Translations
Modern
Has any man become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man marry her.”
Traditional
And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.
Literal
And who is the man who is betrothed to a woman and has not married her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man marry her.”
Latin
Quis est homo, qui despondit uxorem, et non accepit eam? vadat, et revertatur in domum suam, ne forte moriatur in bello, et alius homo accipiat eam.
Original
Hebrew
English
Has any man become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man marry her.”
Notes
another man marry her: In this situation, if a man died, he would not have children to carry on his name. Ancient Israel considered this to be a great tragedy.
Theme notes and profiles
Glossary
Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Holy War Holy War Marriage, Marriage Customs Warfare
Topics
Armies: March in Ranks: Exhorted Before Battle Armies: Who Were Exempt from Service In Betrothal: Exempts from Military Duty Marriage: The Jews: Betrothed Themselves some Time Before Marriage: The Jews: Exempted from Going to War Immediately After Soldiers: Others Exempt from Service The Armies of Israel: Persons Exempted from Serving in Who Were Lately Betrothed