Deuteronomy 25:5

Translations

Modern

When brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her.

Traditional

If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband’s brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband’s brother unto her.

Literal

If brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son to him, the widow of the dead man shall not be outside to a sojourner. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her, and take her as his wife, and perform the duty of her husband's brother.

Latin

Quando habitaverint fratres simul, et unus ex eis absque liberis mortuus fuerit, uxor defuncti non nubet alteri: sed accipiet eam frater ejus, et suscitabit semen fratris sui:

Original

Hebrew

English

When brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her.

Notes

Deuteronomy 25:5

The phrase fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law refers to the levirate marriage custom. The word levirate comes from a Latin word meaning “brother-in-law.”

When a married man died without a son, his brother was encouraged to marry the widow. He would father children in his brother’s name so that the dead man’s family line would continue. For examples of this custom, see Genesis 38:6–11; Ruth 3:12–13; 4:1–12; Luke 20:27–33.

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes

Related verses

Matthew 22:24
“Teacher,” they said, “Moses declared that if a man dies without having children, his brother is to marry the widow and raise up offspring for him.
Luke 20:28
“Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him.
Genesis 38:8–9
Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife. Perform your duty as her brother-in-law and raise up offspring for your brother.”
Mark 12:19
“Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him.
Ruth 1:12–13
Return home, my daughters. Go on, for I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me to have a husband tonight and to bear sons,
Ruth 3:9
“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer.”
Ruth 4:5
Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi and also from Ruth the Moabitess, you must also acquire the widow of the deceased in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.”

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Brother Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Herod, Herodian Family Herodias Incest Inheritance Levirate Marriage Levirate Marriage Maccabean Period Marriage, Marriage Customs Ruth, Book of Zerubbabel

Topics

Brother: Brother's Widow--Law Concerning--Levirate Marriage of Inheritance: Provisions for Inheritance Under Levirate Marriages Marriage: Levirate (The Brother Required to Marry a Brother's Widow) Marriage: The Jews: Obliged to Contract with a Brother's Wife Who Died Without Quotations and Allusions in the New Testament From, and To, the Old Testament Strangers: Marriage With, Forbidden The First Born: Privileges of in Case of Death the Next Brother to Raise up Seed To Widow: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Widows: Laws Respecting: when Left Childless, to be Married by Their Husband's

Deuteronomy 25:5

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics