Deuteronomy 25:5

God's Word

When brothers live together and one of them dies without having a son, his widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother must marry her and sleep with her. He must do his duty as her brother-in-law.

Cross References

Genesis 19:31

The older daughter said to the younger one, “Our father is old. No men are here. We can’t get married as other people do.

Matthew 22:24

“Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies childless, his brother should marry his widow and have children for his brother.’

Mark 12:19

“Teacher, Moses wrote for us, ‘If a man dies and leaves a wife but no child, his brother should marry his widow and have children for his brother.’

Luke 20:28

“Teacher, Moses wrote for us, ‘If a married man dies and has no children, his brother should marry his widow and have children for his brother.’

Ruth 1:11

But Naomi said, “Go back, my daughters. Why should you go with me? Do I have any more sons in my womb who could be your husbands?

Ruth 3:13

Stay here tonight. In the morning if he will agree to take care of you, that is good. He can take care of you. But if he does not wish to take care of you, then, I solemnly swear, as the Lord lives, I will take care of you myself. Lie down until morning.”

Ruth 3:2

Isn’t Boaz, whose young women you’ve been working with, our relative? He will be separating the barley from its husks on the threshing floor  tonight.

Ruth 3:9

“Who are you?” he asked. She answered, “I am Ruth. Spread the corner of your garment over me because you are a close relative who can take care of me.”

Ruth 4:5

Boaz continued, “When you buy the field from Naomi, you will also assume responsibility for the Moabite Ruth, the dead man’s widow. This keeps the inheritance in the dead man’s name.”