But he shall acknowledge as firstborn the son of the unloved wife, 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 due — the double portion (pitayim) of the inheritance goes to the actual firstborn regardless of his mother's status; the birthright (bekhorah) is inalienable, a matter of covenant principle rather than paternal discretion.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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