Deuteronomy 25:5 · KJV

"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."

King James Version

Passage Context

³Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed: lest, if he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto thee.

⁴Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.

⁵If 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.

⁶And it shall be, that the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead, that his name be not put out of Israel.

⁷And 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.

Read full chapter →

Reflection Questions

How do you view the concept of family responsibility?

What does it mean to you to honor family traditions?

When have you had to step in for a family member?

Life Application

family

Consider how you can support your family members in times of need, especially in fulfilling responsibilities that may fall upon you.

tradition

Reflect on the traditions in your family and how they shape your identity and responsibilities.

Related Prayers

🎉Praise & Thanksgiving

Finding Peace Amidst Family Turmoil

Dear Lord, I come to You with a heavy heart. My family is going through a tough time, filled with arguments and misunderstandings. It feels like chaos

👨‍👩‍👧Family & Marriage

Searching for Healing in a Broken Family

I am a single mother of two foster children, both of whom have experienced deep trauma from their past. I try my best to be a nurturing figure, but I

🌍 Global Prayer Community

Someone is praying for you right now.

Pray requests. Thanksgiving. Daily reminders. All in your pocket.

Daily Bible in Your Inbox

Get a daily verse, devotional, and prayer delivered every morning.