King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 25:9 Mean?

Deuteronomy 25:9 in the King James Version says “Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spi...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house.”

Deuteronomy 25:9 · KJV

Context

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;

9

Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house.

10

And his name shall be called in Israel, The house of him that hath his shoe loosed.

11

When men strive together one with another , and the wife of the one draweth near for to deliver her husband out of the hand of him that smiteth him, and putteth forth her hand, and taketh him by the secrets:

Read Deuteronomy 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot—the ceremony of chalitzah (חֲלִיצָה, 'removal') publicly released both parties from levirate obligation. And spit in his face—not violent assault but ritualized contempt, probably spitting toward or before his face rather than directly on it. So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house—the declaration attached public shame to the refusal.

Removing the sandal symbolized relinquishing property rights and authority (see Ruth 4:7-8, where the sandal transaction confirmed the kinsman-redeemer's waiver). The ritual humiliation branded the refuser as prioritizing personal convenience over family duty. While the law permitted refusal, it didn't approve it—the ceremony marked his choice as dishonorable. The public nature prevented private deals and ensured clarity about inheritance rights.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Established circa 1406 BC for implementation in Israelite society. Sandals symbolized ownership and contract in ancient Near Eastern culture—removing and transferring a sandal confirmed business transactions. The public ceremony at the city gate ensured witnesses and created permanent community memory. Ruth 4:7 notes this custom persisted 'in former times in Israel,' suggesting it eventually fell into disuse as urbanization and exile disrupted tribal land tenure.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God attach public shame to legally permitted actions when those actions violate community values?
  2. How do symbolic actions in ceremonies (like baptism or communion) carry theological and social meaning?
  3. What's the difference between legal permission and moral approval, and how should this distinction guide Christians?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְנִגְּשָׁ֨ה1 of 22

“come”

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

יְבִמְתּ֣וֹ2 of 22

“Then shall his brother's wife”

H2994

a sister-in-law

אֵלָיו֮3 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְעֵינֵ֣י4 of 22

“unto him in the presence”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הַזְּקֵנִים֒5 of 22

“of the elders”

H2205

old

וְחָֽלְצָ֤ה6 of 22

“and loose”

H2502

to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen

נַֽעֲלוֹ֙7 of 22

“his shoe”

H5275

properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless)

מֵעַ֣ל8 of 22
H5921

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

רַגְל֔וֹ9 of 22

“from off his foot”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

וְיָֽרְקָ֖ה10 of 22

“and spit”

H3417

to spit

בְּפָנָ֑יו11 of 22

“in his face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְעָֽנְתָה֙12 of 22

“and shall answer”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

וְאָ֣מְרָ֔ה13 of 22

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כָּ֚כָה14 of 22
H3602

just so, referring to the previous or following context

יֵֽעָשֶׂ֣ה15 of 22

“So shall it be done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָאִ֔ישׁ16 of 22

“unto that 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)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 22
H834

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

לֹֽא18 of 22
H3808

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

יִבְנֶ֖ה19 of 22

“that will not build up”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת20 of 22
H853

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

בֵּ֥ית21 of 22

“house”

H1004

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

אָחִֽיו׃22 of 22

“his brother's”

H251

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

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 25:9 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 25:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ruth 4:7-8Numbers 12:14Mark 1:7Isaiah 20:2Isaiah 50:6Job 30:10

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