Deuteronomy 24:5

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

When a man {H376} hath taken {H3947} a new {H2319} wife {H802}, he shall not go out {H3318} to war {H6635}, neither shall he be charged {H5674} with any business {H1697}: but he shall be free {H5355} at home {H1004} one {H259} year {H8141}, and shall cheer up {H8055} his wife {H802} which he hath taken {H3947}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"If a man has recently married his wife, he is not to be subject to military service; he is to be free of external obligations and left at home for one year to make his new wife happy.

Berean Standard Bible

If a man is newly married, he must not be sent to war or be pressed into any duty. For one year he is free to stay at home and bring joy to the wife he has married.

American Standard Version

When a man taketh a new wife, he shall not go out in the host, neither shall he be charged with any business: he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer his wife whom he hath taken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 24:5 lays out a unique and compassionate legal provision within the Mosaic covenant, granting a newly married man a full year's exemption from military service and other public duties. This law profoundly underscores the divine priority placed on the foundational establishment of the family unit, ensuring a protected period of undisturbed intimacy, joy, and bonding for the nascent couple. It reflects God's profound wisdom in nurturing healthy marital relationships as the bedrock of a stable and flourishing society, allowing the husband to dedicate himself fully to his new wife and the cultivation of their shared life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 24:5 is situated within a broader collection of miscellaneous laws (Deuteronomy 22-25) that detail various aspects of Israelite civil, social, and domestic life. This section follows Moses' recapitulation of the Ten Commandments and the covenant stipulations, serving as practical applications of the covenant principles for a people on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. Specifically, this verse appears among laws concerning marriage, divorce, and family integrity, demonstrating God's meticulous care for the social fabric of Israel. It immediately precedes laws regarding collateral and kidnapping, highlighting a consistent theme of justice, compassion, and the protection of vulnerable individuals and relationships within the community. The law's placement emphasizes that even in matters of national defense, the well-being of the individual family unit holds significant weight in God's economy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, military service was often a communal obligation, and men were expected to participate in defensive or offensive campaigns. However, Israelite law, uniquely among ancient Near Eastern codes, included several exemptions from military duty, as seen in [Deuteronomy 20:5-8](/deuteronomy/20-5-8 "Deuteronomy 20:5-8 - Exemptions from Military Service"). These exemptions were not based on weakness but on the recognition of significant life events that required a man's full presence and attention, such as building a new house, planting a vineyard, or, as here, taking a new wife. Marriage was not merely a private affair but a vital societal institution, crucial for procreation, the continuation of family lines, and the stability of the community. The first year of marriage was a critical period for establishing the home, solidifying the bond between husband and wife, and often for the beginning of a family. The cultural expectation was that the husband would provide for and protect his household, and this law facilitated that foundational role without the immediate burden of external obligations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy. Firstly, it exemplifies **God's compassion and wisdom** in legislation, demonstrating a deep understanding of human needs and the practicalities of life. Unlike many ancient law codes that prioritized the state over the individual, God's law balances national needs with personal well-being. Secondly, it underscores the **sacredness and foundational importance of marriage and family** within Israelite society. The family unit is presented as the primary building block of the nation, deserving of protection and intentional cultivation. This aligns with the emphasis on covenant fidelity, which often manifests in healthy family relationships, as seen in the blessings and curses tied to obedience in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thirdly, the command to "cheer up his wife" highlights the theme of **marital joy and mutual delight**, emphasizing that marriage is not merely a legal contract or a means of procreation, but a relationship intended for companionship, happiness, and emotional flourishing. This echoes wisdom literature's call for spouses to find joy in one another, as in [Proverbs 5:18](/proverbs/5-18 "Proverbs 5:18 - Rejoice with the Wife of Your Youth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Free (Hebrew, _nâqîy'_):** This adjective (H5355) signifies being "free," "exempt," or "at liberty." In this context, it specifically denotes freedom from service or obligation, particularly military duty or other public burdens. The word emphasizes a divinely mandated release from external pressures, allowing the man to be wholly dedicated to his domestic responsibilities during this crucial first year. It highlights the unique privilege and protection afforded to the newly married, ensuring they are "innocent" or "quit" of other duties.
* **Cheer up (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** This verb (H8055) means "to rejoice," "to be joyful," "to make glad," or "to cause to rejoice." It implies an active, intentional effort on the part of the husband to bring delight and happiness to his new wife. It's not a passive presence but a proactive engagement in fostering a joyful and celebratory atmosphere within their new home. This goes beyond mere provision and speaks to the emotional and relational dimensions of marriage, highlighting the husband's role in ensuring his wife's emotional flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When a man hath taken a new wife":** This clause establishes the specific condition for the law's application. The phrase "taken a new wife" (H3947 _lâqach_ H2319 _châdâsh_ H802 _ʼishshâh_) refers to the consummation of marriage, establishing a new household. The "newness" emphasizes the formative stage of the relationship, highlighting the critical importance of this initial period for the couple's bonding and establishment.
* **"he shall not go out to war":** This is the primary prohibition. The newly married man is explicitly exempted from military conscription or participation in any armed conflict (H6635 _tsâbâʼ_). This demonstrates a clear prioritization of the marital bond over national defense, a remarkable provision in a society where military readiness was paramount.
* **"neither shall he be charged with any business":** This expands the exemption beyond military service to include other public or civic duties that might take him away from home or burden him excessively. "Any business" (H1697 _dâbâr_) is broad, encompassing official responsibilities, public works, or anything that would distract him from his domestic focus. This ensures his full availability and attention to his new family.
* **"[but] he shall be free at home one year":** This specifies the duration and location of his exemption. For a full twelve months ("one year," H259 _ʼechâd_ H8141 _shâneh_), he is to remain "at home" (H1004 _bayith_), indicating his primary sphere of activity and responsibility. The emphasis on "free" (H5355 _nâqîy_) reiterates his release from external obligations, dedicating this time exclusively to his new marital life.
* **"and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken":** This is the positive command, stating the purpose of the exemption. The husband's freedom is not for idleness but for active engagement in cultivating joy and well-being for his wife. The repetition of "his wife which he hath taken" reinforces the specific object of his care and the unique bond being formed. This command elevates the emotional and relational health of the marriage to a divine mandate.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 24:5 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and emphasis. The most prominent is **Legal Prose**, characterized by its direct, prescriptive, and unambiguous language. This style underscores the divine authority behind the command and leaves no room for misinterpretation regarding the husband's obligations and privileges. The verse also uses **Repetition** by reiterating "his wife which he hath taken," which serves to emphasize the specific object of the husband's care and the unique, personal nature of the marital bond. Furthermore, the law functions as a **Paradigm** or **Model**, setting a standard for the prioritization of family over other societal demands, a principle that transcends the specific ancient context. The contrast between "not go out to war" and "be free at home" creates a **Juxtaposition** that highlights the radical nature of this exemption and the profound value God places on the establishment of a secure and joyful marital foundation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This unique law in Deuteronomy 24:5 reveals a profound theological truth: God is deeply concerned with the well-being and flourishing of human relationships, particularly the foundational institution of marriage. It demonstrates that divine law is not merely about prohibitions but also about positive provisions that foster human flourishing and societal stability. By prioritizing the newly formed family unit, God models compassionate governance and emphasizes that healthy families are the building blocks of a healthy nation. This principle underscores the sanctity of marriage as a covenantal bond, reflecting God's own faithfulness and care for His people. The law also highlights the importance of intentional investment in relationships, recognizing that strong foundations are crucial for long-term success and joy.

