Bible Dictionary
Levirate Law
The levirate law required a man to marry his deceased brother’s childless widow so that the family line and inheritance might continue. This custom is described in Deuteronomy and illustrated in the accounts of Tamar and Ruth.
Definition
The levirate law was an ancient custom requiring the surviving brother of an Israelite who died childless to marry the widow. A son born from the union would continue the deceased brother’s family line.
Biblical Usage
Its stated purpose was to raise up seed to the departed brother. The custom appears in Genesis 38, Deuteronomy 25:5-10, and the events associated with Ruth.
Historical Background
The name comes from the Latin word levir, meaning a husband’s brother.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
From Latin levir, “a husband’s brother,” the name of an ancient custom ordained by Moses, by which, when an Israelite died without issue, his surviving brother was required to marry the widow, so as to continue his brother’s family through the son that might be born of that marriage (Gen. 38:8; Deut. 25:5-10; comp. Ruth 3; 4:10). Its object was “to raise up seed to the departed brother.”