Deuteronomy 25:9
Deuteronomy 25:9 in Multiple Translations
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.”
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.
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 she shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto the man that doth not build up his brother’s house.
Then his brother's wife is to come to him, before the responsible men of the town, and take his shoe off his foot, and put shame on him, and say, So let it be done to the man who will not take care of his brother's name.
his brother's widow is to confront him in the presence of the elders, pull off his sandal, spit in his face, and announce, “This is what happens to the man who refuses to keep his brother's family name alive.”
Then shall his kinswoman come vnto him in the presence of the Elders, and loose his shooe from his foote, and spit in his face, and answere, and say, So shall it be done vnto that man, that will not buylde vp his brothers house.
'Then hath his brother's wife drawn nigh unto him, before the eyes of the elders, and drawn his shoe from off his foot, and spat in his face, and answered and said, Thus it is done to the man who doth not build up the house of his brother;
then his brother’s wife shall come to him in the presence of the elders, and loose his sandal from off his foot, and spit in his face. She shall answer and say, “So shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother’s house.”
Then shall his brother's wife come to 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 to that man that will not build up his brother's house.
The woman shall come to him before the ancients, and shall take off his shoe from his foot, and spit in his face, and say: So shall it be done to the man that will not build up his brother’s house:
she must go up to him while the elders are watching, and take off one of his sandals to symbolize/show that he would not receive any of her property, and spit in his face, and say to him, ‘This is what happens to the man who refuses to do what is needed to allow his dead brother to have a son in order that our family name does not disappear.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 25:9
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 25:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/נִגְּשָׁ֨ה
יְבִמְתּ֣/וֹ
אֵלָי/ו֮
לְ/עֵינֵ֣י
הַ/זְּקֵנִים֒
וְ/חָלְצָ֤ה
נַעֲל/וֹ֙
מֵ/עַ֣ל
רַגְל֔/וֹ
וְ/יָרְקָ֖ה
בְּ/פָנָ֑י/ו
וְ/עָֽנְתָה֙
וְ/אָ֣מְרָ֔ה
כָּ֚כָה
יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה
לָ/אִ֔ישׁ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לֹא
יִבְנֶ֖ה
אֶת
בֵּ֥ית
אָחִֽי/ו
וְ/נִגְּשָׁ֨ה
nâgash
H5066
to approach
Conj | V-Niphal-3fs
יְבִמְתּ֣/וֹ
Yᵉbêmeth
H2994
sister-in-law
N-fs | Suff
אֵלָי/ו֮
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לְ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
הַ/זְּקֵנִים֒
zâqên
H2205
old
Art | Adj
וְ/חָלְצָ֤ה
châlats
H2502
to rescue
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
נַעֲל/וֹ֙
naʻal
H5275
sandal
N-fs | Suff
מֵ/עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep
רַגְל֔/וֹ
regel
H7272
foot
N-fs | Suff
וְ/יָרְקָ֖ה
yârâq
H3417
to spit
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
בְּ/פָנָ֑י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
וְ/עָֽנְתָה֙
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
וְ/אָ֣מְרָ֔ה
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
כָּ֚כָה
kâkâh
H3602
thus
Adv
יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
לָ/אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִבְנֶ֖ה
bânâh
H1129
to build
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אָחִֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 25:9
וְ/נִגְּשָׁ֨ה
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
Conj | V-Niphal-3fs
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
יְבִמְתּ֣/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.
אֵלָי/ו֮
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
לְ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
הַ/זְּקֵנִים֒
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/חָלְצָ֤ה
châlats
H2502
"to rescue"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
To arm or equip for war is the meaning of this verb, used to describe preparing for battle. It is translated as arm, deliver, or strengthen in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to draw off or out, withdraw 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw, draw off 1a2) to withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be delivered 1b2) to be saved 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to pull out, tear out 1c2) to rescue, deliver, set free 1c3) to take away, plunder
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: arm (self), (go, ready) armed ([idiom] man, soldier), deliver, draw out, make fat, loose, (ready) prepared, put off, take away, withdraw self. See also: Leviticus 14:40; 2 Chronicles 20:21; Psalms 6:5.
נַעֲל/וֹ֙
naʻal
H5275
"sandal"
N-fs | Suff
A sandal or shoe in biblical times, as mentioned in Exodus 12:11 and Deuteronomy 25:9. It was a symbol of ownership or marriage, and removing a sandal could signify refusal or separation, as seen in Ruth 4:7-8.
Definition: sandal, shoe
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: dryshod, (pair of) shoe((-latchet), -s). See also: Genesis 14:23; 1 Kings 2:5; Psalms 60:10.
