Lexical Summary yebemeth: Sister-in-law, specifically a brother's widow Original Word: יְבֵמֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance brother's wife, sister in law Feminine participle of yabam; a sister-in-law -- brother's wife, sister in law. see HEBREW yabam NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as yabam Definition sister-in-law NASB Translation brother's wife (2), sister-in-law (2), wife (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [יְבֵ֫מֶת] noun feminine sister-in-law (Late Hebrew יְבָמָה, ᵑ7 יְבַמְתָּא, יְבִּימְתָּא; Syriac  ) — only suffix יְבִמְתּו Deuteronomy 25:7 (twice in verse); Deuteronomy 25:9 his brother's wife (widow), (compare Genesis 38:8) in levirate law; יְבִמְתֵּךְ Ruth 1:15 (twice in verse) thy husband's brother's wife. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope The Hebrew noun יְבֵמֶת identifies the widow who has become eligible for levirate remarriage to her deceased husband’s brother (yābām). The word therefore does not denote every sister-in-law, but specifically the one whose husband has died childless and whose future is bound to the family obligation described in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. Occurrences in Scripture • Deuteronomy 25:7, 9 – the legal setting Though the term appears only five times, the institution it represents permeates Genesis 38; Deuteronomy 25:5-10; Ruth; and the Synoptic discussion in Matthew 22:23-28 // Mark 12:18-23 // Luke 20:27-33. Cultural and Legal Background 1. Preservation of the family line. In ancient Israel the continuation of a man’s name and inheritance hinged on producing an heir. Levirate marriage offered a God-ordained remedy when death threatened that continuity. Narrative Portrait in Ruth While יְבֵמֶת is spoken by Naomi about Orpah and Ruth, the book as a whole dramatizes the heart of the law. Boaz, though not the closest relative, fulfills the spirit of the command and thus becomes a link in the messianic lineage. The repeated mention of “your sister-in-law” in Ruth 1:15 contrasts Orpah’s departure with Ruth’s covenant loyalty, highlighting the role of free, faithful love alongside legal duty. Theological Significance • Covenant faithfulness. The levirate principle illustrates God’s commitment to uphold His promises through family structures. Christological Foreshadowing The voluntary assumption of responsibility by Boaz anticipates Jesus Christ, the ultimate Redeemer who “is not ashamed to call them brothers” (Hebrews 2:11). As Boaz marries the widow to raise up an heir, so Christ unites Himself to the Church to grant a share in His resurrection life and inheritance. Ministry and Practical Application 1. Care for widows. James 1:27 identifies pure religion with visiting “orphans and widows in their distress.” The principle behind יְבֵמֶת urges modern believers toward tangible, familial care of the vulnerable. Key Passages for Study Deuteronomy 25:5-10; Genesis 38:8-10; Ruth 4:1-10; Matthew 22:23-33; Hebrews 2:10-17. Select Quotations 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 gate and say, ‘My brother-in-law refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel.’” Ruth 1:15 – “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; follow your sister-in-law back home.” Conclusion Although יְבֵמֶת appears infrequently, the concept undergirds crucial biblical themes of covenant loyalty, redemption, and the stewardship of family lines—ultimately pointing to the redemptive work fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations יְבִמְתֵּ֔ךְ יְבִמְתֵּֽךְ׃ יְבִמְתּ֑וֹ יְבִמְתּ֣וֹ יְבִמְתּ֨וֹ יבמתו יבמתך יבמתך׃ yə·ḇim·têḵ yə·ḇim·tōw yəḇimtêḵ yəḇimtōw yevimTech yevimToLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 25:7 HEB: לָקַ֖חַת אֶת־ יְבִמְתּ֑וֹ וְעָלְתָה֩ יְבִמְתּ֨וֹ NAS: to take his brother's wife, then his brother's wife KJV: not to take his brother's wife, then let his brother's wife INT: the man to take his brother's shall go wife Deuteronomy 25:7 Deuteronomy 25:9 Ruth 1:15 Ruth 1:15 5 Occurrences |
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