a primitive root of doubtful meaning; used only as a denominative from יָבָם; to marry a (deceased) brother's widow; perform the duty of a husband's brother, marry.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb **yâbam**, represented by `{{H2992}}`, specifically means to **perform the duty of a husband's brother** or to marry a deceased brother's widow. It is a primitive root used only in this specific context. Appearing **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, this term defines a crucial legal and social obligation within ancient Israelite culture designed to perpetuate a family line.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H2992}}` outlines a practice known as levirate marriage. The law is detailed in Deuteronomy, stating that if brothers `{{H251}}` live together and one dies without a child `{{H1121}}`, the surviving brother must go in and take the widow as his wife, thereby **performing the duty of an husband's brother** `{{H2992}}` [[Deuteronomy 25:5]]. A narrative example appears earlier in Genesis when Judah `{{H3063}}` commands his son Onan `{{H209}}` to **marry** `{{H2992}}` his deceased brother's wife to raise up seed `{{H2233}}` for him [[Genesis 38:8]]. The law also accounts for refusal, allowing the widow to publicly state that her husband's brother will not **perform the duty of my husband's brother** `{{H2992}}` [[Deuteronomy 25:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are essential to understanding the context of `{{H2992}}`:
* `{{H2993}}` **yâbâm** (husband's brother): This is the noun identifying the man obligated to perform the duty. The term defines the specific relationship of the brother-in-law to the widow [[Deuteronomy 25:5]].
* `{{H2994}}` **Yᵉbêmeth** (brother's wife): The feminine counterpart, this term refers to the sister-in-law, or the widow, who is the subject of this law [[Deuteronomy 25:7]].
* `{{H2233}}` **zeraʻ** (seed): A primary purpose of this act is to provide posterity for the deceased. The command to Onan was specifically to "raise up **seed** to thy brother" [[Genesis 38:8]].
* `{{H8034}}` **shêm** (name): If a man refused this duty, he was accused of refusing to "raise up unto his brother a **name** in Israel," highlighting the importance of preserving the deceased's legacy [[Deuteronomy 25:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and social weight of `{{H2992}}` is significant in several ways:
* **Continuity of Lineage:** The central principle is the preservation of a family line that would otherwise be extinguished. This is expressed through the goals of raising up "seed" `{{H2233}}` [[Genesis 38:8]] and establishing a "name" `{{H8034}}` in Israel for the deceased brother [[Deuteronomy 25:7]].
* **Familial Obligation:** The practice was not merely a suggestion but a recognized duty. Refusal carried a social stigma and required a formal ceremony of release before the elders `{{H2205}}` at the city gate `{{H8179}}` [[Deuteronomy 25:7]].
* **Protection and Inclusion:** This law ensured that a childless widow would not have to marry a "stranger" `{{H376}}` `{{H2114}}` outside her husband's family, thus providing for her social and economic stability within the covenant community [[Deuteronomy 25:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2992}}` is a highly specific term that encapsulates a vital cultural and legal institution in the Old Testament. It signifies more than just marriage; it represents a profound duty to one's brother `{{H251}}`, the preservation of family identity and inheritance, and the structural integrity of the community in Israel `{{H3478}}`. The act of **yâbam** demonstrates how personal relationships were interwoven with the larger concerns of lineage and legacy.
TRV