Topical Bible: Marriage: Levirate (The Brother Required to Marry a Brother's Widow)

◄ Marriage: Levirate (The Brother Required to Marry a Brother's Widow) ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of levirate marriage is an ancient practice rooted in the cultural and legal traditions of the Israelites, as outlined in the Hebrew Scriptures. The term "levirate" is derived from the Latin word "levir," meaning "brother-in-law." This practice is primarily detailed in the Old Testament, specifically in the Pentateuch, and serves as a means to preserve family lineage and provide for widows within the community.

Biblical Foundation

The primary biblical reference for levirate marriage is found in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. The passage 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 directive underscores the importance of maintaining the deceased brother's name and inheritance within the tribe of Israel. The practice ensured that the widow was cared for and that the family property remained within the clan.

Cultural and Theological Significance

Levirate marriage was not merely a social obligation but also a theological one. It reflected the communal and covenantal nature of Israelite society, where family and tribal continuity were paramount. The practice was a tangible expression of the command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18), as it provided protection and provision for the vulnerable.

Theologically, levirate marriage can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament's emphasis on caring for widows and orphans (James 1:27). It highlights God's concern for justice and mercy within the community, ensuring that no member is left destitute or without support.

Notable Biblical Examples

One of the most well-known examples of levirate marriage is found in the story of Tamar and Judah in Genesis 38. Tamar, the widow of Judah's son Er, is denied her right to levirate marriage by Judah's second son, Onan, who refuses to fulfill his duty. This narrative illustrates the potential complications and moral failures associated with the practice, as well as the divine justice that ultimately prevails.

Another significant example is the story of Ruth and Boaz. Although not a direct levirate marriage, the narrative in the Book of Ruth reflects similar principles. Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer, marrying Ruth to preserve the lineage of her deceased husband, Mahlon. This story not only highlights the faithfulness and integrity of Boaz but also foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, who is a descendant of this union.

Conclusion

Levirate marriage, as prescribed in the Old Testament, served a vital role in the social and spiritual fabric of ancient Israel. It ensured the continuation of family lines, provided for widows, and upheld the communal values of the covenant people. While the practice is not directly applicable in contemporary Christian contexts, its underlying principles of care, responsibility, and redemption continue to resonate within the broader biblical narrative.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 38:8,11
And Judah said to Onan, Go in to your brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to your brother.
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 25:5-10
If brothers dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without to a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in to her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother to her.
Nave's Topical Index

Ruth 4:5
Then said Boaz, What day you buy the field of the hand of Naomi, you must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance.
Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 22:24
Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed to his brother.
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 12:19-23
Master, Moses wrote to us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed to his brother.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 20:28
Saying, Master, Moses wrote to us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed to his brother.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ...
... times, when the ordinance of such marriage was obeyed ... that the command to marry a
brother's widow only applied ... 64 b). On the question of the Levirate, from the ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the third day.htm