Deuteronomy 25:5
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.
Deuteronomy 25:5 · King James Version
Meaning
According to this verse, found in the book of Deuteronomy in the Bible, if a man dies without having any children, his wife is not to marry outside of the family. Instead, it is the duty of the deceased man's brother to marry her and raise up offspring to carry on the deceased man's name. This practice was common in ancient Israel and served as a way to ensure that the deceased man's lineage would continue. It was also a way to provide for the widow, ensuring that she would have support and protection within the family structure. This custom was seen as a way to preserve the family unit and maintain the inheritance within the family. By following this law, the family name and property would remain intact, ensuring that the deceased man's memory would live on through his descendants.
Theological Overview
In the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 25, verse 5, the law concerning marriage and inheritance in ancient Israel is outlined. The theological interpretation of this verse reveals the importance of family duty and loyalty within the community. The word "duty" in this context signifies the responsibility of the brother to uphold the family line and provide for the widow of his deceased sibling. This law served to protect the widow from being left destitute and without a provider in a time when women were often dependent on male family members for support. By marrying his brother's widow, the surviving brother ensured that the family name and property would stay within the lineage and that the widow would be cared for. This practice also reflects the belief in the sanctity of marriage and the importance of continuing the family line in the eyes of God.
Deuteronomy 25:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no son, the wife of the dead shall not be married 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 a husband's brother unto her.
World English Bible
If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies, and has no son, the wife of the dead shall not be married outside to a stranger. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her, and take her as his wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her.
Douay-Rheims
When brethren dwell together, and one of them dieth without children, the wife of the deceased shall not marry to another: but his brother shall take her, and raise up seed for his brother:
Geneva Bible (1599)
If brethren dwell together, and one of them dye and haue no sonne, the wife of the dead shall not marry without: that is, vnto a stranger, but his kinseman shall goe in vnto her, and take her to wife, and doe the kinsemans office to her.