King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 24:5 Mean?

Deuteronomy 24:5 in the King James Version says “When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shal... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken. neither: Heb. not any thing shall pass upon him

Deuteronomy 24:5 · KJV


Context

3

And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife;

4

Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

5

When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken. neither: Heb. not any thing shall pass upon him

6

No man shall take the nether or the upper millstone to pledge: for he taketh a man's life to pledge.

7

If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken. God mandates a one-year honeymoon period where the new husband is exempt from military and civic duties. This demonstrates divine concern for establishing strong marriages through dedicated time together.

The phrase shall be free at home one year provides extended period for the couple to bond without external pressures competing for attention. Strong marriages require investment of time and focus, which God protects by excusing obligations that would separate them.

The purpose cheer up his wife indicates the husband's responsibility to bring joy and comfort to his bride. Marriage is not merely legal contract but relationship requiring emotional investment, care, and cultivation of happiness.

This law reveals God's prioritization - establishing godly marriages takes precedence even over national defense and civic obligations. Strong families form the foundation of strong communities.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In agrarian and warrior societies, this exemption represented significant sacrifice by the community. Excusing newlyweds from war and civic duties redistributed their responsibilities to others.

This demonstrates Israel's community commitment to strengthening marriages, recognizing that healthy families benefit society long-term despite short-term inconvenience.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does one-year exemption teach about God's priority on marriage establishment?
  2. How does protected time for bonding strengthen marriages?
  3. What does 'cheer up his wife' reveal about husbands' emotional responsibilities?
  4. Why does God prioritize marriage establishment even above military defense?
  5. How might contemporary society apply this principle of protecting marriage investment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
כִּֽי1 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לָקָֽח׃2 of 23

hath taken

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אִישׁ֙3 of 23

When a man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אִשְׁתּ֥וֹ4 of 23

his wife

H802

a woman

חֲדָשָׁ֔ה5 of 23

a new

H2319

new

לֹ֤א6 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵצֵא֙7 of 23

he shall not go out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

בַּצָּבָ֔א8 of 23

to war

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

וְלֹֽא9 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַעֲבֹ֥ר10 of 23

neither shall he be charged

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עָלָ֖יו11 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לְכָל12 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דָּבָ֑ר13 of 23

with any business

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

נָקִ֞י14 of 23

but he shall be free

H5355

innocent

יִֽהְיֶ֤ה15 of 23
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְבֵיתוֹ֙16 of 23

at home

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

שָׁנָ֣ה17 of 23

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

אֶחָ֔ת18 of 23

one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וְשִׂמַּ֖ח19 of 23

and shall cheer up

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

אֶת20 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אִשְׁתּ֥וֹ21 of 23

his wife

H802

a woman

אֲשֶׁר22 of 23
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לָקָֽח׃23 of 23

hath taken

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 24:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 24:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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