Deuteronomy 25:5

Authorized King James Version

If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יֵשְׁב֨וּ
dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#3
אַחִ֜ים
If brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#4
יַחְדָּ֗ו
together
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly
#5
הַמֵּ֛ת
of the dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#6
אַחַ֤ד
and one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#7
מֵהֶם֙
they (only used when emphatic)
#8
וּבֵ֣ן
and have no child
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
אֵֽין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#10
ל֔וֹ
H0
#11
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
תִהְיֶ֧ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
לְאִשָּׁ֖ה
her to him to wife
a woman
#14
הַמֵּ֛ת
of the dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#15
הַח֖וּצָה
shall not marry without
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#16
לְאִ֣ישׁ
unto a stranger
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#17
זָ֑ר
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
#18
יְבָמָהּ֙
her husband's brother
a brotherin-law
#19
יָבֹ֣א
shall go in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#20
עָלֶ֔יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#21
וּלְקָחָ֥הּ
unto her and take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#22
ל֛וֹ
H0
#23
לְאִשָּׁ֖ה
her to him to wife
a woman
#24
וְיִבְּמָֽהּ׃
and perform the duty of an husband's brother
to marry a (deceased) brother's widow

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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