King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 25:6 Mean?

Deuteronomy 25:6 in the King James Version says “And it shall be, that the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead, that his n...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And 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.”

Deuteronomy 25:6 · KJV

Context

4

Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. treadeth: Heb. thresheth

5

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. her husband's: or, her next kinsman

6

And 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.

7

And 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. brother's: or, next kinsman's

8

Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak unto him: and if he stand to it, and say, I like not to take her;

Read Deuteronomy 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it shall be, that the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead—the Hebrew yaqum al-shem achiv hamet (יָקוּם עַל־שֵׁם אָחִיו הַמֵּת) means 'shall rise up/stand upon the name of his dead brother.' The firstborn son legally became the deceased's son, inheriting his property rights and continuing his genealogical line. That his name be not put out of Israel—preventing the extinction of the family line, which was considered calamitous in Israelite culture.

The concern for perpetuating names reflects the Old Testament understanding that one's legacy lived through descendants. Being 'cut off' or childless meant obliteration from the covenant community's ongoing story. This makes Christ's voluntary acceptance of death 'without descendants' (Isaiah 53:8) particularly poignant—He died childless that we might become children of God. The levirate system ensured every Israelite had opportunity for memorial through progeny.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Delivered circa 1406 BC before the land distribution that would make inheritance rights tangible. In Israel's tribal system, land was inalienable family property, passed through male heirs (Numbers 27 made exceptions for daughters when no sons existed). A man dying childless meant his land allotment would be lost to the clan. Levirate marriage prevented this fragmentation, keeping tribal territories intact across generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why was name-perpetuation so important in Israelite culture, and what does this reveal about legacy?
  2. How does Christ's 'childless' death contrast with and fulfill Old Testament concerns about offspring?
  3. What constitutes lasting 'legacy' for Christians—biological children, spiritual children, or something else?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְהָיָ֗ה1 of 13
H1961

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

הַבְּכוֹר֙2 of 13

“And it shall be that the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 13
H834

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

תֵּלֵ֔ד4 of 13

“which she beareth”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

יָק֕וּם5 of 13

“shall succeed”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עַל6 of 13
H5921

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

שְׁמ֖וֹ7 of 13

“in the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אָחִ֖יו8 of 13

“of his brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

הַמֵּ֑ת9 of 13

“which is dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וְלֹֽא10 of 13
H3808

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

יִמָּחֶ֥ה11 of 13

“be not put out”

H4229

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

שְׁמ֖וֹ12 of 13

“in the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽל׃13 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 25:6 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 25:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 109:13Deuteronomy 21:19Psalms 9:5Deuteronomy 29:20Ruth 4:1-7Genesis 28:8-10

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Deuteronomy 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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