Levirate; Law
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The levirate law, derived from the Hebrew root meaning 'to marry the brother's wife,' mandated that a surviving brother cohabit with his deceased sibling's childless widow to secure an heir for the deceased's lineage.
What is the meaning of Levirate; Law in the Bible?
The levirate law, derived from the Hebrew root meaning 'to marry the brother's wife,' mandated that a surviving brother cohabit with his deceased sibling's childless widow to secure an heir for the deceased's lineage.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this law clarifies the narrative tension in Genesis 38 and the Book of Ruth, revealing how ancient Israelites prioritized the preservation of family property and name over individual marital choice.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.