This is a sensitive and important question that touches on both biblical teaching and cultural norms. Let’s explore what the Bible says about this situation both from the Old Testament and the New Testament and how Christians today should think about it.
In the Old Covenant, there was a specific law known as levirate marriage (from the Latin levir, meaning “brother-in-law”). According to Deuteronomy 25:5–10, if a man died without leaving a son, his brother was obligated to marry the widow to raise offspring in the name of the deceased. This was to preserve the family line and inheritance within the tribes of Israel.
Deuteronomy 25:5–6 (ESV)
“If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead man shall not be married outside the family to a stranger. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her and take her as his wife and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her. And the first son whom she bears shall succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel.”
This law served a theological and societal purpose in ancient Israel:
However, this command was limited to that cultural and covenantal context. It was not about romantic love or personal choice, but fulfilling a duty to family and community.
When we come to the New Testament, the levirate marriage law is not carried over. Under the New Covenant, marriage is treated more personally, emphasizing freedom in Christ, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of mutual consent and faith in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 7:39 (ESV)
“A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.”
Romans 7:2–3 (ESV)
“For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.”
These passages teach that once a spouse dies, the surviving partner is no longer bound by the marital covenant and is free to remarry but the marriage must still honor the Lord.
So technically, yes, a Christian can marry a deceased brother’s wife, as long as both are single and the relationship is Christ-centered.
Even though the New Testament gives freedom, Paul reminds us that not everything permissible is beneficial:
1 Corinthians 10:23 (ESV)
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.”
In other words, just because something is allowed doesn’t mean it’s always the wisest or most loving choice. Here are a few things to consider:
Such a marriage could cause tension or division within the family.
Are both individuals genuinely pursuing God’s will, or is the relationship based on emotional need or convenience?
So, what should a Christian do in this situation?
James 1:5 (ESV)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
If you asked me for personal advice, I would recommend you seek someone else to marry, unless you’re absolutely sure the relationship is pleasing to God, honors your families, and strengthens your witness in the community.
So in summary:
Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
May the Lord give you wisdom, peace, and clarity in every decision. God bless you.
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