Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, the concept of a "husband's brother" is closely associated with the practice of levirate marriage, a custom deeply rooted in the cultural and legal traditions of ancient Israel. This practice is primarily outlined in the Old Testament and serves to preserve family lineage and provide for widows.Levirate Marriage The term "levirate" is derived from the Latin word "levir," meaning "brother-in-law." The practice is explicitly commanded in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. According to the Mosaic Law, if a man died without having a son, his brother was obligated to marry the widow. The firstborn son from this union would carry on the deceased brother's name, ensuring the continuation of his family line and inheritance. The Berean Standard Bible 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 to 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." (Deuteronomy 25:5-6) This law underscores the importance of family continuity and the protection of widows within the community. It reflects the communal and familial responsibilities that were central to Israelite society. Ruth and Boaz A notable example of levirate marriage, although not a direct application of the law, is found in the Book of Ruth. After the death of her husband, Ruth, a Moabite widow, is redeemed by Boaz, a relative of her deceased husband. While Boaz was not the brother of Ruth's late husband, he acted as a kinsman-redeemer, a role that shares similarities with the levirate obligation. This narrative highlights the themes of loyalty, redemption, and divine providence. The Sadducees' Question In the New Testament, the concept of levirate marriage is referenced in a question posed to Jesus by the Sadducees, who sought to challenge Him on the doctrine of the resurrection. They presented a hypothetical scenario involving a woman who married seven brothers in succession, each dying without leaving children. The Sadducees asked whose wife she would be in the resurrection. Jesus responded by emphasizing the transformative nature of the resurrection life, where earthly marital relationships do not apply (Matthew 22:23-30). Cultural and Theological Significance The practice of levirate marriage reflects the ancient Near Eastern emphasis on family and inheritance. It also illustrates the broader biblical themes of covenant faithfulness and God's provision for the vulnerable. While the specific legal requirement of levirate marriage is not observed in contemporary Christian practice, the underlying principles of care for family and community remain relevant. The role of the husband's brother, as outlined in the Scriptures, serves as a testament to the enduring values of kinship, responsibility, and the preservation of family heritage within the biblical narrative. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Husband's BrotherHUSBAND'S BROTHER (yabham, "brother-in-law"; epigambreuo; Late Latin levir): He was required (Deuteronomy 25:5-10 Matthew 22:24) "to perform the duty of a husband's brother" (yibbemah); that is, if his brother, living with him on the paternal estate, died without male issue, he should take the widow to wife, and "raise up seed unto his brother," the firstborn of the new marriage inheriting the deceased brother's estate. Refusal of the duty was possible, but entailed public ceremonial disgrace and lasting reproach. This provision for a specific case modified the general law which forbade the marriage of a sister-in-law (Leviticus 18:16, 18). It was a patriarchal custom (Genesis 38; Judah and Tamar), and is alluded to in Ruth 1:11-13. A related custom is found in Ruth 4:1, Boaz playing; however, the part, not of levir ("brother-in-law"), but of go`el ("redeemer"). It was at least theoretically in force in our Lord's time (Matthew 22:23-28; the question of the Sadducees concerning the resurrection). For the origin and object of this custom see FAMILY; MARRIAGE. Strong's Hebrew 2992. yabam -- to perform the duty of a husband's brother... 2991, 2992. yabam. 2993 . to perform the duty of a husband's brother. Transliteration: yabam Phonetic Spelling: (yaw-bam') Short Definition: brother. ... /hebrew/2992.htm - 6k 2993. yabam -- husband's brother Library The Woman's Story. The Woman's Story. One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its ... Herod the Tetrarch Makes War with Aretas, the King of Arabia, and ... The Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xviii. 15, "If Thy Brother Sin ... Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ... Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Panegyric on his Brother S. C??sarius. V. ... Resources Who was Ruth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible truly teach monogamy / monogamous relationships? | GotQuestions.org Does a wife have to submit to her husband? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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