Levirate marriage
A marriage custom obligating a brother to marry his deceased sibling's widow.
Levirate marriage is a type of marriage in which the brother of a deceased man is obliged to marry his widowed sister-in-law. It has been practiced by societies with a strong clan structure in which exogamous marriage (i.e. marriage outside the clan) is forbidden. The term levirate is derived from the Latin lēvir, meaning 'husband's brother'; it is unrelated to Leviticus or Levite.
- Etymology
- From Latin lēvir, 'husband's brother'
- Associated with
- Patriarchal societies, strong clan structures
- Historical prevalence
- Ancient Near East, parts of Africa, Eurasia, Asia
- Key rationale
- Protection for widow and children, continuation of family line, inheritance of land
- Modern status
- Declined in Judaism; permitted in Islam with wife's consent; practiced in various regions
Lore & Background
Levirate marriage can, at its most positive, serve as protection for the widow and her children, ensuring that they have a male provider and protector. It can be a positive in a society where women must rely on men to provide for them, especially in societies where women are under the authority of, dependent on, in servitude to or regarded as possessions of their husbands, and to ensure the survival of the clan. The practice is strongly associated with patriarchal societies and was extremely important in ancient times, remaining so today in parts of the world. Having children enables the inheritance of land, which offers security and status. A levirate marriage might only occur if a man died childless, in order to continue his family line. Anthropologist Ruth Mace also found that the practice of widow inheritance by younger brothers, common in many parts of Africa, serves to reduce population growth, as these men will be forced to marry older (and hence, less fertile) women.
Reader's Guide
Levirate marriage appears across diverse cultures and time periods, from the Hebrew Bible's yibbum to Islamic permissibility, and from Scythia to modern Africa and Asia. In Judaism, the practice has largely been replaced by halizah, a ceremony of renunciation, and is prohibited in Israel by mandate of the Chief Rabbinate. In Islam, while not a tradition in itself, it is deemed permissible with the wife's consent and has recently come under strict scrutiny in parts of the world like Afghanistan under the Taliban. The custom has been documented among the Kurds, Kyrgyz, Manchu, various African societies, and in historical Korea and Japan. The practice's significance lies in its role in maintaining clan structure, providing for widows and children, and controlling inheritance and population, though it has declined in many areas due to legal and social changes.
Did You Know?
- The term levirate is derived from the Latin lēvir, meaning 'husband's brother,' and is unrelated to Leviticus or Levite.
- In Judaism, the practice of yibbum has been largely replaced by halizah, a ceremony of renunciation, and is prohibited in Israel by mandate of the Chief Rabbinate.
- Anthropologist Ruth Mace found that widow inheritance by younger brothers in parts of Africa serves to reduce population growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is levirate marriage?
It is a marriage arrangement in which a man's brother is expected to take his deceased sibling's widow as his own wife. The custom typically appears in tightly structured, clan-based societies that restrict marriage to outside the group.
Does the word 'levirate' come from Leviticus?
No. The term traces back to the Latin word lēvir, meaning simply 'husband's brother.' It has no connection to the biblical book of Leviticus or to the tribe of Levites.
Why did communities adopt levirate marriage?
The practice served several practical purposes: it kept a widow and her children within the family's protection, ensured the deceased man's lineage continued, and prevented family land from passing to outsiders.
In which regions was levirate marriage historically common?
The custom appeared across the ancient Near East, various parts of Africa, and stretches of Eurasia and Asia. It was most prevalent in societies organized around strong patriarchal clan structures.
Is levirate marriage still practiced today?
Its use has largely faded in Jewish communities, though Islamic law still permits it provided the widow consents. Some regions continue the practice in varying forms, but it is far less widespread than in earlier centuries.
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