Deuteronomy 25:9

Translations

Modern

…his brother’s widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal, spit in his face, and declare, “This is what is done to the man who will not maintain his brother’s line.”

Traditional

Then shall his brother’s wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother’s house.

Literal

…his brother’s widow shall come to him before the eyes of the elders, and remove his sandal from his foot, and spit in his face, and answer and say, “So shall it be done to the man who will not build up the house of his brother.”

Latin

…accedet mulier ad eum coram senioribus, et tollet calceamentum de pede ejus, spuetque in faciem illius, et dicet: Sic fiet homini, qui non ædificat domum fratris sui.

Original

Hebrew

English

…his brother’s widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal, spit in his face, and declare, “This is what is done to the man who will not maintain his brother’s line.”

Notes

Deuteronomy 25:9

remove his sandal: By removing his sandal, which touched the ground, the brother-in-law gave up his right to his dead brother’s property. This action showed publicly that he would not carry out his duty (Ruth 4:7).
spit in his face: Spitting in someone’s face was a strong sign of shame and rejection. It showed deep dishonor and contempt (see Numbers 12:14).

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes

Related verses

Numbers 12:14
But the LORD answered Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; after that she may be brought back in.”
Ruth 4:7–8
Now in former times in Israel, concerning the redemption or exchange of property, to make any matter legally binding a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party, and this was a confirmation in Israel.
Ruth 4:10–11
Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, to raise up the name of the deceased through his inheritance, so that his name will not disappear from among his brothers or from the gate of his home. You are witnesses today.”
John 1:27
He is the One who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”
Isaiah 50:6
I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.
Mark 10:34
…who will mock Him and spit on Him and flog Him and kill Him. And after three days He will rise again.”
Matthew 27:30
Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly.
Isaiah 20:2
…the LORD had already spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, “Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and the sandals from your feet.” And Isaiah did so, walking around naked and barefoot.
Mark 1:7
And he proclaimed: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
Job 30:10
They abhor me and keep far from me; they do not hesitate to spit in my face.
Genesis 38:8–10
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.”
Matthew 26:67
Then they spit in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Elder Incest Levirate Marriage Levirate Marriage Maccabean Period Marriage, Marriage Customs Ruth, Book of Zerubbabel

Topics

Brother: Brother's Widow--Law Concerning--Levirate Marriage of Government: Municipal: Devolving Upon a Local Senate and Executive officers Inheritance: Provisions for Inheritance Under Levirate Marriages Marriage: Levirate (The Brother Required to Marry a Brother's Widow) Shoe: Loosened As a Sign of Refusal to Observe the Levirate Marriage Shoes: Customs Connected With: A Man Who Refused to Marry a Deceased Brother's Wife Spitting in the Face, As an Indignity Widow: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Deuteronomy 25:9

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