Old Testament
Deuteronomy 21:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
then when he divides his property among his sons, he must not give the firstborn's share to the son of the wife he loves instead of the actual firstborn, the son of the wife he doesn't love.
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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:
What Deuteronomy 21:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the focus is on fairness in inheritance. When a father divides his property among his sons, he must honor the firstborn son, regardless of his feelings towards the mothers. This means that even if he loves one wife more than the other, he cannot give the firstborn's share to the son of the favored wife. The law emphasizes the importance of justice and respect for family roles. It serves as a reminder that personal feelings should not interfere with rightful claims. This principle encourages fairness and integrity in family matters, ensuring that everyone is treated according to their rightful place. It highlights the value of responsibility in making decisions that affect others, especially in matters of inheritance. Ultimately, it teaches us to prioritize fairness over favoritism, which can lead to conflict and resentment within families. By adhering to these principles, families can maintain harmony and respect for one another, regardless of personal preferences.
How to apply Deuteronomy 21:16 to your life
In our own lives, we can apply this principle by ensuring fairness in our decisions, especially when it comes to family matters. Avoid favoritism and strive to treat everyone with respect and equality. This approach fosters harmony and strengthens relationships within families and communities, promoting a sense of unity and understanding among all members involved. Remember, fairness builds trust and respect in any relationship.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 21:16 mean?
Deuteronomy 21:16 emphasizes the importance of honoring the firstborn son in matters of inheritance, regardless of the father's feelings towards the mothers. It teaches that personal preferences should not influence rightful claims to inheritance.
What is the meaning of inheritance in Deuteronomy 21:16?
Inheritance in Deuteronomy 21:16 refers to the distribution of a father's property among his sons. The verse highlights that the firstborn son must receive his rightful share, ensuring fairness and justice in family matters.
How does Deuteronomy 21:16 apply to family fairness?
Deuteronomy 21:16 applies to family fairness by reminding us to treat all family members equally, especially in decisions about inheritance. It encourages avoiding favoritism to maintain harmony and respect within families.
What principles can we learn from Deuteronomy 21:16?
From Deuteronomy 21:16, we learn the principles of fairness, justice, and responsibility in family matters. It teaches that personal feelings should not interfere with rightful claims, promoting integrity in decision-making.
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