Key Verse Spotlight

Deuteronomy 21:16 — Meaning and Application

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:”

Deuteronomy 21:16

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Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:

14

And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not make merchandise of her, because thou hast humbled her.

15

If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, {both} the beloved and the hated; and {if} the firstborn son be hers that was hated:

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:

17

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. {that...: Heb. that is found with him}

18

If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and {that}, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:

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