Deuteronomy 25:9

Authorized King James Version

Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנִגְּשָׁ֨ה

H5066

come

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

יְבִמְתּ֣וֹ

H2994

Then shall his brother's wife

a sister-in-law

אֵלָיו֮

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְעֵינֵ֣י

H5869

unto him in the presence

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הַזְּקֵנִים֒

H2205

of the elders

old

וְחָֽלְצָ֤ה

H2502

and loose

to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen

נַֽעֲלוֹ֙

H5275

his shoe

properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless)

מֵעַ֣ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רַגְל֔וֹ

H7272

from off his foot

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

#10

וְיָֽרְקָ֖ה

H3417

and spit

to spit

#11

בְּפָנָ֑יו

H6440

in his face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#12

וְעָֽנְתָה֙

H6030

and shall answer

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

#13

וְאָ֣מְרָ֔ה

H559

and say

to say (used with great latitude)

#14

כָּ֚כָה

H3602

just so, referring to the previous or following context

#15

יֵֽעָשֶׂ֣ה

H6213

So shall it be done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#16

לָאִ֔ישׁ

H376

unto that 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)

#17

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#18

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#19

יִבְנֶ֖ה

H1129

that will not build up

to build (literally and figuratively)

#20

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#21

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#22

אָחִֽיו׃

H251

his brother's

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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Deuteronomy 25:9

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources