The Church Fathers on this verse

Deuteronomy 21:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And he meaneth to divide his substance among his sons: he may not make the son of the beloved the firstborn, and prefer him before the son of the hated.

Douay-Rheims

וְהָיָ֗ה בְּיוֹם֙ הַנְחִיל֣וֹ אֶת־בָּנָ֔יו אֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר־יִהְיֶ֖ה ל֑וֹ לֹ֣א יוּכַ֗ל לְבַכֵּר֙ אֶת־בֶּן־הָ֣אֲהוּבָ֔ה עַל־פְּנֵ֥י בֶן־הַשְּׂנוּאָ֖ה הַבְּכֹֽר׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse · 3 commentaries

Ephraem the Syrian

4th centuryChurch Father

The cherished spouse symbolizes the synagogue, initially welcomed into the house of God as the beloved. In contrast, the forsaken spouse represents the daughters of the Gentiles, yet her offspring is recognized as the firstborn. Thus, the sons of the Church hold the primary place in the kingdom, receiving in turn a lesser inheritance—the teachings of the apostles and prophets. This aligns with the principle stated in the law that the firstborn is entitled to a double portion, even if he is not the son of the cherished spouse, but rather the firstborn alone.

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

It was not without purpose for us to explore the book of the Law, as we sought to understand that the firstborn is not the offspring of the ‘beloved,’ that is, of a complacent and greedy spirit. According to Scripture, he cannot bestow the firstborn status upon the son of the favored wife if he is aware that the son of the unloved is the true firstborn. The one who is truly firstborn is the sacred progeny of a holy mother, for she is the genuine mother from whom authentic sons do not err, as only transgressors stray from the right path. Therefore, one who is not a child of the true mother and the rightful firstborn, yet is supported in his needs so as not to lack for anything, appears to be the firstborn but does not receive honor akin to that of wealthy individuals.

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In contrast, the firstborn of the unloved one receives abundantly from all, much like how the patriarchs were gifted two garments each by their brother Joseph when he revealed himself to them: this signified that the brother Joseph, whom the father had believed to be lost, was indeed found.

The reward is given not to those who rest and doze but to those who remain vigilant and toil diligently. Compensation is owed for every task, regardless of its difficulties, provided it yields results. This principle is illustrated in the sacred texts: if a man possesses two wives, one cherished and the other despised, and both bear him sons, the firstborn must be recognized as the son of the unloved wife, despite the beloved wife having a son. He cannot grant the firstborn status to the son of the beloved; rather, he must honor the firstborn from the unloved wife by providing him a double share of his inheritance, for he is the first of his offspring, entitled to the right of primogeniture (Deuteronomy 21:15-17). The profound truths hidden in these laws beckon for reflection.

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O soul, acknowledge your true heritage and delve into the enigma of the ignored wife! Within yourself lies the answer; take time to contemplate and revisit your emotions, and you will discern the rightful heir. Each of us is home to two spouses, divided by strife and conflict, creating a realm in our souls rife with jealousy. One is the alluring voice of desires, whom we see as sweet and cherished—this is Pleasure. She presents herself as our friend and servant, while the other, known as Virtue, stands in opposition, severe and untamed.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.