מֵ/עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רַגְל֔/וֹ
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fs | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
וְ/יָרְקָ֖ה
yârâq
H3417
"to spit"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to spit, like when someone is showing contempt or disgust. It appears in various forms, including as an idiom. This action is mentioned in several books, including Matthew and Mark.
Definition: (Qal) to spit
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] but, spit. See also: Numbers 12:14; Deuteronomy 25:9.
בְּ/פָנָ֑י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וְ/עָֽנְתָה֙
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
וְ/אָ֣מְרָ֔ה
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.
כָּ֚כָה
kâkâh
H3602
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means 'thus' or 'in this way', often used to compare or explain something, like in 2 Samuel 18:30, where a messenger describes a scene in a particular manner. It helps clarify the context of a story or situation.
Definition: like this, thus
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: after that (this) manner, this matter, (even) so, in such a case, thus. See also: Exodus 12:11; 2 Chronicles 7:21; Psalms 144:15.
יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לָ/אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | 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.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹא
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.
יִבְנֶ֖ה
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
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.
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אָחִֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
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.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 25:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 25:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 25:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 25:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:9
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 25:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:9
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 25:9
Context — Widowhood and Marriage
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.”
10And his family name in Israel will be called “The House of the Unsandaled.” 11If two men are fighting, and the wife of one comes to rescue her husband from the one striking him, and she reaches out her hand and grabs his genitals,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. So the kinsman-redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.” |
| 2 | 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.” |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Matthew 26:67 | Then they spit in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him |
| 5 | Job 30:10 | They abhor me and keep far from me; they do not hesitate to spit in my face. |
| 6 | Mark 1:7 | And he began to proclaim: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. |
| 7 | 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.” But Onan knew that the offspring would not belong to him; so whenever he would sleep with his brother’s wife, he would spill his seed on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother. What he did was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He put Onan to death as well. |
| 8 | 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. |
| 9 | 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.” |
| 10 | Matthew 27:30 | Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly. |
Deuteronomy 25:9 Summary
[This verse is talking about a situation where a man's brother has died, and the man is supposed to marry his brother's widow to take care of her and have children to carry on his brother's family line. If the man refuses to do this, the widow will publicly shame him in front of the community leaders, as a way of holding him accountable for his actions. This practice is similar to what is described in Ruth 4:7-8, where the removal of a sandal is a symbol of a transfer of property or responsibility. The goal is to ensure that the widow and her children are cared for, and that the family line is preserved, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the ritual described in Deuteronomy 25:9?
The ritual is a public shaming of a man who refuses to marry his brother's widow, as a way of ensuring the continuation of his brother's family line, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:5-6. This practice is also mentioned in Ruth 4:7, which provides further context.
Why does the widow remove the man's sandal in Deuteronomy 25:9?
The removal of the sandal is a symbol of the man's refusal to fulfill his obligation to his brother's family, and it serves as a public witness to his failure to act as a responsible brother-in-law, similar to the custom in Ruth 4:7-8.
What is the significance of spitting in the man's face in Deuteronomy 25:9?
Spitting in the man's face is a gesture of contempt and shame, emphasizing the seriousness of his refusal to care for his brother's widow and maintain his family line, as seen in other biblical passages such as Numbers 12:14 and Deuteronomy 23:4.
How does this verse relate to the concept of family and community in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of family and community in biblical society, where the care of widows and orphans is a responsibility shared by the extended family and the community, as seen in passages like Exodus 22:22 and James 1:27.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can demonstrate my commitment to caring for the vulnerable members of my community, such as widows and orphans?
- How can I ensure that my actions and decisions are guided by a sense of responsibility to my family and community, rather than just my own personal interests?
- What are some cultural or societal norms that may be hindering my ability to fulfill my obligations to my family and community, and how can I work to change these norms?