* [Proverbs 18:22](/proverbs/18-22 "Proverbs 18:22 - Finding a Good Wife")
* [Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands Love Your Wives")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 24:5, though rooted in ancient Israelite law, offers timeless principles for contemporary life and relationships. It challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities, asking whether we truly value and invest in the foundational relationships in our lives, particularly marriage. In a world often driven by career demands, external pressures, and endless distractions, this verse calls for intentionality and presence. It reminds us that cultivating joy, intimacy, and a secure environment within our homes is not an optional extra but a divinely endorsed priority. For married couples, it's a call to actively "cheer up" one another, to pursue mutual delight, and to protect the sacred space of their union from the encroaching demands of the outside world. For society, it's a reminder that strong families are the bedrock of communal health and that policies and practices should support, rather than undermine, the stability of homes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this ancient law challenge modern societal priorities regarding work, career, and family life?**
* **In what practical ways can couples today "cheer up" one another and intentionally invest in the joy and intimacy of their marriage, especially in its early stages?**
* **What external pressures or "business" might distract a newly married couple today, and how can they guard against them?**
* **How might the principle of prioritizing foundational relationships apply beyond marriage to other areas of life, such as parenting, friendships, or spiritual disciplines?**

### FAQ

**Does this law apply to women, or only to men?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 24:5 specifically addresses the newly married man, exempting him from military service and other public duties, and instructing him to "cheer up his wife." This reflects the patriarchal societal structure of ancient Israel, where men typically served in the military and were the primary public figures. While the direct application is to the husband, the underlying principle of prioritizing the marital bond and fostering joy within the new home is reciprocal. Both husband and wife are called to contribute to the well-being and happiness of their marriage, as seen in broader biblical teachings on mutual love and respect (e.g., [Ephesians 5:21-33](/ephesians/5-21-33 "Ephesians 5:21-33 - Submit to One Another") and [1 Peter 3:7](/1_peter/3-7 "1 Peter 3:7 - Husbands Live with Your Wives in an Understanding Way")). The law's focus on the husband's exemption is to ensure his presence and dedication to the new family unit during a critical formative period.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 24:5, with its compassionate provision for the newly married, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the law provided a temporary, earthly exemption for the sake of marital flourishing, Christ offers eternal freedom and the ultimate "cheering up" for His bride, the Church. Just as the Israelite husband was to be "free at home one year" to dedicate himself to his wife, Christ, our heavenly Bridegroom, has freed us from the bondage of sin and the "business" of striving for righteousness, so that we might be wholly devoted to Him ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). He did not merely abstain from war but conquered sin and death through His ultimate sacrifice, securing peace for His beloved ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through Christ's Blood")). The command to "cheer up his wife" foreshadows Christ's active pursuit of our joy and sanctification, continually nourishing and cherishing His Church ([Ephesians 5:29](/ephesians/5-29 "Ephesians 5:29 - Christ Nourishes and Cherishes the Church")). He is the one who truly makes us rejoice, filling our lives with gladness and establishing an eternal covenant of love and intimacy with His people, a relationship that transcends any earthly bond and will culminate in the joyous marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 20:7

And what man [is there] that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

Proverbs 5:18

Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

Genesis 2:24

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Titus 2:4

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

Titus 2:5

[To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Mark 10:6

But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.

Mark 10:9

What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.