Deuteronomy 25:7 net — But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, then she must go to the elders at the town gate and say,“My…

NET Bible

"But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, then she must go to the elders at the town gate and say,“My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel; he is unwilling to perform the duty of a brother-in-law to me!”"

— Deuteronomy 25:7, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

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Deuteronomy 25:7 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations
  • KJV

    “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.”

  • ASV

    “And if the man like not to take his brother’s wife, then his brother’s wife shall 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 a husband’s brother unto me. ”

  • WEB

    “If the man doesn't want to take his brother's wife, then his brother's wife shall go up to the gate to the elders, and say, "My husband's brother refuses to raise up to his brother a name in Israel; he will not perform the duty of a husband's brother to me."”

  • DRB

    “But if he will not take his brother's wife, who by law belongeth to him, the woman shall go to the gate of the city, and call upon the ancients, and say: My husband's brother refuseth to raise up his brother's name in Israel: and will not take me to wife.”

  • BBE

    “But if the man says he will not take his brother's wife, then let the wife go to the responsible men of the town, and say, My husband's brother will not keep his brother's name living in Israel; he will not do what it is right for a husband's brother to do.”

  • KJVA

    “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.”

Deuteronomy 25 — Context

4

You must not muzzle your ox when it is treading grain.

5

Respect for the Sanctity of Others If brothers live together and one of them dies without having a son, the dead man’s wife must not remarry someone outside the family. Instead, her late husband’s brother must go to her, marry her, and perform the duty of a brother-in-law.

6

Then the first son she bears will continue the name of the dead brother, thus preventing his name from being blotted out of Israel.

7

But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, then she must go to the elders at the town gate and say,“My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel; he is unwilling to perform the duty of a brother-in-law to me!”

8

Then the elders of his city must summon him and speak to him. If he persists, saying,“I don’t want to marry her,”

9

then his sister-in-law must approach him in view of the elders, remove his sandal from his foot, and spit in his face. She will then respond,“Thus may it be done to any man who does not maintain his brother’s family line!”

10

His family name will be referred to in Israel as“the family of the one whose sandal was removed.”

Deuteronomy 25:7 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 25:7 say?
Deuteronomy 25:7 in the NET Bible reads: “But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, then she must go to the elders at the town gate and say,“My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel; he is unwilling to perform the duty of a brother-in-law to me!””
Where is Deuteronomy 25:7 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 25:7 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 25, verse 7.
Who wrote Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Largely framed as Moses' farewell speeches; the closing chapter narrating his death was likely added by Joshua or a later editor. It was written c. 1406 BC.
What is the book of Deuteronomy about?
Deuteronomy is Moses' final sermons to Israel before they enter the Promised Land — a renewed call to love and obey the LORD. It re-states the Law, rehearses Israel's history, and lays before the people blessing for obedience and curse for rebellion.
What are the major themes of Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy explores themes including Covenant, Love, Obedience, Remembrance, Blessing & Curse. These themes shape the meaning and context of Deuteronomy 25:7.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 25:7 in?
Deuteronomy 25:7 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Deuteronomy 25:7?
Deuteronomy 25:7 reads (NET): “But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, then she must go to the elders at the town gate and say,“My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel; he is unwilling to perform the duty of a brother-in-law to me!”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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