What was a levirate marriage?
Quick answer
In ancient Israel, if a man died childless, his brother was expected to marry the widow and raise up a son in his brother’s name (Deuteronomy 25:5–10). This preserved the deceased’s family line and inheritance.
Boaz redeeming Ruth is a famous case (though more complex — he was a kinsman-redeemer beyond the strict levirate).
Jesus’ critics use the law to construct a hypothetical case about resurrection (Matthew 22:23–33); Jesus uses it to teach about the resurrection life.
Modern Christians are not bound by Mosaic civil law, but the underlying value — protecting the widow, honoring family lineage — still shapes Christian care for the bereaved.
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Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.