Levirate; Law
Culture & SocietyWhat 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
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Levirate; Law. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Levirate; Law in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Levirate; Law clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Levirate; Law." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/levirate-law/