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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 25:7 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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/25-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/05_Deu_25_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 25:7 - Widowhood and Marriage" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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. 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He will not fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to me.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/25.htm">New Living Translation</a> “But if the man refuses to marry his brother’s widow, she must go to the town gate and say to the elders assembled there, ‘My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel—he refuses to fulfill the duties of a brother-in-law by marrying me.’ <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/25.htm">English Standard Version</a> And if the man does not wish 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 perpetuate his brother’s name in Israel; he will not perform the duty of a husband’s brother to me.’ <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/25.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/25.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/25.htm">New King James Version</a> But if the man does not want 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 refuses to raise up a name to his brother in Israel; he will not perform the duty of my husband’s brother.’ <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But if the man does not desire to take his brother’s widow, then his brother’s widow shall go up to the gate to the elders, and say, ‘My husband’s brother refuses to establish a name for his brother in Israel; he is not willing to perform the duty of a husband’s brother to me.’ <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/25.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But if the man does not desire to take his brother&#8217s wife, then his brother&#8217s wife shall go up to the gate to the elders and say, &#8216My husband&#8217s brother refuses to establish a name for his brother in Israel; he is not willing to perform the duty of a husband&#8217s brother to me.&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But if the man does not desire 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 establish a name for his brother in Israel; he is not willing to perform the duty of a husband’s brother to me.’ <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But if the man does not desire 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 a name for his brother in Israel; he is not willing to perform the duty of a husband’s brother to me.’ <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s [widowed] wife, then she shall go up to the gate [of the city, where court is held] to the elders, and say, ‘My brother-in-law refuses to continue his brother’s name in Israel; he is not willing to perform the duty of a husband’s brother.’ <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But if the man doesn’t want to marry his sister-in-law, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and say, ‘My brother-in-law refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel. He isn’t willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.’ <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But if the man doesn&#8217t want to marry his sister-in-law, she must go to the elders at the city gate and say, &#8216My brother-in-law refuses to preserve his brother&#8217s name in Israel. He isn&#8217t willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.&#8217 <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/25.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/deuteronomy/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But suppose the brother refuses to marry the widow. She must go to a meeting of the town leaders at the town gate and say, "My husband died without having a son to carry on his name. And my husband's brother refuses to marry me so I can have a son." <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/25.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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 an husband's brother unto me. <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But if the man doesn't want to marry his brother's widow, she must go to the leaders of the city at the city gate. She must say, "My brother-in-law refuses to let his brother's name continue in Israel. He doesn't want to do his duty as my brother-in-law." <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/25.htm">Good News Translation</a> But if the dead man's brother does not want to marry her, she is to go before the town leaders and say, 'My husband's brother will not do his duty; he refuses to give his brother a descendant among the people of Israel.' <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/25.htm">International Standard Version</a> But if the man does not want to marry his brother's widow, then she must go to the elders at the city gate and declare, 'My husband's brother refuses to perform the duty of a brother-in-law in order to preserve the name of his brother in Israel. He is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law.' <a href="/net/deuteronomy/25.htm">NET Bible</a> But if the man does not want to marry his brother's widow, then she must go to the elders at the town gate and say, "My husband's brother refuses to preserve his brother's name in Israel; he is unwilling to perform the duty of a brother-in-law to me!" <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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." <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/web/deuteronomy/25.htm">World English Bible</a> 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.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And if the man does not delight to take his brother’s wife, then his brother’s wife has gone up to the gate, to the elderly, and said, My husband’s brother is refusing to raise up a name for his brother in Israel; he has not been willing to perform the duty of my husband’s brother; <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> '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; <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And if the man shall not desire to take his brother's wife, and his brother's wife went up to the gate to the old men, and said, My husband's brother refused to raise up to his brother a name in Israel, and he would not act my husband's brother.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But if he is not willing to take his brother’s wife, who by law must go to him, the woman shall go to the gate of the city, and she shall call upon those greater by birth, and she shall say: ‘The brother of my husband is not willing to raise up his brother’s name in Israel; nor will he join with me.’ <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/25.htm">New American Bible</a> But if a man does not want to marry his brother’s wife, she shall go up to the elders at the gate and say, “My brother-in-law refuses to perpetuate his brother’s name in Israel and does not intend to perform his duty toward me.” <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But if the man has no desire to marry his brother’s widow, then his brother’s widow shall go up to the elders at the gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to perpetuate his brother’s name in Israel; he will not perform the duty of a husband’s brother to me.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And if the man refuses to take his brother's wife, then let his brother's wife go up to the gate to the elders, and say, My brother-in-law refuses to raise up to his brother a name in Israel, and is unwilling to take me as a wife. <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/25.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And if a man does not want to take the wife of his brother, the wife of his brother shall go up to the gate to the Elders and she shall say: 'My husband's brother does not want to establish his brother's name in Israel and does not want to marry me'.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/25.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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.' <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/25.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And if the man should not be willing to take his brother's wife, then shall the woman go up to the gate to the elders, and she shall say, My husband's brother will not raise up the name of his brother in Israel, my husband's brother has refused. <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=6733" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/25.htm">Widowhood and Marriage</a> …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. 7<a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">But if</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: hā·’îš (Art:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">the man</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">does not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2654.htm" title="2654: yaḥ·pōṣ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline to; by implication to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire.">want</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: lā·qa·ḥaṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">to marry</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2994.htm" title="2994: yə·ḇim·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Sister-in-law. Feminine participle of yabam; a sister-in-law.">his brother’s widow,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2994.htm" title="2994: yə·ḇim·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Sister-in-law. Feminine participle of yabam; a sister-in-law.">she</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: wə·‘ā·lə·ṯāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">is to go</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: haz·zə·qê·nîm (Art:: Adj-mp) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">the elders</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: haš·ša‘·rāh (Art:: N-ms:: 3fs) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">at the city gate</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mə·rāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2993.htm" title="2993: yə·ḇā·mî (V-Piel-Inf:: 1cs) -- Husband's brother. From yabam; a brother-in-law.">“My husband’s brother</a> <a href="/hebrew/3985.htm" title="3985: mê·’ên (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To refuse. A primitive root; to refuse.">refuses</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: lə·hā·qîm (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">to preserve</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: lə·’ā·ḥîw (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">his brother’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šêm (N-ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">name</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: bə·yiś·rā·’êl (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">in Israel.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">He is not</a> <a href="/hebrew/14.htm" title="14: ’ā·ḇāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To be willing, to consent. A primitive root; to breathe after, i.e. to be acquiescent.">willing</a> <a href="/hebrew/2992.htm" title="2992: yab·bə·mî (V-Piel-Inf:: 1cs) -- A primitive root of doubtful meaning; used only as a denominative from yabam; to marry a brother's widow.">to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.”</a> 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,”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ruth/4-5.htm">Ruth 4:5-10</a> 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.” / 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. ... <a href="/matthew/22-24.htm">Matthew 22:24-28</a> “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. / Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died without having children. So he left his wife to his brother. / The same thing happened to the second and third brothers, down to the seventh. ... <a href="/mark/12-19.htm">Mark 12:19-23</a> “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. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children. / Then the second one married the widow, but he also died and left no children. And the third did likewise. ... <a href="/luke/20-28.htm">Luke 20:28-33</a> “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. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a wife but died childless. / Then the second ... <a href="/genesis/38-8.htm">Genesis 38:8-10</a> 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. <a href="/numbers/27-1.htm">Numbers 27:1-11</a> Now the daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. These were the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They approached / the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole congregation, and said, / “Our father died in the wilderness, but he was not among the followers of Korah who gathered together against the LORD. Instead, he died because of his own sin, and he had no sons. ... <a href="/numbers/36-6.htm">Numbers 36:6-9</a> This is what the LORD has commanded concerning the daughters of Zelophehad: They may marry anyone they please, provided they marry within a clan of the tribe of their father. / No inheritance in Israel may be transferred from tribe to tribe, because each of the Israelites is to retain the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. / Every daughter who possesses an inheritance from any Israelite tribe must marry within a clan of the tribe of her father, so that every Israelite will possess the inheritance of his fathers. ... <a href="/ruth/3-9.htm">Ruth 3:9-13</a> “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.” / Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. / And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character. ... <a href="/ruth/4-1.htm">Ruth 4:1-4</a> 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. / And he said to the kinsman-redeemer, “Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39</a> A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord. <a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm">1 Timothy 5:14</a> So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander. <a href="/genesis/24-3.htm">Genesis 24:3-4</a> and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, / but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.” <a href="/genesis/24-7.htm">Genesis 24:7-8</a> The LORD, the God of heaven, who brought me from my father’s house and my native land, who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give this land’—He will send His angel before you so that you can take a wife for my son from there. / And if the woman is unwilling to follow you, then you are released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there.” <a href="/genesis/24-37.htm">Genesis 24:37-38</a> My master made me swear an oath and said, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites in whose land I dwell, / but you shall go to my father’s house and to my kindred to take a wife for my son.’ <a href="/leviticus/25-25.htm">Leviticus 25:25</a> If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest of kin may come and redeem what his brother has sold.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And if the man like not 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 refuses to raise up to his brother a name in Israel, he will not perform the duty of my husband's brother.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/22-4.htm">Brother's</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-14.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-18.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-2.htm">Establish</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Husband's</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-6.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-4.htm">Raise</a> <a href="/numbers/22-14.htm">Refuses</a> <a href="/numbers/22-14.htm">Refuseth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-24.htm">Want</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-5.htm">Willing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/25-9.htm">Brother's</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/joshua/22-3.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-2.htm">Establish</a> <a href="/ruth/2-1.htm">Husband's</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-10.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-16.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/joshua/7-26.htm">Raise</a> <a href="/job/6-7.htm">Refuses</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-23.htm">Refuseth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Want</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-9.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-20.htm">Willing</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 25</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/25-1.htm">Punishment must not exceed forty lashes</a> 4. <a href="/deuteronomy/25-4.htm">The ox is not to be muzzled</a> 5. <a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Of raising seed unto a brother</a> 11. <a href="/deuteronomy/25-11.htm">Of the immodest woman</a> 13. <a href="/deuteronomy/25-13.htm">Of unjust weights and measures</a> 17. <a href="/deuteronomy/25-17.htm">The memory of Amalek is to be blotted out</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/25.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/25.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow In ancient Israel, the practice of levirate marriage was a duty outlined in the Mosaic Law (<a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Deuteronomy 25:5-10</a>). This custom was designed to preserve the family line and inheritance within the tribe. The refusal of a man to marry his brother's widow was a significant decision, as it went against the cultural and legal expectations of the time. This practice is also seen in the story of Ruth and Boaz (<a href="/ruth/4.htm">Ruth 4:1-10</a>), where Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer.she is to go to the elders at the city gate The city gate was the center of civic life in ancient Israel, serving as a place for legal transactions, public announcements, and the administration of justice (<a href="/ruth/4.htm">Ruth 4:1-2</a>; <a href="/proverbs/31-23.htm">Proverbs 31:23</a>). The elders were respected leaders and judges within the community, responsible for maintaining order and upholding the law. This setting underscores the formal and public nature of the widow's appeal.and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel. Preserving a deceased brother's name was crucial in Israelite society, as it ensured the continuation of the family line and the retention of property within the tribe. This concept is rooted in the importance of inheritance and land distribution among the tribes of Israel (<a href="/numbers/27-8.htm">Numbers 27:8-11</a>). The refusal to fulfill this duty was seen as a failure to honor familial and communal responsibilities.He is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.” The duty of a brother-in-law, or levirate marriage, was not merely a personal obligation but a communal one, reflecting the interconnectedness of family and tribal identity in Israel. This duty is a type of Christ, who as our kinsman-redeemer, fulfills the law on our behalf and restores us to our rightful inheritance (<a href="/galatians/4-4.htm">Galatians 4:4-5</a>; <a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">Ephesians 1:11</a>). The refusal to perform this duty highlights the tension between personal desires and communal obligations, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_brother-in-law.htm">The Brother-in-law (Levir)</a> The man who is expected to marry his deceased brother's widow to preserve the family line. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_widow.htm">The Widow</a> The woman whose husband has died and who seeks to continue her deceased husband's lineage. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_elders.htm">The Elders</a> The leaders or judges at the city gate who are responsible for hearing the widow's complaint and ensuring justice. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_city_gate.htm">The City Gate</a> The place where legal matters and community decisions are made, symbolizing authority and governance. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_duty_of_a_brother-in-law.htm">The Duty of a Brother-in-law (Levirate Marriage)</a> A cultural and legal obligation in ancient Israel for a man to marry his deceased brother's widow to produce offspring in his brother's name.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/p/preservation_of_family_lineage.htm">Preservation of Family Lineage</a> The importance of family and legacy in biblical times is emphasized through the practice of levirate marriage. This reflects God's concern for the continuation of His people and the honoring of familial responsibilities. <a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility_and_justice.htm">Community Responsibility and Justice</a> The role of the elders at the city gate underscores the community's responsibility to uphold justice and ensure that individuals fulfill their obligations. This teaches us about the importance of accountability within the body of Christ. