Topical Encyclopedia The term "Levirate" is derived from the Latin word "levir," meaning "brother-in-law." It refers to the ancient custom and biblical law whereby a man is obligated to marry his deceased brother's widow if the brother died without leaving a male heir. This practice is primarily outlined in the Old Testament and serves to preserve the family lineage and inheritance within the tribe of Israel.Biblical Foundation The primary biblical reference for the Levirate marriage is found in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. According to the Berean Standard Bible , 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 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." This law underscores the importance of maintaining the deceased brother's name and property within the family, ensuring that his lineage and inheritance are not lost. Cultural and Theological Significance The Levirate marriage was a significant cultural practice in ancient Israel, reflecting the communal and familial responsibilities that were central to Israelite society. It was a means of providing for widows, who were often vulnerable and without support following the death of their husbands. By marrying the widow, the brother-in-law would ensure her protection and provision. Theologically, the Levirate law highlights the importance of family continuity and the preservation of tribal inheritance, which were crucial elements in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The practice also reflects the broader biblical theme of redemption and restoration, as the brother-in-law acts as a "kinsman-redeemer" to restore the family line. Notable Biblical Examples One of the most well-known examples of Levirate marriage is found in the account of Tamar and Judah in Genesis 38. Tamar, the widow of Judah's son Er, is denied the Levirate marriage by Judah's other sons. In a complex narrative, Tamar takes matters into her own hands to secure her place in the family lineage, ultimately leading to the birth of Perez and Zerah. Another significant example is the account of Ruth and Boaz in the Book of Ruth. Although not a direct Levirate marriage, the narrative reflects similar principles. Boaz, a relative of Ruth's deceased husband, acts as a kinsman-redeemer by marrying Ruth, thereby preserving the family line and inheritance. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not explicitly address the practice of Levirate marriage, it is mentioned in a discussion between Jesus and the Sadducees in Matthew 22:23-28. The Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, posed a hypothetical scenario involving Levirate marriage to challenge Jesus on the concept of resurrection. Jesus' response emphasizes the eternal nature of life in the resurrection, moving beyond the earthly concerns of marriage and inheritance. Conclusion The Levirate law, as outlined in the Old Testament, reflects the cultural, familial, and theological values of ancient Israel. It underscores the importance of family continuity, the protection of widows, and the preservation of inheritance within the covenant community. Through its narratives and laws, the Bible presents the Levirate marriage as a means of redemption and restoration, pointing to the broader themes of God's faithfulness and provision for His people. Easton's Bible Dictionary Levirate LawFrom Latin levir, "a husband's brother," the name of an ancient custom ordained by Moses, by which, when an Israelite died without issue, his surviving brother was required to marry the widow, so as to continue his brother's family through the son that might be born of that marriage (Genesis 38:8; Deuteronomy 25:5-10; Comp. Ruth 3; 4:10). Its object was "to raise up seed to the departed brother." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Alt. of Leviratical.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia LEVIRATE; LAWlev'-i-rat. Greek 1918. epigambreuo -- to marry ... marry. From epi and a derivative of gamos; to form affinity with, ie (specially) in a levirate way -- marry. see GREEK epi. see GREEK gamos. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1918.htm - 6k Library Ruth Chapter xxxviii List of Abbreviations Used in Reference to Rabbinic Writings ... Moses, Allowing Divorce, and Christ Prohibiting It, Explained John ... A Statement of the Reason Why Matthew Enumerates one Succession of ... The Alleged Discrepancy in the Gospels in Regard to the Genealogy ... Definitive Form of the Ideas of Jesus Respecting the Kingdom of ... Index i. Of Subjects The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ... The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ... Thesaurus Levirate... Easton's Bible Dictionary Levirate Law. ... (a.) Alt. of Leviratical. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LEVIRATE; LAW. lev'-i-rat. See MARRIAGE. ... /l/levirate.htm - 7k Wife (437 Occurrences) Brother's (46 Occurrences) Zerubbabel (25 Occurrences) Levies (1 Occurrence) Levis Tabeel (2 Occurrences) Boaz (25 Occurrences) Children Child (355 Occurrences) Resources What is a levirate marriage? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about how widows are to be treated? | GotQuestions.org What is onanism? Is onanism a sin? | GotQuestions.org Levirate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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