Deuteronomy 25:7

Authorized King James Version

And if the man like not to take his brother's wife, then let his brother's wife go up to the gate unto the elders, and say, My husband's brother refuseth to raise up unto his brother a name in Israel, he will not perform the duty of my husband's brother.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
יַחְפֹּץ֙
like
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
#4
הָאִ֔ישׁ
And if the man
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)
#5
לָקַ֖חַת
not to take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
יְבִמְתּ֨וֹ
his brother's wife
a sister-in-law
#8
וְעָֽלְתָה֩
go up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#9
יְבִמְתּ֨וֹ
his brother's wife
a sister-in-law
#10
הַשַּׁ֜עְרָה
to the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#11
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
הַזְּקֵנִ֗ים
unto the elders
old
#13
וְאָֽמְרָה֙
and say
to say (used with great latitude)
#14
מֵאֵ֨ן
refuseth
to refuse
#15
יְבָמִ֜י
My husband's brother
a brotherin-law
#16
לְהָקִ֨ים
to raise up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#17
לְאָחִ֥יו
unto his brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#18
שֵׁם֙
a name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#19
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
in Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#20
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#21
אָבָ֖ה
H14
he will
to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent
#22
יַבְּמִֽי׃
not perform the duty of my husband's brother
to marry a (deceased) brother's widow

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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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