Deuteronomy 25:8
Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak unto him: and if he stand to it, and say, I like not to take her;
Original Language Analysis
וְקָֽרְאוּ
shall call
H7121
וְקָֽרְאוּ
shall call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 11
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
עִיר֖וֹ
of his city
H5892
עִיר֖וֹ
of his city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
4 of 11
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְדִבְּר֣וּ
him and speak
H1696
וְדִבְּר֣וּ
him and speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
5 of 11
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וְעָמַ֣ד
unto him and if he stand
H5975
וְעָמַ֣ד
unto him and if he stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
7 of 11
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Given circa 1406 BC as part of the judicial procedures Israel would implement in Canaan. The elder system existed in tribal patriarchal society, with family heads serving as local authorities. This contrasted with Egypt's centralized bureaucracy and prepared Israel for the distributed governance structure appropriate to their scattered towns and villages. The elders' investigative role ensured hasty decisions didn't harm vulnerable parties.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does wise governance sometimes require process and deliberation rather than immediate resolution?
- How does this law balance individual freedom with communal responsibility and protection of the vulnerable?
- What role should church elders play in mediating disputes and counseling difficult family decisions today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak unto him—the community leaders investigated, ensuring the brother-in-law understood his obligation and the consequences of refusal. And if he stand to it, and say, I like not to take her—if after counseling he persisted in refusal, the law provided release mechanism. The Hebrew lo chafatsti (לֹא חָפַצְתִּי) means 'I have no delight/desire,' indicating this was voluntary choice, not coercion.
The elders' intervention served multiple purposes: ensuring the brother wasn't refusing from misunderstanding, giving the widow formal witness, and preparing the community for the public ceremony (verse 9) that would release both parties from obligation. The process balanced the widow's need for resolution with the brother's freedom of conscience, preventing both indefinite abandonment and forced marriage.