In biblical terms, the concept of a brother-in-law is primarily understood through the lens of family relationships and obligations, particularly in the context of marriage and inheritance laws. The Hebrew term for brother-in-law is "yabam," which is closely associated with the practice of levirate marriage.

Levirate Marriage:
The most significant biblical reference to the role of a brother-in-law is found in the practice of levirate marriage, as outlined in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. This custom required a man to marry his deceased brother's widow if the brother died without leaving a male heir. The purpose was to produce offspring who would carry on the deceased brother's name and inherit his property, thus preserving the family lineage and estate within the tribe of Israel.

Deuteronomy 25:5-6 states: "If brothers dwell together and one of them dies without having 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. The first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel."

Cultural and Legal Implications:
The levirate marriage was not merely a familial duty but also a legal obligation within the Israelite community. Refusal to perform this duty was considered a serious breach of social and familial responsibility. The widow had the right to publicly challenge the brother-in-law if he refused to marry her, leading to a ceremony of public shaming, as described in Deuteronomy 25:7-10.

Notable Biblical Examples:
1. Tamar and Judah's Sons: One of the most well-known accounts involving a brother-in-law is that of Tamar and the sons of Judah in Genesis 38. Tamar was married to Er, Judah's firstborn, who died without leaving an heir. According to the levirate law, Judah's second son, Onan, was expected to marry Tamar. However, Onan's refusal to fulfill his duty led to his own death, and Tamar eventually bore children through Judah himself.

2. Ruth and Boaz: Although not a direct example of levirate marriage, the account of Ruth and Boaz in the Book of Ruth reflects similar themes of family loyalty and redemption. Boaz, a relative of Ruth's deceased husband, acts as a "kinsman-redeemer" by marrying Ruth to preserve the family line, demonstrating the broader application of familial duty beyond the immediate brother-in-law relationship.

New Testament Context:
In the New Testament, the concept of a brother-in-law is mentioned in the context of a hypothetical question posed to Jesus by the Sadducees regarding the resurrection (Matthew 22:23-28, Mark 12:18-23, Luke 20:27-33). The Sadducees refer to the levirate law to challenge the idea of resurrection, asking whose wife a woman would be in the resurrection if she had been married to multiple brothers-in-law.

Spiritual and Moral Lessons:
The role of a brother-in-law in biblical times underscores the importance of family loyalty, responsibility, and the preservation of lineage. It reflects the broader biblical themes of covenant faithfulness and the protection of family heritage. The practice of levirate marriage, while specific to ancient Israelite culture, highlights the value placed on family continuity and the communal responsibility to care for widows and preserve the family name.BROTHER-IN-LAW

See RELATIONSHIPS, FAMILY.

Brotherinlaw
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Brother-in-law (5 Occurrences)
Brother-in-law. Brotherinlaw, Brother-in-law. Brother-in-law's . ... (WEB ASV BBE
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Brotherhood (7 Occurrences)

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