Deuteronomy 25 8

Deuteronomy 25:8 kjv

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;

Deuteronomy 25:8 nkjv

Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him. But if he stands firm and says, 'I do not want to take her,'

Deuteronomy 25:8 niv

Then the elders of his town shall summon him and talk to him. If he persists in saying, "I do not want to marry her,"

Deuteronomy 25:8 esv

Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him, and if he persists, saying, 'I do not wish to take her,'

Deuteronomy 25:8 nlt

The elders of the town will then summon him and talk with him. If he still refuses and says, 'I don't want to marry her,'

Deuteronomy 25 verses

Deuteronomy 25 8 Meaning

Deuteronomy 25:8 describes the specific step in the levirate marriage process where, if a man refuses to fulfill his duty to marry his deceased brother's widow, the respected elders of his city are to summon him. They will then formally address him and engage in a dialogue concerning his decision, during which he must definitively state his unwavering refusal. This verse sets the stage for the public shaming ritual that follows.

Deuteronomy 25 8 Context

Deuteronomy 25:8 is part of a larger legal section in Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26), which outlines various covenant stipulations for the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Specifically, this verse is nestled within the law concerning levirate marriage (Deut 25:5-10). This law, known as yibbum (from the Hebrew word for "brother-in-law"), required a man to marry his deceased brother's widow if the brother died childless. The primary purpose was to raise up an heir for the deceased brother, ensuring his name and inheritance would not perish in Israel. This social provision also served as a form of welfare, protecting the widow from destitution in a society where her economic security was typically tied to male family members. The process described in verse 8 — summoning the man before the elders at the city gate — highlights the public, judicial nature of these community responsibilities, ensuring that such vital matters of family continuity and widow welfare were not ignored.

Deuteronomy 25 8 Word analysis

• Then the elders (וְקָרְאוּ לוֹ זִקְנֵי, v'qare'u lo ziqne):

  • elders (זְקֵנִים, z'kenim): Refers to the recognized, authoritative leaders and wise men within the community. In ancient Israel, elders functioned as judges and administrators, overseeing legal and civic affairs, often meeting at the city gate. Their presence lent authority and public validation to the proceedings. They represent communal wisdom and justice.

• of his city (עִירוֹ, 'iro):

  • city ('עִיר, 'ir): In this context, "city" implicitly refers to the city gate (sha'ar), which was the primary place for public assembly, business transactions, and judicial proceedings in ancient Israelite towns. The phrase emphasizes the public and formal nature of the hearing, distinct from a private family dispute.

• shall call him (וְקָרְאוּ לוֹ, v'qare'u lo):

  • call him: Signifies a formal summons, an official order for the man to appear before the communal authority. This is not an invitation but a mandatory appearance before the legal representatives of the city.

• and speak to him (וְדִבְּרוּ אֵלָיו, v'dibberu 'elav):

  • speak to him: Implies an authoritative dialogue or interrogation. The elders would likely explain the law, the social expectations, and the man's duty, possibly urging him to fulfill his obligation before confirming his final decision. It suggests a formal inquiry rather than casual conversation.

• and if he persists (וְעָמַד, v'amad):

  • persists: The Hebrew verb עָמַד (amad) literally means "to stand," "to stand firm," or "to remain fixed." In this legal context, it conveys stubbornness, obstinacy, and a deliberate, unwavering resolve in his refusal. It signifies that he has heard the elders' counsel, understands his duty, and yet remains steadfast in his unwillingness. It’s not a moment of hesitation, but a declared position.

• and says (וְאָמַר, v'amar):

  • says: Indicates a direct, verbal, and clear articulation of his decision. The previous "persists" implies an inner resolve, and "says" makes it an outward, undeniable declaration.

• 'I do not wish to take her' (לֹא חָפַצְתִּי לְקַחְתָּהּ, lo chafatzti laqachtah):

  • I do not wish (לֹא חָפַצְתִּי, lo chafatzti): The root חָפֵץ (chafetz) expresses desire, delight, or pleasure. The negative form, lo chafatzti, translates to "I have no desire," "I do not delight," or "I am not pleased." This signifies a firm, personal, and absolute lack of willingness to undertake the levirate marriage. It implies a total absence of affection or obligation, from his perspective, for the task at hand.
  • to take her (לְקַחְתָּהּ, laqachtah): Simply "to take her [as wife]."

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him": This phrase highlights the formal judicial process. It shows that neglecting this duty was not a private matter but a community concern that required official intervention by recognized authorities. The location ("his city," implying the gate) signifies a public hearing.
  • "and if he persists and says, 'I do not wish to take her,' ": This crucial part emphasizes the man's definitive and stubborn refusal. It is not an act of ignorance or indecision but a deliberate choice maintained even after being addressed by the highest local authority. The clear, stated rejection is the trigger for the subsequent public shaming outlined in the following verses.

Deuteronomy 25 8 Bonus section

• The requirement for the man to state his refusal explicitly underscores the covenantal emphasis on direct and clear communication in legal matters. There could be no ambiguity about his intentions.
• This procedure demonstrates Israel's unique legal system, where justice was dispensed by local elders at public forums, fostering communal accountability. It wasn't merely about personal preference but about fulfilling a community and familial duty established by God.
• The emphasis on "I do not wish to take her" (lo chafatzti) is distinct from a mere "I cannot" or "I refuse." It points to a deep lack of inclination or desire for this significant familial responsibility, making his choice intentional and thus deserving of public consequence.

Deuteronomy 25 8 Commentary

Deuteronomy 25:8 meticulously details a procedural step within the levirate marriage law, setting a framework for dealing with non-compliance. It highlights the deeply communal aspect of justice and social responsibility in ancient Israel. The "elders of his city," acting as the legal and moral arbiters, initiate a formal summoning. This public interrogation at the city gate ensures transparency and witnesses, affirming the gravity of the duty and the weight of the man's refusal. His determined statement, "I do not wish to take her," articulated even after the elders' address, transforms a personal disinclination into a public act of rejection, necessitating the communal sanction detailed in verse 9. This law safeguards the vulnerable widow, guarantees the continuity of lineage, and demonstrates that individual choices in Israel often had broader societal implications requiring communal oversight.