Deuteronomy 25:7
Deuteronomy 25:7 in Multiple Translations
But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel. He is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.”
And if the man like not to take his brother’s wife, then let his brother’s wife go up to the gate unto the elders, and say, My husband’s brother refuseth to raise up unto his brother a name in Israel, he will not perform the duty of my husband’s brother.
And if the man like not to take his brother’s wife, then his brother’s wife shall go up to the gate unto the elders, and say, My husband’s brother refuseth to raise up unto his brother a name in Israel; he will not perform the duty of a husband’s brother unto me.
But if the man says he will not take his brother's wife, then let the wife go to the responsible men of the town, and say, My husband's brother will not keep his brother's name living in Israel; he will not do what it is right for a husband's brother to do.
However, if the man refuses to marry his brother's widow, she shall go to the elders at the town gate and tell them, “My husband's brother is refusing to keep his brother's name alive in Israel. He doesn't want to perform the requirements of a brother-in-law for me.”
And if the man will not take his kinsewoman, then let his kinsewoman goe vp to the gate vnto the Elders, and say, My kinsman refuseth to rayse vp vnto his brother a name in Israel: hee will not doe the office of a kinsman vnto me.
'And if the man doth not delight to take his brother's wife, then hath his brother's wife gone up to the gate, unto the elders, and said, My husband's brother is refusing to raise up to his brother a name in Israel; he hath not been willing to perform the duty of my husband's brother;
If the man doesn’t want to take his brother’s wife, then his brother’s wife shall go up to the gate to the elders, and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to raise up to his brother a name in Israel. He will not perform the duty of a husband’s brother to me.”
And if the man shall not like to take his brother's wife, then let his brother's wife go up to the gate to the elders, and say, My husband's brother refuseth to raise up to his brother a name in Israel, he will not perform the duty of my husband's brother.
But if he will not take his brother’s wife, who by law belongeth to him, the woman shall go to the gate of the city, and call upon the ancients, and say: My husband’s brother refuseth to raise up his brother’s name in Israel: and will not take me to wife.
“But if the dead man’s brother does not want to marry that woman, she must stand at the ◄gate/central meeting place► of the town and say to the town elders, ‘My husband’s brother will not do ◄his duty/what he is supposed to do►. He refuses to marry me in order that I may give birth to a son who will prevent my dead husband’s name from disappearing in Israel.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 25:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 25:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
לֹ֤א
יַחְפֹּץ֙
הָ/אִ֔ישׁ
לָ/קַ֖חַת
אֶת
יְבִמְתּ֑/וֹ
וְ/עָלְתָה֩
יְבִמְתּ֨/וֹ
הַ/שַּׁ֜עְרָ/ה
אֶל
הַ/זְּקֵנִ֗ים
וְ/אָֽמְרָה֙
מֵאֵ֨ין
יְבָמִ֜/י
לְ/הָקִ֨ים
לְ/אָחִ֥י/ו
שֵׁם֙
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
לֹ֥א
אָבָ֖ה
יַבְּמִֽ/י
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַחְפֹּץ֙
châphêts
H2654
to delight in
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הָ/אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
לָ/קַ֖חַת
lâqach
H3947
to take
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְבִמְתּ֑/וֹ
Yᵉbêmeth
H2994
sister-in-law
N-fs | Suff
וְ/עָלְתָה֩
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
יְבִמְתּ֨/וֹ
Yᵉbêmeth
H2994
sister-in-law
N-fs | Suff
הַ/שַּׁ֜עְרָ/ה
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Art | N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/זְּקֵנִ֗ים
zâqên
H2205
old
Art | Adj
וְ/אָֽמְרָה֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
מֵאֵ֨ין
mâʼên
H3985
to refuse
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
יְבָמִ֜/י
yâbâm
H2993
brother-in-law
N-ms | Suff
לְ/הָקִ֨ים
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
לְ/אָחִ֥י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
Prep | N-ms | Suff
שֵׁם֙
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Prep | N-proper
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אָבָ֖ה
ʼâbâh
H14
be willing
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יַבְּמִֽ/י
yâbam
H2992
be brother-in-law
V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 25:7
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַחְפֹּץ֙
châphêts
H2654
"to delight in"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.
Definition: 1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with 1a) (Qal) 1a1) of men 1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in 1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do 1a2) of God 1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in 1a2b) to be pleased to do
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would. See also: Genesis 34:19; Psalms 51:21; Psalms 18:20.
הָ/אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
לָ/קַ֖חַת
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְבִמְתּ֑/וֹ
Yᵉbêmeth
H2994
"sister-in-law"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a sister-in-law, the wife of one's brother or the sister of one's spouse. It's used in the Bible to describe family relationships and roles.
Definition: sister-in-law, brother's wife, brother's widow
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: brother's wife, sister in law. See also: Deuteronomy 25:7; Deuteronomy 25:9; Ruth 1:15.
וְ/עָלְתָה֩
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
יְבִמְתּ֨/וֹ
Yᵉbêmeth
H2994
"sister-in-law"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a sister-in-law, the wife of one's brother or the sister of one's spouse. It's used in the Bible to describe family relationships and roles.
Definition: sister-in-law, brother's wife, brother's widow
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: brother's wife, sister in law. See also: Deuteronomy 25:7; Deuteronomy 25:9; Ruth 1:15.
הַ/שַּׁ֜עְרָ/ה
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Art | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/זְּקֵנִ֗ים
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
וְ/אָֽמְרָה֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מֵאֵ֨ין
mâʼên
H3985
"to refuse"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say no or reject something. It is used in Exodus 23:5 to describe refusing to help someone in need. God commands people to not refuse help.
Definition: (Piel) to refuse
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 37:35; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 77:3.
יְבָמִ֜/י
yâbâm
H2993
"brother-in-law"
N-ms | Suff
A brother-in-law is the husband of one's sister or the brother of one's spouse. In the Bible, this term is used to describe family relationships and responsibilities.
Definition: brother-in-law, husband's brother
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: husband's brother. See also: Deuteronomy 25:5; Deuteronomy 25:7.
לְ/הָקִ֨ים
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
לְ/אָחִ֥י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
שֵׁם֙
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אָבָ֖ה
ʼâbâh
H14
"be willing"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To be willing or consent is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which involves being acquiescent or accepting. It is used in various contexts, including being willing to obey or follow.
Definition: 1) to be willing, consent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be willing 1a2) to consent, yield to, accept 1a3) to desire
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: consent, rest content will, be willing. See also: Genesis 24:5; 2 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 81:12.
יַבְּמִֽ/י
yâbam
H2992
"be brother-in-law"
V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to the act of marrying a brother's widow, a practice known as levirate marriage. It's described in the Bible as a duty to the deceased brother.
Definition: 1) (Piel) to perform levirate marriage, perform the duty of a brother-in-law 1a) the duty due to a brother who died childless - to marry his widow and have a son for his name
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: perform the duty of a husband's brother, marry. See also: Genesis 38:8; Deuteronomy 25:5; Deuteronomy 25:7.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 25:7
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- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 25:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 25:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:7
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 25:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:7
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 25:7
Context — Widowhood and Marriage
5When 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.
6The first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel.
7But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel. He is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.”
8Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak with him. If he persists and says, “I do not want to marry her,” 9his 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruth 4:5–6 | 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.” The kinsman-redeemer replied, “I cannot redeem it myself, or I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I cannot redeem it.” |
| 2 | Ruth 4:1–2 | Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom he had spoken came along, and Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. Then Boaz took ten of the elders of the city and said, “Sit here,” and they did so. |
Deuteronomy 25:7 Summary
[This verse is talking about a situation where a man's brother has died, and he is supposed to marry his brother's widow to take care of her and have children to carry on his brother's name, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:5-6. If the man does not want to marry his brother's widow, she is to report this to the elders at the city gate, as stated in Deuteronomy 25:7. This practice was important in ancient Israel because it helped to ensure that the widow was cared for and that the family line continued, which is also seen in the story of Ruth and Boaz in the book of Ruth. By studying this passage, we can learn about God's heart for the vulnerable and the importance of family and community in His plan, as also seen in verses like Psalm 68:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the brother-in-law refuses to marry his brother's widow?
