יִמָּצֵ֖א (yim·mā·ṣê)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

For
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

[that son]
הוּא֙ (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is the firstfruits
רֵאשִׁ֣ית (rê·šîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7225: The first, in place, time, order, rank

of his [father’s] strength;
אֹנ֔וֹ (’ō·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 202: Ability, power, wealth

the right
מִשְׁפַּ֥ט (miš·paṭ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

of the firstborn
הַבְּכֹרָֽה׃ (hab·bə·ḵō·rāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1062: The firstling of man, beast, primogeniture

belongs to him.
ל֖וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 21:17 But he shall acknowledge the firstborn (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 21:16
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