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a> The passage highlights the necessity of obedience to God's laws, even when they may be challenging or counter-cultural. It encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom and provision. <a href="/topical/c/compassion_and_support_for_the_vulnerable.htm">Compassion and Support for the Vulnerable</a> The widow's appeal to the elders reflects God's heart for the vulnerable and marginalized. Christians are called to support and advocate for those in need within their communities.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_25.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 25</a> <a href="/q/is_ruth_4_1-2's_gate_scene_historical.htm">In Ruth 4:1–2, is there historical evidence supporting a legal negotiation at the city gate, or could this be a literary invention? </a> <a href="/q/does_levirate_marriage_conflict_biblically.htm">Deuteronomy 25:5-10: Does the levirate marriage requirement conflict with other Biblical passages on remarriage or widows?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_wisdom's_public_call_in_israel.htm">If wisdom is portrayed as calling out in public (Proverbs 1:20-21), what historical or archaeological evidence supports such personification in ancient Israel?</a> <a href="/q/is_the_ruth_4_7_shoe_ritual_unique.htm">In Ruth 4:7, is the 'shoe exchange' ceremony documented elsewhere in ancient Near Eastern records, or is it unique to this text?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/25.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 7-10. - If the man refused to marry the widow of his deceased brother, he was free to do so; but the woman had her redress. She was to bring the matter before the eiders of the town, sitting as magistrates at the gate, and they were to summon the man and speak to him, and if he persisted in his refusal, the woman was to take his shoe from off his foot, and spit before his face, and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house. The taking off of the shoe of the man by the woman was an act of indignity to him; it amounted to a declaration that he was not worthy to stand in his brother's place, and was scornfully rejected by the woman herself. As the planting of the shod foot on a piece of property, or the casting of the shoe over a field, was emblematical of taking possession of it with satisfaction (<a href="/psalms/60-8.htm">Psalm 60:8</a>; <a href="/psalms/108-9.htm">Psalm 108:9</a>); and as the voluntary handing of one's shoe to another betokened the giving up to that other of some property or right; so, contrariwise, the forcible removal from one of his shoe and the casting of it aside indicated contemptuous rejection of the owner, and repudiation of all his rights and claims in the matter. To walk barefooted was regarded by the Jews as ignominious and miserable (cf. <a href="/isaiah/20-2.htm">Isaiah 20:2, 4</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/15-30.htm">2 Samuel 15:30</a>). The spitting before the face of the man (בְּפָנַיו in front of him) is by the Jewish interpreters understood of spitting on the ground in his presence (Talmud, 'Jebam.,' 106; Madmen., 'In Jibbum.,' 4:6-8). This seems to be what the words express (cf. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-37.htm">Deuteronomy 4:37</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/7-24.htm">Deuteronomy 7:24</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/11-25.htm">Deuteronomy 11:25</a>; <a href="/joshua/10-8.htm">Joshua 10:8</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/10-8.htm">Ezekiel 10:8</a>, for the rendering of בפני); and this, according to Oriental notions, would be insult enough (cf. <a href="/numbers/12-14.htm">Numbers 12:14</a>; <a href="/isaiah/1-6.htm">Isaiah 1:6</a>; Niebuhr, ' Description de l'Arabie,' 1:49). <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But if וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not the man הָאִ֔ישׁ (hā·’îš) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person does not לֹ֤א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no want יַחְפֹּץ֙ (yaḥ·pōṣ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2654.htm">Strong's 2654: </a> To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire to marry לָקַ֖חַת (lā·qa·ḥaṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take his brother’s widow, יְבִמְתּ֑וֹ (yə·ḇim·tōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2994.htm">Strong's 2994: </a> A sister-in-law she יְבִמְתּ֨וֹ (yə·ḇim·tōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2994.htm">Strong's 2994: </a> A sister-in-law is to go וְעָלְתָה֩ (wə·‘ā·lə·ṯāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the elders הַזְּקֵנִ֗ים (haz·zə·qê·nîm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> Old at the city gate הַשַּׁ֜עְרָה (haš·ša‘·rāh) Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> An opening, door, gate and say, וְאָֽמְרָה֙ (wə·’ā·mə·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “My husband’s brother יְבָמִ֜י (yə·ḇā·mî) Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2993.htm">Strong's 2993: </a> Husband's brother refuses מֵאֵ֨ין (mê·’ên) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3985.htm">Strong's 3985: </a> To refuse to preserve לְהָקִ֨ים (lə·hā·qîm) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand his brother’s לְאָחִ֥יו (lə·’ā·ḥîw) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) name שֵׁם֙ (šêm) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name in Israel. בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (bə·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc He is not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no willing אָבָ֖ה (’ā·ḇāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_14.htm">Strong's 14: </a> To breathe after, to be acquiescent to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.? יַבְּמִֽי׃ (yab·bə·mî) Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2992.htm">Strong's 2992: </a> To perform the duty of a husband's brother <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Deuteronomy 25:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Deuteronomy 25:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Deuteronomy 25:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Deuteronomy 25:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Deuteronomy 25:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Deuteronomy 25:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Deuteronomy 25:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Deuteronomy 25:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Deuteronomy 25:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Deuteronomy 25:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 25:7 If the man doesn't want to take (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 25:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 25:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 25:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 25:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>