If the brother-in-law refuses to marry his brother's widow, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and report his refusal, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:7, and the process outlined in Deuteronomy 25:8-9 will take place.
Why was it important for the brother-in-law to marry his brother's widow in ancient Israel?
The brother-in-law was to marry his brother's widow to preserve his brother's name in Israel, as stated in Deuteronomy 25:6, and to ensure the continuation of his family line, which is also seen in the customs described in Ruth 4:5 and Genesis 38:8.
What role did the elders play in this situation?
The elders played a key role in resolving the situation when a brother-in-law refused to marry his brother's widow, as they were to summon him and speak with him, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:8, and witness the public declaration and symbolic act of removal of the sandal if he persisted in his refusal.
Is this practice still relevant today?
While the specific practice described in Deuteronomy 25:7-9 is not directly applicable today, the underlying principle of caring for the widow and the importance of family and community responsibility can still be applied, as seen in teachings such as James 1:27 and Acts 6:1-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways we can demonstrate love and care for those who are widowed or alone in our communities today?
- How can we balance the desire for personal freedom with the responsibility to care for others, as seen in the example of the brother-in-law in Deuteronomy 25:7?
- What does this passage reveal about God's heart for the vulnerable and the importance of family and community in His plan?
- In what ways can we, like the elders in this passage, serve as representatives of God's justice and mercy in our communities?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 25:7
And the man like not to take his brother's wife,.... The provision here made by this law, when this was the case, is such as did not take place before it became a law; for then Onan would have taken
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 25:7
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
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:7
To raise up unto his brother a name; to revive his brother’ s name and memory.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:7
Deuteronomy 25:5-10. .(5) If brethren dwell together.—This law is made the subject of a whole treatise in the Talmud, called Yebâmôth. The object of the law was held to be attained if the family of the dead man was perpetuated, and did not become extinct. And therefore the marriage specified was not necessarily between the brother and the brother’s wife, but might be between other representatives of the two persons in question. (See Ruth 4) The law is older than Moses. We first hear of it in the household of Judah the son of Jacob (Genesis 38:8). The violation of the law then was punished with death, not with disgrace only. But that which makes the law most memorable, is the teaching elicited from the lips of our Saviour by the question which the Sadducees raised upon it (see marginal reference). It is worth while to observe that the law itself demands that in some sense there should be a resurrection. Boaz puts it thus (Rth 4:5), “to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.” Why should the name of the dead be kept up, if the dead has passed out of existence? We may well believe that this law was partly intended (like baptism for the dead, or like giving children the names of their departed progenitors) for the express purpose of keeping alive the hope of resurrection in the minds of the chosen people.
(11,12) When men strive together. . . .—Another precept of humanity. In Exodus 21:22, “If men strive and hurt a woman with child,” punishment or compensation must follow. The law in this place is the counterpart of that. Men must be protected as well as women. Putteth forth her hand and taketh him.—“Him,” i.e., him that smiteth her husband. The precept is to enforce modesty as well as to protect humanity.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 25:7
7. shall go up to the gate] Rth 4:1, only here, in D; so also the terms like not and refuseth (see introd. note). elders] Deuteronomy 21:19, Deuteronomy 22:15. See on Deuteronomy 16:18.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:7
7. If the man like not — If the brother-in-law was unwilling to marry the widow of his deceased brother, then she was to bring the matter before the elders for their adjudication.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 25:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Marriage Series #4 - Ruth & Boaz by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Ruth and its significance in the context of the spiritual state of the children of Israel during that time. The book portrays a c |
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The Kinsman Redeemer by G.W. North | G.W. North explores the concept of the Kinsman Redeemer, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of redemption as presented in both the Old and New Testaments. He highlights that redem |