- In what ways can I show respect and dignity to those who are marginalized or oppressed in my community, as a reflection of God's love and care for them?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 25:9
Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders,.... The time and place being appointed the evening before by three Rabbins, and two witnesses, as Leo of Modena says (p); of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 25:9
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 25:9
Loose his shoe; partly as a sign of his resignation of all his right to the woman, and to her husband’ s inheritance; for as the shoe was a sign of one’ s power and right, 108:9; so the parting with the shoe was a token of the alienation of such right, and that he would not, and henceforth might not, enter upon his brother’ s land; and partly as a note of infamy, to signify that by this unnatural and disingenuous action he was unworthy to be amongst free-men, and fit to be reduced to the condition of the meanest servants or captives, who used to go barefoot, ,4. Spit in his face, as a return of his contempt upon himself. See 27:30. This was not done, Rth 4, either because he was not a brother, but a remoter kinsman, and so deserved less shame; or because Ruth did not prosecute him to the utmost, but freely consented to this exchange. Build up; a phrase oft used for the procreation of children, and the increase of a family. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:9
Deuteronomy 25:9 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.Ver. 9. And loose his shoe.] To show that he was worthy to go barefoot, and had no right howsoever to tread upon that ground, as any part of his estate. See Rth 4:7. The Turks have a ceremony somewhat like this; the woman may sue a divorce, when her husband would abuse her against nature: which she doth by taking off his or her shoe before the judge, and holding it the sole upward, but speaking nothing, for the uncleanness of the fact. And spit in his face.] As unworthy to show his face amongst his brethren. See Numbers 12:14 Isaiah 50:6. That will not build up his brother’ s house.] Blunt’ s Voyage.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:9
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.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:9
Verse 9. And loose his shoe] It is difficult to find the reason of these ceremonies of degradation. Perhaps the shoe was the emblem of power; and by stripping it off, deprivation of that power and authority was represented. Spitting in the face was a mark of the utmost ignominy; but the Jews, who are legitimate judges in this case, say that the spitting was not in his face, but before his face on the ground. And this is the way in which the Asiatics express their detestation of a person to the present day, as Niebuhr and other intelligent travellers assure us. It has been remarked that the prefix ב beth is seldom applied to פני peney; but when it is it signifies as well before as in the face. See Joshua 21:44; Joshua 23:9; Es 9:2; and Ezekiel 42:12; which texts are supposed to be proofs in point. The act of spitting, whether in or before the face, marked the strong contempt the woman felt for the man who had slighted her. And it appears that the man was ever after disgraced in Israel; for so much is certainly implied in the saying, Deuteronomy 25:10: And his name shall be called in Israel, The house of him that hath his shoe loosed.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 25:9
9. come unto] The same vb. in Deuteronomy 20:2, Deuteronomy 21:5, of the formal approach Of priests. and strip his sandal from off his foot] ‘As one occupied land by treading on it, the shoe became the symbol of taking possession (Psalms 60:8; Psalms 108:9); when a man renounced property to another, he drew off and gave him his shoe. So among the ancient Germans the taking off of the shoe was a symbol for giving up property and heritable rights, and with the delivery of the shoe or the throwing of it away goods were conveyed to another. Similarly among Hindoos and Arabs, Burckhardt, Bed. 91’ (abridged from Knobel). Cp. the Bedawee form of divorce: ‘She was my slipper, I cast her off’ (W. R. Smith, Kinship, etc., 269). That the right was a duty, which should not be renounced, is marked by the woman’s drawing off the sandal, and spitting in the face of the recusant (Numbers 12:14, Job 30:10, Isaiah 50:6). Sandal, Heb. na‘al, Ar. na‘l. answer] testify or solemnly assert as in Deuteronomy 5:20, etc. the man that doth not build up, etc.] Such was his sin. But the excuse of the kinsman who refused to take Ruth and her possession was that he was unwilling to mar his own heritage (Rth 4:6). Build up, Rth 4:11.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:9
9. Loose his shoe from off his foot — Loosing the shoe and handing it to another denoted the transfer of a right.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 25:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Holy of Holies (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the hardships and sufferings that the apostle Paul endured in his ministry. He mentions Paul being lashed, hung on a piece of wood, and expe |
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Prayer and Revival - Part 2 by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of the world and suggests that God is sending judgments upon North America. He references Ezekiel 14:21, which mentions four |
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The Passion of Christ by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus and the immense love that God has shown through it. The sermon then addresses the questions r |
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Hebrews Chapter 10 the Finisher of Our Faith by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes in his sermon on Hebrews Chapter 10 that Jesus Christ is both the Author and Finisher of our faith, illustrating how He serves as our ultimate example of fa |
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Vi. to Marion Mcnaught, When Persecuted for Her Principles by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford encourages a beloved sister to endure persecution and suffering by looking to the example of Jesus Christ, who endured insults and pain without retaliation, entru |
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A Sea of Blood, Wrath, Sin, Sorrow, Misery by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the immense suffering that Jesus endured for humanity's salvation, portraying it as a 'sea of blood, wrath, sin, sorrow, and misery.' He highlights Christ' |
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Epistle 234 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of patience, love, and meekness in overcoming evil inventions, traditions, and self-righteousness. He emphasizes the victory of the Lamb, J |